allegations

Six months after Chief Superintendent Michael Johnson was caught up in an alleged quid pro quo with two deceased gang members in circulated voice recordings, he along with well known attorney Bjorn Ferguson, and Sergeant Deangelo Rolle were charged in the Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday with crimes linked to the case.

Johnson faced these charges–conspiracy to commit bribery, abetment to stealing, receiving, and accessory after the fact. It was alleged during the arraignment that he stole $90,000, the property of the Bank of the Bahamas

Ferguson was charged with accessory after the fact, while Rolle was charged with abetment to stealing.

Here is a timeline of events before charges were filed:

July 2-3

Sylvers Metayer, a Bahamian man based in the United States, known to have a gripe with the Royal Bahamas Police Force, shared voice notes with alleged voices of Chief Superintendent Michael Johnson, officer-in-charge of the Criminal Investigation Department; a lawyer and two other men believed to be two gang members–Dino Smith and Michael Fox Jr, engaged in conversations about some type of financial exchange after a 1.4m heist.

Smith was killed in January and Fox was killed in May of 2024.

Another man connected to the heist was also later killed.

July 5

Free National Movement Chairman Duane Sands called for an investigation into the matter by international law enforcement partners– Scotland Yard or the FBI to oversee the investigation.

Police Commissioner at the time, Clayton Fernander appointed Chief Superintendent of Police Anthon Rahming as CID’s head in place of Johnson, promising an investigation into the matter led by the Security and Intelligence Branch (SIB) of the police force.

July 8

Fernander said Johnson was placed on ‘garden leave’ as authorities investigated the voice notes.

August 22

Fernander directed that police will no longer release statements regarding their investigation as public cries loudened for more details about the probe’s status.

Free National Movement Chairman Duane Sands soon criticized the police for their silence, calling for urgency to restore public trust.

August 28

Fernander announced that the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) had joined the probe.

The investigators were expected to arrive on August 14 but did not.

September 19

Fernander promised that the probe would be completed by the end of 2024.

“I know there are a lot of folks saying that the police cannot investigate the police, but we have a dedicated area focusing on investigating police officers — trained officers,” Fernander said.

September 25

A document was shared on social media announcing that Johnson was transferred from CID to the organization’s headquarters in the office of the commissioner, as a formality.

Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings clarified that Johnson remained on leave.

“It’s a standard procedure,” she insisted.

December 31

Johnson resigned from the Royal Bahamas Police Force, as announced in a press release, which added that other officers were implicated in the investigation but their matter would be handed to the deputy commissioner of police with responsibility for discipline.

January 2, 2025

Fernander who was the out-going commissioner since announcing his resignation earlier in December, announced on the sidelines of the New Year’s Junkanoo Parade that police arrested and interviewed Johnson and Ferguson and that the men were released pending further inquiries as his office awaited the Director of Public Prosecutions’ review and recommendation in the matter.

“We took our time, the investigators took their time, and that’s how we got to where we are today,” Fernander said.

January 7, 2025

Johnson, attorney Bjorn Ferguson, and Sergeant Deangelo Rolle were charged in the Magistrates Court and were not required to enter pleas.

Johnson’s bail was set at $25,000 while Ferguson and Rolle’s bails were set at $7,500.

They will return to court on January 30.

Though named Clayton Fernander’s successor, Shanta Knowles has yet to be officially appointed police commissioner.

Knowles was Fernander’s pick when he surprisingly resigned last week Wednesday, amidst a backdrop of a high-profile United States indictment implicating members of the police in corruption, with other allegations of a chief superintendent colluding with criminals.

“Shanta Knowles, who has oversight of the northern district as you know and is stationed in Grand Bahama, is winding up her affairs there and, of course, as the handover ceremony is planned, an announcement of the date will be made in the days ahead,” Acting Press Secretary Keishla Adderley said at a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister.

Before being named, Knowles was the Assistant Commissioner Shanta Knowles, overseeing the northern district and stationed in Grand Bahama.

