By Tynia Brown
Journal Staff Writer

Since coming to office, the Davis administration has taken an aggressive approach to recruiting
new officers for the country’s security forces. Including the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the
Royal Bahamas Defense Force and the Department of Immigration. On Friday the RBPF
received a major boost of 100 new recruits.
Minister of National Security, Wayne Munroe said, “the journey for these 72 males and 28
females has been defined by perseverance, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to the
principles of service. The training covered everything from criminal law and traffic
investigations to defensive tactics, firearms certification, and other critical skills necessary for
modern law enforcement.
Munroe also addressed the growing presence of women within the force, remarking, “we are
reaching the point where things are equalizing, and that is surely a good sign.” His words
underscored the significant progress toward gender equality in the police force, noting the
positive balance of male and female officers.
The Minister spoke at length about the core values that define the RBPF: courage, integrity, and
loyalty. “Courage will see you through the most difficult situations, ensuring you never waver in
the face of danger or adversity,” Munroe explained. “Integrity will be your moral compass,
guiding you to make the right decisions, even when no one is watching. Loyalty will bind you to
the people you are sworn to protect, to your fellow officers, and to the cause of this great nation.”
Munroe also reflected on the profound responsibility the new officers now carry. “In taking your
oath today, you commit yourself to a life of service,” he said. “You will be asked to put the safety
of others above your own, to defend justice, even when it is difficult, and to serve as role models
of ethical behavior in a world where it is often tempting to do otherwise.”
The Minister acknowledged the complex challenges facing law enforcement today, including
cybercrime, illicit trafficking, and social inequality. “You will have to be more adaptable,
resourceful, and forward-thinking than ever before,” Munroe emphasized. He also warned the
recruits about the dangers of corruption, which can erode public trust in the police force.
“Corruption, in any form, erodes public trust. And trust is the foundation of effective policing,”
he stated.
The ceremony also featured remarks from Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander, who
officially welcomed the recruits to the RBPF. He praised their dedication and reminded them that
their role as officers goes beyond enforcing the law. “You are not just enforcers of the law; you
are protectors, counselors, and leaders in your community,” Fernander said. “Your training has
prepared you for many challenges, but it is experience that will truly shape your understanding of
this profession.”
Fernander stressed the importance of discipline in upholding the force’s values of courage,
integrity, and discipline. “The discipline you have cultivated during your training will serve as

your backbone throughout your career,” he stated. “In moments of pressure, fatigue, or doubt, it
is the discipline instilled in you that will ensure you respond with courage and strength.”
The Commissioner also reminded the new officers of the critical role they will play as role
models in their communities. “Whether on or off duty, your behavior must exemplify the best of
what it means to be a police officer,” he said. “People will look to you for guidance, especially in
difficult times.”
Fernander also recognized the families of the graduates, emphasizing their essential role in
supporting the recruits throughout their training. “To the families, we are counting on you to help
guide these young officers into individuals who make good decisions, act with integrity, and
serve with honor,” he concluded.
As the ceremony ended, Fernander encouraged the new officers to reflect on the weight of the
responsibility now entrusted to them. “There will be moments when the choices are not easy, and
the consequences may be deadly,” he acknowledged. “In these moments, reflect on the hope to
come, the principles you swore to uphold, and the responsibility entrusted in you to fight on.
Always choose the path of integrity, even when it’s a hard road to climb.”
With their training complete and their oaths sworn, the 100 new recruits are now ready to join
the Royal Bahamas Police Force, stepping into their roles as dedicated public servants, protectors
of peace, and leaders of integrity in the community.