CARICOM security arrives to support local forces
The Government of The Bahamas is providing the necessary resources to ensure safety and security on the islands of Abaco and Grand Bahama in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian.
As of Saturday 7 September, a total of 274 Royal Bahamas Police Force and Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers were on Abaco. On Grand Bahama, there were 666 Royal Bahamas Police Force and Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers on the island. These figures include police reserves.
The Government also wishes to advise that 120 security personnel from the Jamaican Defence Force, as part of a CARICOM force, arrived in The Bahamas on Saturday (7 September) evening. The team was met at the airport by Minister of National Security Hon. Marvin Dames and RBDF Commodore Tellis Bethel.
As part of the same CARICOM force, 100 security personnel from Trinidad and Tobago are scheduled to arrive in The Bahamas today.
Additionally, there are large numbers of security forces from the United States of America and the United Kingdom present on the affected islands involved in search, rescue and recovery efforts.
Breakdown of Bahamian Security Force Numbers (as of Saturday 7 September)
RBPF
Abaco
• Ordinary officers: 100
• Reserves: 40
Grand Bahama
• Ordinary officers: 400
• Reserves: 150
(Source: Royal Bahamas Police Force)
RBDF
Abaco • Ground troops: 87 • Ships crew: 47 (three vessels) • Total: 134
Grand Bahama
• Ground troops: 65 • Ship’s crew: 51 (one vessel) • Total: 116
(Source: Royal Bahamas Defence Force)