When she becomes Commissioner, she will be the first woman to prepare for a handover ceremony, signaling a new chapter for the RBPF.

The exact date has not yet been announced.

It remains to be seen the decisive steps that the government will take to ensure a smooth transition and how Knowles will address the systemic and outstanding issues plaguing the organization.

In the wake of recent events that have shaken the foundations of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), the eyes of the nation are fixated on new Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles, tapped for the post after the resignation of Clayton Fernander, in the wake of a U.S. indictment of a chief superintendent and a sergeant of the organization.

The question is whether Knowles can steer the RBPF toward trust, integrity, and efficacy.

Knowles, a veteran with over 33 years of service, has held a leadership role within the RBPF. Her time has been marked by management of the sexual offenses squad and the Trafficking in Person squad, with her diverse experience across various divisions of the RBPF, including the Criminal Investigations Department and the National Crime Prevention Office.

Is she a competent candidate to lead the force in these turbulent times?

The challenges ahead are tough and tempestuous.

The indictment that led to the resignation of Fernander has cast a shadow over the RBPF, raising concerns about systemic corruption and the integrity of law enforcement in the Bahamas.

The public’s trust was eroded when another chief superintendent was placed on leave in June after audio recordings of collusion with criminals in an airport heist were circulated on social media. These instances add to years of allegations from the public about corruption in the organization.

Restoring trust will require not only a change in leadership but a noticeable shift in the culture of the police force.

Knowles’ approach to policing, characterized by community outreach and a focus on crime prevention, could be the key to transforming the public’s perspective of the RBPF.

She has a history as its liaison officer which suggests she has strong communication skills useful in building transparency that could in turn be instrumental in rebuilding confidence in the force.

As the first woman poised to lead the RBPF, Knowles also represents a break from tradition and hopefully inspires a new generation of officers committed to decent and ethical service.

Her appointment offers a chance to redefine the values and vision of the RBPF.

The task is Herculean. The road ahead for Knowles and the RBPF will undoubtedly be fraught with obstacles. We can only hope Knowles has the fortitude, judgment, and moral compass to guide the organization into a new era of policing where integrity is non-negotiable, community relations are paramount, and the badge is worn with honor, untainted by corruption.

Only time will tell.

Following the indictment of two senior law enforcement officers plotting to transport tons of cocaine into the United States, Former Minister of National Security Marvin Dames is concerned that the Bahamas government is in ‘spin mode’ instead of addressing the serious allegation head-on.

“As the nation’s reputation is under scrutiny, the government is in spin mode,” he told Host of Beyond the Headlines Shenique Miller. “You can’t spin the truth when the truth rests in the hands of another nation.

“Sooner or later the truth will reveal itself.”

His comments came on the heels of Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander’s national address when he said he would speak to Dames, Former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis, and Former Commissioner Anthony Ferguson about the investigation that was started in May 2021, (before Fernander was in office) in regards to RBPF’s Chief Superintendent Elvis Curtis, RBDF’s Chief Petty Officer Darren Roker and another RBPF officer, Sergeant Prince Symonette’s scheme to transfer tons of cocaine to the United States from the Bahamas after it arrived from South America.

When Miller asked what he intends to say when contacted, Dames said, “Go directly to the source. That’s where the answer is.”

Fernander contended he was caught off-guard by the indictment because the US did not present him or anyone else in government, as far as he’s aware, with a report involving the eleven Bahamians.

But Dames said the US treated him differently when he was in government.

“When I served, the source came to me. So if the source is not coming to you, the government, or the police force, then we have to ask ourselves the question, ‘Why?’”

In the wake of a scandal that has rocked the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), the Bahamian public is left grappling with questions of trust and integrity within their law enforcement institutions. The recent indictment by the United States on Chief Superintendent Elvis Curtis and Sergeant Prince Symonette for their alleged involvement in a cocaine trafficking operation has sent shockwaves through the nation, leading to the resignation of Commissioner Clayton Fernander.

