Tynia Brown
Journal Staff Writer

Corrections Department Commissioner Doan Cleares says greed and drugs are fueling crime in
the country. His comments came during the department’s annual church service at Southland
Cathedral Global Ministries on Sunday. It also coincides with the observance of Corrections
Recognition Month and the institution’s 72 years of existence.
Commissioner Cleare congratulated and encouraged prison officers for the work they do. He
shared what new research has revealed as one of the major causes behind each inmate at the
prison.
“One of the major factors that is common among all those persons that comes into our care is
drugs. Drugs is the fueling cost. Many persons may think it is unemployment, but it’s not
unemployment, it is the cost of drugs”, said Commissioner Cleare.
As a result of the ever-growing complexities of a criminal mind, and the desire by the
government to rehabilitate inmates as opposed to hardening them, Commissioner Cleare said,
“with the help of the government, the prison will embrace a new approach to dealing with
inmates.”
Cleare said,” we have asked the government of The Bahamas to increase our professional staff
complement. So now we now need drug counselors, we now need a psychotherapist, we now
need a good much more professional staff. Again, what are we doing? We have a new model,
now we want to address the root cause of why these persons are committing these offenses.”
The commissioner also expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing transformation of the prison
system. “For seventy-plus years, we have been using an ineffective penal system that yielded no
results. It was time for a change,” Cleare said. “The new model we’re implementing is focused
on addressing the root causes of crime and the rehabilitation of inmates, rather than simply
incarcerating them.”
Cleare stressed that the government’s support in this transformation has been pivotal, particularly
with their focus on increasing professional staff within the prison system. “We now need drug
counselors, psychotherapists, and more specialized professionals to support this new model. By
addressing the underlying causes of criminal behavior, we can better prepare these individuals
for successful reentry into society,” he added.
Due to recent research, Cleare highlighted one major factor contributing to the cycle of
incarceration: drugs. He shared new findings showing that drug addiction, rather than
unemployment, is a driving force behind many of the offenses committed by inmates. “Drugs are
the fueling cost behind crime, and that is something we must address directly if we are to help
break this cycle,” Cleare remarked.
Minister of National Security, Wayne Munroe, also spoke at the event, reaffirming the Davis
Administration’s commitment to improving the correctional environment. “Improving conditions
for both inmates and staff is a priority for this government,” Munroe said. “The construction of

the New High, Medium Security Facility will go a long way in improving overcrowding and
creating a safer, more conducive environment for everyone involved.”
The minister further acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the BDOCS staff,
emphasizing that the changes being implemented would not only transform the lives of inmates
but also enhance the working conditions for correctional officers.
The service was further uplifted by a powerful message from Pastor Devard Francis, Minister at
Southland Cathedral Global Ministries, who urged all in attendance to remain hopeful and
steadfast. “No matter what mountains you’re facing—whether in your health, finances, or career
today is your day of victory,” Francis declared. “Speak to those mountains and command them to
move in the name of Jesus. Believe that miracles are still possible.”
The event also saw the attendance of Ms. Bridget Hepburn, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry
of National Security, along with other government officials, members of the security forces,
BDOCS staff, and stakeholders.
As BDOCS continues to move forward, the emphasis on rehabilitation, education, and reentry
programs will serve as a cornerstone in the fight against crime. The Bahamas’ commitment to
adopting a corrections model one that prioritizes rehabilitation over punitive measures—reflects
a progressive shift that is already making a difference. With the ongoing support from
international partners and a renewed focus on mental health and drug rehabilitation, The
Bahamas is setting the stage for a safer, more rehabilitative future.
Through the series of events held during Corrections Recognition Month, BDOCS continues to
celebrate its achievements while also highlighting the road ahead. From expanding staff training
with international expertise to constructing new facilities, the transformation of The Bahamas
Department of Correctional Services is well underway ushering in a new era of correctional
management aimed at truly rehabilitating and reintegrating offenders into society.