Ministry of National Security - The Bahamas

Bahamas National Neighbourhood Watch Council Pays Courtesy Call on Minister of National Security

NASSAU, The Bahamas (MNS-JFK, June 22, 2026) – Ms. Kenya Culmer Coordinator of The Bahamas National Neighbourhood Watch Council (NNWC) and Executives members, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of National Security, the Hon. Myles LaRoda, MP, on Monday, June 22nd, 2026, at the Orville Turnquest Building on John F. Kennedy Drive.

The meeting served as an official introduction of the NNWC to Minister LaRoda, with discussions focusing on the importance of the ongoing partnership between the Royal Bahamas Police Force and neighbourhood watch groups throughout the country. The session also provided an opportunity for council members to highlight challenges facing their communities and to propose potential solutions.

The National Neighbourhood Watch Council was established on April 30th, 2018, with 40 crime watch associations. Since then, the programme has expanded significantly and now includes approximately 167 watch groups across New Providence, Grand Bahama, Exuma, Abaco, and Eleuthera.

Minister LaRoda reaffirmed the Government of The Bahamas’ commitment to supporting and assisting the National Neighbourhood Watch Council in its ongoing efforts to promote safer, stronger, and more secure communities throughout the nation.

The meeting was attended by Permanent Secretary Bridget Hepburn, In-House Legal Counsel Paul Jones, and members of the NNWC Executives which included Vice President Carlos Carey, Secretary Monique Bethel, Vice Treasurer Stephanie Johnson, and Sergeant-at-Arms Kosygen Forbes.

Happy Father’s Day to all fathers and father figures throughout The Bahamas.
Today, we celebrate the men who lead with strength, serve with integrity, and sacrifice daily for the well-being of their families and communities. The guidance, wisdom, and values you instill help shape the future of our nation.

As we honour your contributions, let us also reflect on the profound impact that a father’s presence, love, and example can have in the life of a child. Your commitment helps build stronger homes, safer communities, and a better Bahamas for generations to come.

On behalf of the Ministry of National Security, I extend sincere appreciation and best wishes to every father today. May you be celebrated, encouraged, and inspired by the difference you make each day.

Hon. Myles K. LaRoda, MP�Minister of National Security

The Ministry of National Security's 2026/2027 Budget Contribution (Pillar 5 of 5 Pillars)

The Ministry of National Security's 2026/2027 Budget Contribution (Pillar 4 of 5 Pillars)

The Ministry of National Security's 2026/2027 Budget Contribution (Pillar 3 of 5 Pillars)

The Ministry of National Security's 2026/2027 Budget Contribution (Pillar 2 of 5 Pillars)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 10th, 2026

Letter of Apology Regarding Remarks Made During the Signing-On Ceremony

On Thursday June 9th, 2026, during the signing-on ceremony for the 81st Cohort of Squad “A”, I made remarks that were perceived as discriminatory and offensive toward women.

I wish to state that my remarks were never intended to demean, disrespect, or discriminate against women. However, I recognize that the comments were inappropriate and caused offense. I accept responsibility for the impact of my words and sincerely regret the disappointment and concern they have caused.

As a public servant, I have always held women in the highest regard and deeply appreciate their invaluable contributions to public service, nation-building, and the advancement of our society.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working alongside outstanding women leaders, including the Permanent Secretary, Deputy Commissioner of Corrections, Assistant
Commissioners of Corrections, and many other dedicated women whose professionalism, leadership, and commitment I greatly respect and admire.

I accept full responsibility for my remarks and acknowledge that they did not reflect the values, standards, and principles upheld by the Ministry of National Security, the Bahamas Department
of Correctional Services, or the Government of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. I sincerely regret my lapse in judgment and recognize that, as a leader and public servant, I am expected to
communicate with professionalism, respect, and sensitivity at all times.

To Ms. Bridget E. Hepburn, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Security, the women of Squad “A”, the women of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, and the women of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, I offer my profound and heartfelt apology. I sincerely regret the offense my remarks caused and acknowledge the disappointment and concern they may have occasioned.

Mr. Doan Cleare
Commissioner
The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services

Digital Transformation Unit Team meets with Minister of National Security

(MNS-JFK, 9 JUN. ‘26) : - Mr. Patrick Davis, Director of the Digital Transformation Unit Team and Sametria McKinney, Director of the National Computer Incident Response Team (CIRT) of The Bahamas, met with Minister of National Security, the Honourable Myles K. LaRoda, on Thursday, June 4th, 2026, at the Orville Turnquest Building, John F. Kennedy Drive.

The objective of the meeting was to engage in a strategic approach to strengthen the National Cybersecurity in The Bahamas, which includes safeguarding and implementing essential steps toward a stronger cyber resilience. There was a presentation of the proposed Strategy Draft Bill 2026, which is a vital component of this venture.

In attendance at the meeting were Permanent Secretary Bridget Hepburn, and Legal In House Counsel Mr. Paul Jones.