The spotlight now turns to Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe, who is responsible for the RBPF and the Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF), of which Chief Petty Officer Darren Curtis, another of the men charged, is a member. Calls for Munroe’s resignation have intensified, with critics arguing that it is necessary to restore public confidence in the national security organization.

The Opposition has voiced concerns over Munroe’s competence, suggesting that his legalistic approach may not be suitable for the role of safeguarding the nation’s security interests.

As fingers point to who could be the politician accused of authorizing the cocaine shipment from the Bahamas to the United States for $2 million, Munroe, however, has categorically denied any involvement in the allegations and insists that his future in the position is a decision for Prime Minister Philip Davis.

Amidst these developments, and other allegations of corruption within the RBPF, the Bahamian government faces a critical juncture. A resignation of Commissioner Fernander, while not an admission of personal wrongdoing, signifies recognition of the need for change at the helm of the RBPF, and Munroe should follow suit.

Resignation in the face of scandal is an acknowledgment that the efficacy of the institution supersedes individual leadership. It is a gesture that can begin the process of rebuilding trust and demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability.

The Bahamian people deserve a national security that operates with the highest standards of integrity.

As the New York trial unfolds, the actions of the nation’s leaders will be under intense scrutiny. Whether or not Munroe resigns can restore or further erode the public’s trust in the government and its systems.

The demand for resignations grew even louder in Parliament Square when protesters assembled, shouting, “Wayne Munroe gotta go” and “Enough is enough” before Parliamentarians met for the start of its session.

State of Play

Leader of the Free National Movement Michael Pintard gathered with protesters from his party said they are concern about the reputation of the Bahamas.

“We are standing up against a government that does not share our concerns about the reputation of the Bahamas and those officers.

“They (the government) are incapable of policing this system and conducting a transparent investigation so that Bahamians and the international community can know that we are a country of laws and we have men and women who operate above the law.

“The government itself is so compromised, it is afraid to police the officers who have information on them.  Either they are incompetent or they are complicit, or it’s both.

“We will no longer tolerate their refusal to answer questions put to them by media, members of the public and the Opposition.

“We are prepared to be disruptive without being violent.”

The big picture

Two senior law enforcement officers– Chief Superintendent Elvis Curtis and Defence Force Chief Petty Officer Darren Roker stand accused of conspiring to transport tons of cocaine into the United States. Another RBPF officer, Sergeant Prince Symonette is also implicated in the indictment, including eight other Bahamians.

Why it matters

Allegations continue to plague the RBPF including a Chief Superintendent of Police Michael Johnson who was placed on leave when audio recordings released on social media seem to suggest collusion with criminals as they discuss the exchange of monies after an airport heist in which millions of dollars were stolen in armed robbery.

It appears the allegations go without consequences as the public still await the results of the aforementioned probe.

What to watch

The protest zeros in on Commissioner Clayton Fernander and Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe, while targeting the unnamed politician listed in the indictment.

The protest is unlikely to lead to the resignations of these heads, but it builds momentum around this latest scandal heading into an election 2026 as the governing party tries to hold on to power.

The US indictment of senior law enforcement officers in the Bahamas alleging cocaine transport conspiracy has reached London.

Former Commissioner of Police Paul Rolle alluded that the charges brought by the US Southern District of New York implicating 11 Bahamians, including Chief Superintendent Elvis Curtis and Defence Force Chief Petty Officer Darren Roker in helping drug traffickers to smuggle tons of cocaine through The Bahamas from South America to the United States, are embarrassing.

Rolle, who once served as Commissioner from March 2020 to July 2022 is presently the Bahamas ambassador to the International Maritime Organization in London.

“How do you think I feel when everywhere I turn here in London people are talking about it? They are talking about this thing that happened with the police officers. Every newspaper you look at, it’s there.

“So, we have to continue to be our brother’s keeper and let us try and preserve and salvage what little reputation we have left,” he told the Nassau Guardian.

During a national address on Sunday, Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said he had a conversation with Rolle to get a comprehensive look at the activities involving the serious case, which reportedly began in May 2021 when Rolle was in office. “I have already initiated consultations with key individuals who held leadership roles during that period,” Fernander said.

