As a matter of national security, Prime Minister Perry Christie revealed that he has “beefed up” the level of police presence for his personal safety.

Without going into any specifics, the prime minister raised a lot of eyebrows when he talked about an increased number of police officers as part of his security team, particularly when he attends parliament.

“I wish I could speak about something going on personally in my life as prime minister, I don’t want to talk about it now because it’s a matter of national security and why you see more police around me,” he said, as he addressed the House of Assembly yesterday.

During an intervention on the debate between the government and opposition over the uninsured male dormitory at The Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI), the prime minister warned politicians to exercise a great deal of caution in what they say in parliament.

He explained that whatever is said in parliament can be misinterpreted by their supporters who may react violently.

“I am deeply concerned about an environment that was created that led to somebody burning that place down,” he said.

“I don’t want to get into it. The courts have that before them and we have to be careful as leaders when we create public opinion that is interpreted by our supporters who may not be as discerning and disciplined as us and that interpretation can manifest itself in violence being inflicted. There is a direct link between utterance in the House of Assembly and manifestation on the part of people who support us and that’s where we have to exercise a great deal of caution, care and responsibility. Our words are being interpreted by people who allow their own subjectivity and passion and feelings to drive them.”

The prime minister’s hike in personal security follows a bomb threat at the former Carmichael Road Primary School that was renamed the Sybil Strachan Primary School this week.

According to reports, officers had to sweep the entire area prior to the renaming ceremony on Monday, where the prime minister and Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling attended the event.

Police have reportedly confirmed that the threat was a prank.

The Bahama Journal made several attempts to contact the Commissioner of Police in regards to this matter, but there was no response up to press time.