PINEDALE, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas -- A part of the government’s overall strategy to put a dent in crime throughout the archipelago has been to increase police visibility in communities to promote safety and to encourage open communication between the people who live in those communities and law enforcement.
Police-led community walkabouts are just one facet of this effort and a recent walkabout in Pinedale, Eight Mile Rock, conducted by Commissioner of Police-designate, Ms. Shanta Knowles, is proving effective in bringing glad tidings and cheer, and for the government’s strategy.
“Let us meet the people and listen to their needs and let us find ways that we can help them even more in our community,” said COP-designate Knowles.
Knowles, accompanied by senior police officers and various civic organizations working together to spread holiday cheer and give back to the community during this holiday season, took to the streets of Pinedale on Friday, December 20th, 2024.
It was truly heartwarming to witness the smiles on the residents' faces as they warmly welcomed the officers and volunteers — a moment that truly reflected the spirit of the season.
The walkabout brought joy to the community, with residents receiving food boxes and each child being gifted a present from Santa.
Also partnering in the effort was Urban Renewal - West Grand Bahama. Urban Renewal Centre Manager, Tanya Munroe, shared her gratitude for the day’s effort. “This is what Christmas is all about — making sure that we are able to give, because it’s always better to give than to receive…so whenever the opportunity arises, it is good to see it happening.”
COP-designate Knowles added, “What is beautiful about this is we can all come together, walk our communities, to assess our communities and find ways that we can come back and support the people in our communities.”
This holiday season, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Urban Renewal and the Government of The Bahamas remain committed to strengthening relationships within the community, as well as collaborating with local organizations to give back.
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PHOTO CAPTION
Commissioner of Police-designate, Ms. Shanta Knowles, leads a police walkabout in Pinedale, Eight Mile Rock, on December 20th, 2024, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to increase police visibility in communities to promote safety and foster stronger community relationships. Accompanied by senior officers and civic organizations, the walkabout brought holiday cheer to the community, with food boxes and gifts for children, capturing the spirit of giving. This initiative reflects the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Urban Renewal and the Government of The Bahamas commitment to strengthening relationships within the community, as well as collaborating with local organizations to give back.
(BIS Photos/Andrew Miller)