But Rolle said Fernander’s comments “hurt and disappointed” him.

“I don’t support corruption in any form,” Rolle said. I can say categorically I have never been involved in any kind of corruption.

“I was quite disappointed when I heard his comment because it does not adequately and accurately address the conversation which we had and it gives the impression as though he spoke to me in a different form, as a suspect.

“That was never the case.”

Fernander and Rolle share a frosty relationship. Rolle was appointed by the Minnis administration and Fernander was appointed by the Davis administration.

Soon after, Rolle was given the position as ambassador to the International Maritime Organization in London.

Speaking of the call which he said took place last Friday night, “I thought it was a cordial conversation. He asked for my opinion on something and I told him that I thought…he needs to focus on addressing the image of the police force. That was the essence of it.”

North Abaco MP Kirk Cornish was acquitted of all charges–rape, assault and death threats– in a high-profile case that captured the nation’s attention.

He said the jury’s unanimous decision on most counts, with a 6-3 split decision on one, marks the end of a difficult period and opens a new chapter in his life.

What he described as “the most difficult chapter” of his life, the acquittal seemingly brought relief not only to Cornish but also to his supporters. The verdict was met with cheers from a crowd gathered outside the courtroom, signaling a level of support for Cornish.

Now, with the legal hurdles behind him, Cornish faces the task of rebuilding his reputation and continuing his work in public service since serious concerns about abuse and control were raised during the trial.

The Progressive Liberal Party may now focus on reinforcing its position on justice and equality, especially considering the sensitive nature of the allegations against Cornish.

The community’s response to Cornish’s acquittal has been mixed. Some see the acquittal as a vindication of Cornish’s innocence and a testament to the justice system. Others remain skeptical, highlighting the need for justice for women who are victims of abuse in a society where women are not believed or their credibility is questioned.

Cornish’s statement following the verdict expressed gratitude and a desire to move forward positively. The coming months will be telling, as Cornish’s actions and the public’s response will help shape his political life.

The focus shifts from the courtroom to parliament, where Cornish’s participation will be closely watched.

The high-profile case involving Kirk Cornish who is the MP for North Abaco, has captured public attention. His political career has been under scrutiny following serious allegations that led to a court case.

The six-month trial, with the nation awaiting the outcome, wrapped up on Wednesday. After one hour and a half of deliberations on Thursday, the nine-member jury returned a ‘not guilty’ verdict.

Jurors were split 6-3 on the threats of death count but returned a unanimous ‘not guilty’ verdict on all counts of rape, assault and death threats.

Here’s what you need to know:

What were the allegations against Kirk Cornish?

Cornish faced allegations of rape, assault and issuing death threats. The charges stem from a case involving a 35-year-old woman, who is a former girlfriend, with incidents alleged to have occurred between January and April of 2023.

According to the testimony, the key witness alleged that Cornish showed controlling and manipulative behavior throughout their relationship.

What was Kirk Cornish’s defense?

During the trial, Cornish’s defense lawyer labeled the complainant a “liar” and a “woman scorned,” arguing that the case was based on inconsistencies and lacked physical evidence such as a rape kit or forensic documentation. The defense criticized the police investigation and questioned the complainant’s credibility, suggesting the allegations were fabricated.

The defense lawyer argued that the case was based on “he said, she said” evidence and criticized the police investigation as inadequate.

What was persecution’s argument?

Prosecutor Timothy Bailey asserted that the witness was honest and unwavering under cross-examination. He painted a picture of the accused, Cornish, as a domineering figure within the relationship, citing instances where he allegedly confiscated the complainant’s phone and resorted to threats and physical force to maintain dominance.

The prosecutor portrayed the complainant as a survivor of abuse who mustered the bravery to stand up against “the monster” she accused. Bailey called upon the jury to deliver a guilty verdict, emphasizing the psychological and physical control Cornish is alleged to have imposed on her–which included being pinned down, spat upon, threatened with violence, and physically assaulted while the pair resided in Abaco and New Providence.