Commissioner of Police Ellison Greenslade announced the promotions of 851 senior and junior officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force yesterday.
In accordance with Article 119(3) of the constitution, Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling, acting on the advice of the Police Service Commission, has approved the promotions of two superintendents to chief superintendents, 76 assistant superintendents to superintendents, 90 inspectors to assistant superintendents and 107 sergeants to inspectors.
In accordance with Article 119(5) of the constitution, and after consultation with the Police Promotion Board, the commissioner of police has approved the promotions of 253 corporals to sergeants and 323 constables to corporals.
The promotions became effective January 1, 2017.
In a video message congratulating the police officers on their promotions, Commissioner Greenslade said the officers have demonstrated a level of commitment and all of the attributes that qualifies them for their promotions.
“You’ve waited well over three years for your promotions. You’ve worked hard. My senior executive leadership team joins me in extending congratulations to all of you. I trust that you and your families will bask in the glow of the rewards and successes that you deserve,” Commissioner Greenslade said.
The promotions follow Prime Minister Perry Christie’s announcement of more police promotions and overtime pay for police officers during the Progressive Liberal Party’s mass rally last week on RM Bailey Park.
During last week’s rally, Christie said the government has made a decision to pay police officers for overtime, 12-hour shifts, worked in 2013, following a legal battle in the Supreme Court.
Police officers will be paid in two tranches, according to the prime minister.
The first payment will be made on May 29 and the second payment will be allocated in the next budget cycle.
Christie also noted that deceased police officers and retirees will be paid in full.
All uniformed officers, which include officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Bahamas Department of Corrections, are expected to vote in the advance polls on Wednesday, ahead of the May 10 general election.
