torontocanada

Just about eleven months after stepping down as Commissioner of Police, Clayton Fernander has resurfaced as Consul General to Toronto, Canada.

His appointment comes on the heels of a turbulent period for the Royal Bahamas Police Force, marked by allegations that officers under his command used their positions to smuggle contraband into the United States.

Though Fernander was not personally implicated in the wrongdoing, his sudden resignation on December 4, 2024, raised questions. Now, his diplomatic posting has many asking:

How did we get here?

November 26, 2024: A force under scrutiny

The RBPF faced one of its most serious public scandals when U.S. authorities reportedly uncovered a network involving Bahamian officers–two officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and one officer of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, accused of using their position to facilitate contraband smuggling operations into the US.

December 4, 2024: Clayton Fernander resigns

Fernander was never named in the allegations, but the issue cast such a shadow over his leadership that calls for accountability grew louder. He resigned as Commissioner, with Prime Minister Philip Davis announcing in the House of Assembly that he accepted the resignation, saying the police force “needs change.”

November 3, 2025: From resignation to redeployment

About eleven months later, the government announced Fernander’s appointment as Consul General in Toronto, one of the country’s key diplomatic posts, with a large Bahamian diaspora.

This has caught many by surprise. Some argue that the appointment suggests a “soft landing” for a top official exiting under pressure, while supporters say Fernander’s experience and international training with Canadian contacts make him fit for the role.

What does a Consul General do?

The Consul General represents the Bahamas abroad, assisting Bahamian citizens, promoting the country and supporting diplomatic missions.

The post comes with perks: official residence and a good salary.

These appointments are made directly by the Cabinet, often reflecting the government’s confidence in the individual’s loyalty and leadership skills.

Why this matters

Fernander’s return to public office in a diplomatic role defines about how accountability works in the Bahamas.

Some may ask, ‘Why do some officials reappear in powerful posts so soon after controversy? And ‘Is this a reflection of how political loyalty outweighs public perception?’

Fernander’s appointment is a familiar pattern in Bahamian politics, where resignation amidst a scandal is without accountability, but is followed by reward through a form of redeployment.

The bottom line

Fernander’s move from the country’s top cop to the country’s representative in Toronto is a case study in how the system in the Bahamas deals with power and political loyalty.

The wife of a man dead in Canada is questioning the circumstances surrounding his death.

Thirty-three-year-old Theo Burrows also known as rapper ‘Juz Mass’ was missing in Toronto, Canada before he was later pronounced dead by doctors.

His wife Lakeisha Burrows along with his four children moved to Canada in 2018 but never imagined his life would end while pursuing his dream of becoming a rapper.

Lakeisha told ZNS News Northern Service that she received text messages from his number that her husband of 12 years was experiencing chest pains. She then responded that she would send help for him. But he purportedly responded that he was “too far” away.

Lakeisha said it seemed not to be the tenor and tone of her husband so she then went to the location where he worked on a house, finding his parked vehicle with his bank card inside.

After knocking and peering through the window of the house, a man responded that Theo had left earlier. Hours later, she was informed that he was dead. When she contacted the police station, she was told there was no record of his death.

After seeking information on the whereabouts of Theo, a medical doctor confirmed that he was at a local morgue, confirming that he died at 9:45 pm. But she refutes this since Theo purportedly sent their daughter a text message at 9:00 pm.

Lakeisha said she went 6 days without seeing her husband’s body and is seeking answers on how he died, though a pathology report stated that he died from a heart condition.

“To know Theo was to love him. He was a bubbly soul. It was never a dull moment with him. He was sure to make you laugh no matter what.

“A very God-fearing man, a very humble man of the faith, a powerful husband and father. He has meant so much to many such as father, son, friend, brother, uncle, coach, mentor, advisor, and so on,” she said in a Go Fund Me which seeks to raise $25,000 to assist with funeral expenses and his children’s welfare.

She said the family would “begin to pick up pieces and regain strength,” as the police investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.

Update: A relative later contacted the CSJ Report to confirm that Theo died from a heart aneurysm.