By: Bahamas Information Services
Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles led The Bahamas’ delegation to the 93rd INTERPOL General Assembly, which included HE Jerusa Ali, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Dwight Adderley, Senior Assistant Commissioner and Director of the Security Intelligence Branch; and Royann Russell Collie, Superintendent of Police and Head of INTERPOL National Central Bureau.
This session of the global police leaders’ General Assembly, November 24-27, 2025 addressed a range of issues including identifying and disrupting transnational organized crime, dismantling transnational scam centres, women in policing, and the expansion of INTERPOL’s global policing capabilities.
The General Assembly is INTERPOL’S pinnacle governing body of delegates appointed by governments of member countries.
More than other themes, in a room filled with majority male-led delegations, the importance of women in policing was a strong focus of discussions and debates. Commissioner Shanta Knowles took to the floor of the Assembly on the subject of women in leadership.
“Mr. President, distinguished delegates, before I respond to the panelists, allow me to extend a sincere thank you for the Maghrebi warmth and hospitality that my delegation has experienced since our arrival in the Kingdom of Morocco.
“Panelists, you have shown clearly that advancing women’s leadership in policing is not simply an aspiration—it is a strategic imperative. The lessons shared underscore that when women are empowered to lead, our institutions benefit from stronger decision-making, deeper community trust, and more effective operational outcomes.
“In The Bahamas, our own experience reflects these realities. As the first female Commissioner of Police in my country, I have seen firsthand the importance of intentional leadership, mentorship, and creating environments where women can rise, contribute, and lead authentically.
“I have been tested to lead major departments and proven success on two occasions, before becoming commissioner, first as the first female to command the Criminal Investigation Department and secondly, upon my appointment to Assistant Commissioner, assigned to take command of the northern region of the Bahamas which included three major islands that welcomed hundreds of thousands vacationing tourists and business professionals each year; and while resources were limited, success was achieved through strengthening community partnership through our ‘Clear, Hold and Build.’
“Our shared responsibility now is to turn these lessons into sustained action. We must ensure women are not only represented but fully equipped and empowered to shape the future of global policing. Through INTERPOL’s platform, we can continue to champion this change together.”
In addition to participating in the assembly, The Bahamas delegation had bilateral meetings with Morocco, Japan, France, Kenya, Ethiopia and Canada. Decisions on INTERPOL leadership are taken November 27, 2025 with official votes.
(Photos/Courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
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