Leader of the Opposition and Member of Parliament for Marco City, the Hon. Michael Pintard questioned the police housing policy in the House Of Assembly on Wednesday.
Pintard said, “we know that officers of an obligation once that timeline has passed. Under both administrations, a number of persons have been permitted to exceed that particular time, so obviously that is a situation that ought to be fixed. The question isn’t whether or not we want rules, regulations to be obeyed. The question is why is it that that the member who is absolutely brilliant from Freetown does not lead the charge in making sure that we look out for the human resources that are on the frontline defending the lives of Bahamians.
The Opposition Leader held a press event last weekend where he called on the Ministry of National Security to rescind a letter of eviction sent to police officers on the island of Grand Bahama issued by Commissioner of Police, Shanta Knowles
Minister of National Security and Member of Parliament for Freetown, the Hon. Wayne Munroe responded to Pintard saying it is a matter for the police force. Munro said, “his fetching around to challenge an independent Commissioner Of Police demonstrates that just as my predecessor was judicially condemned for not recognizing the independence of the police he vows to do so. He does not respect the independence of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.”
Member of Parliament for Yamacraw, the Hon. Zane Lightbourne also spoke on the issue in the House. Lightbourne quoted a statement Pintard previously made on overstepping the Commissioner Of Police. He said, “whether its the national security minister, the state minister for national security, no minister should be able to usurp the authority of the Commissioner Of Police. This is the words of the member for Marco City, Michael Pintard and this is Monday August 10th, 2015.”
Police Staff Association Director, Corporal Areba Saunders has public stated that according to policy what the administration is doing is not wrong.
