NASSAU, Bahamas – Ms. Jamie Martin, Director of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) at the U..S. Embassy in Nassau, who is leaving following “an eventful and productive three years working at the U.S. Embassy in The Bahamas,” was guest of honour at a farewell luncheon held at the Paul Farquharson Centre at the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) headquarters on Thursday, June 20, 2019.
The luncheon was jointly hosted by the Hon. Marvin Dames, Minister of National Security; Mr. Anthony Ferguson, Commissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force; Commodore Tellis Bethel, Commander of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force; and Mr. Charles L. Murphy, Commissioner of The Bahamas Department Correctional Services.
Among those in attendance were Ms. Stephanie Bowers, U.S. Charge d’Affaires; Mr. Eugene Poitier, Permanent Secretary for National Security; Ministry staff, Embassy staff, and members of the respective law enforcement agencies.
In a press release, the Ministry of National Security noted that Ms. Martin “came to The Bahamas in June 2016 and has left an indelible mark on the safety and security of the country.”
“During her tenure, Ms. Martin was able to advise and provide assistance to the Bahamian Government on feasible strategies to improve the efficiency of the justice sector, reduce trafficking, improve law enforcement capabilities, and strengthen the anti-corruption framework,” the release stated. “ In addition, she oversaw approximately $2 million dollars a year in security assistance through contracts, international agreements, and grants to achieve the aforementioned goals. However, Ms. Martin’s greatest contribution would have been on the lives of those whom she encountered and sought to offer assistance in their professional development.”
The release added, “During the luncheon Ms. Martin received many accolades for her outstanding contributions to the country. Minister Dames noted that while the work was commendable, it was Ms. Martin’s leadership and unique personality that left the greatest impression. Her desire to extend herself and give freely of her time and talents beyond the call of duty demonstrated her commitment to improving bi-lateral relations between both countries.”
Minister Dames further noted that the relationship between the United States and The Bahamas “is one that not only serves to provide safety for both countries, but for the region,” according to the release.
“More importantly, the relationship between The Bahamas and the United States is unbreakable,” the release stated. “Instead of bidding Ms. Martin farewell, the Minister choose to highlight that she will always have a place in The Bahamas.”
Ms. Martin, in her remarks, stated that it has been a pleasure working in The Bahamas with the Ministry of National Security and the respective law enforcement agencies. She noted that her younger sister is a member of the Atlanta Police Department. As such, all of her efforts and dedication were underlined with how she would desire others to treat her sister as a member of the uniformed branch, according to the release.
“Having a family member serve in law enforcement underscores not only the pivotal role they play in advancing safety and security, but the continuous need for effective policies, new technologies, and professional development training to assist them in their duties,” Ms. Martin said, according to the release.
She noted that while she was proud of her efforts to promote US/Bahamian relations through her portfolio, it was the people whom she met and the relationships formed that she will miss the most.
Remarks were also brought by Police Commissioner Ferguson, who highlighted how Ms. Martin brought new perspectives to law enforcement and sought to support the agency in any way possible.
Commodore Bethel said it was a pleasure working with Ms. Martin because she went above the call of duty to render assistance to the agency and, by extension, the country.
Department of Corrections Commissioner Murphy noted that while his relationship with Ms. Martin was just beginning, the “framework she has left for the institution speaks volumes to her dedication to the comprehensive advancement of safety and security in the country,” according to the press release.
Mr. Chaswell Hanna, Commandant of the Police College, also brought remarks and mentioned the “invaluable contribution Ms. Martin has made in assisting the facility to become a premier training institution for all uniformed branches in the country,” according to the press release.
(Courtesy Ministry of National Security)
