During his Remarks at the Official Handover Ceremony of The Office of The Commissioner of Police, on January 3, 2025, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Hon. Philip Davis said that Commissioner-Designate Shanta Knowles was “a leader uniquely equipped to take on the enormous challenges our nation faces”.
“Commissioner-Designate Knowles, your appointment comes at a critical time when the Royal Bahamas Police Force must rise to confront the pressing issues of crime and public safety, while rebuilding the trust of the Bahamian people,” Prime Minister Davis said at the ceremony held at the Police Headquarters on East Street.
Among those present included Governor General Her Excellency the Most Hon. Dame Cynthia Pratt; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper; Minister of National Security the Hon. Wayne Munroe; and other Cabinet Members; Chief Justice of the Bahamas Sir Ian Winder and other members of the Judiciary; outgoing Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander; all three living former Prime Ministers of The Bahamas; Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Raymond King; Commissioner at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services Doan Cleare; and other senior Government Officials.
Prime Minister Davis stated: “From your early days in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, to becoming the first female Commissioner of Police in the history of our nation, your journey reflects the power of hard work and the strength of character. It has not been an easy road for you, but you have walked it with grace, courage, and a steadfast belief in the values that define this noble institution.”
“You have spent your career preparing for this moment, proving time and again that you possess the vision, strength, and determination needed to lead,” he added. “You have not just broken barriers; you have excelled in every role you’ve taken on, earning the respect of your peers and the confidence of this nation.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that it was a pivotal moment for The Bahamas, and they needed a leader “who understands that fighting crime is about more than enforcement – it is about engagement, rebuilding communities, and restoring faith in our institutions”.
“Commissioner-Designate Knowles, I am confident that you are that leader,” he stated.
“Your ability to combine strategic thinking with a deep understanding of the realities our communities face makes you the right person to steer the Force into this new era,” Prime Minister Davis added. “Your leadership will be defined by actions that rebuild trust – trust between the police and the public, trust in our institutions, and trust in the idea that justice will always prevail.”
Prime Minister Davis pointed out that the Bahamian people needed to know that their safety was her highest priority, and that he had no doubt that she will “meet this challenge head-on with integrity and unwavering resolve”.
“Commissioner-Designate Knowles, the road ahead will not be easy, but I am confident that you are ready for it,” he said. “This nation believes in you, and I know you will inspire your team to deliver on the promise of a safer, stronger Bahamas.”
“As you take on this mantle of leadership, know that you have the support of this government, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and the people of The Bahamas,” Prime Minister Davis added. “This is your time to lead, to inspire, and to deliver the change our country needs.
“We believe in you, Commissioner-Designate Knowles, and we look forward to the brighter days your leadership will help us achieve.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that the issue of crime was not one that can be solved by the police alone, nor can it be addressed solely by Government policies. He added that it was a reflection of “something far deeper – a collective challenge that requires the attention, action, and commitment of every Bahamian”.
He said: “Crime is not just about laws broken; it is about the erosion of the values that bind us together as a society. When families fracture, when communities turn inward, and when wrongdoing is tolerated because of familiarity or convenience, we all lose a piece of who we are.”
Prime Minister Davis added: “This is not a problem of policing alone; it is a problem that calls on us to reflect as a nation. What do we stand for? What do we wish to pass on to future generations? These are not questions for the Police Force alone – they are questions for every parent, teacher, leader, and citizen who calls this country home.”
He noted that the fight against crime required a whole-of-society response.
“It begins with parents who teach their children respect and responsibility,” Prime Minister Davis said. “It continues with community leaders who foster unity and cooperation. It demands a government that listens, adapts, and supports solutions that address the root causes of violence and lawlessness.”
He added: “We must all play our part. Crime does not affect one community, one family, or one person – it affects us all. And so, the solution must come from all of us. It will require not only enforcement but engagement. Not only justice but fairness. Not only leadership but shared responsibility.”
Prime Minister Davis said that society could not allow crime to “define us or to dictate the narrative of who we are”.
“This is a moment to reclaim our sense of unity, to strengthen our communities, and to rebuild the trust that allows us to stand together as one people,” he said.
“Let us confront this challenge not with blame, but with determination. Not with division, but with unity,” Prime Minister Davis added. “For the fight against crime is, at its heart, a fight for the soul of our nation. And it is a fight that we must face together.
“To the people of The Bahamas, I know trust is earned, and your Police Force is ready to earn it,” Prime Minister Davis added. “With your support and with their dedication, we will rebuild confidence and create a future where every community feels secure and safe.
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