by Andrew Coakley/BIS Bahamas
Minister of National Security, the Hon. Myles LaRoda says this year the Ministry of National Security is taking decisive steps to modernize and strengthen the regulatory framework governing the private security sector. To date, he added, the private sector security services unit (within the Ministry of National security) collected over $156,000 in license fees through strengthening compliance enforcement, cancelling 152 companies not licensed in five or more years, and removing over 250 freelance guards from the industry.
Opening the third annual private security awareness and protection seminar, which was held at Pelican Bay Resort in Freeport on Friday, June 26, 2026, Minister LaRoda reminded representatives of every branch of National security, along with representatives from private security firms in Grand Bahama that amendments to the Security Guards Act are also being advanced, with completion anticipated by the end of 2026.
“We are protecting the public and protecting compliant companies from unfair competition,” added Minister LaRoda.
“The proposed revisions will clarify training and conduct standards, strengthen penalties for unlicensed operations and misconduct, improve oversight of security companies and provide clearer guidelines on equipment use and engagement with law enforcement.
“These amendments serve one over-arching purpose – to professionalize this industry, protect its integrity and ensure that every licensed guard in the Bahamas is backed by a legal framework worthy of the professional responsibility he carries. The days of treating non-compliance as a manageable inconvenience are over.”
With reference to professional standards that guide the industry, Minister LaRoda noted that “regulations set the floor, while professionalism raises it”. He urged security professionals to remain alert and never become complacent, adding that crime adapts and thus the guard whose routine has become predictable is not an asset, but instead becomes vulnerable.
Minister LaRoda pointed out that improvisation introduces unpredictability into a system that depends on reliability. He called on private security guards to communicate accurately and report promptly.
“The detail that may seem minor to you may complete a pattern law enforcement is tracking,” said Minister LaRoda. “Treat the public with respect, while maintaining firm control.
“Visitors experience the Bahamas through every interaction with you. Never lower your guard, as those who intend harm are always watching for weakness. And your training, discipline and judgement matter every single shift.”
With reference to technology, he noted that the private sector must be part of the National Security ecosystem.
“Your cameras and our cameras should work together, not in parallel silos. CCTV at a hotel, a shopping plaza or a gated community is intelligence that supports police investigations and deters crime. We are all expanding joint training exercises and encouraging digital incident reporting platforms for faster law enforcement escalation.
“But technology is an enabler, not a substitute. The most sophisticated system is only as effective as the alert officer operating it. Technology raises the ceiling. The professional on the ground determines whether we reach it.
“The policeman cannot be everywhere across our seven hundred islands. The private security sector fills that gap. You are, in practical terms, an extension of the national security infrastructure of The Bahamas. This seminar is not a courtesy. Instead, it is an operational necessity. The Ministry of National Security stands with you. We will continue to improve the system. We will keep investing in the partnerships that make your work safer and more effective.”
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