Ministry of National Security (The Bahamas)

Ministry of National Security (MNS) is the primary law enforcement and national defense agency within the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. MNS has responsibility for customs and immigration, defense and the national police force. Agencies located within the portfolio of the MNS include: ^[1]

• Royal Bahamas Defence Force
• Royal Bahamas Police Force
• Bahamas Customs Service
• Bahamas Immigration Department
• Bahamas Prison Service

The current minister of national security is Wayne Munroe. ^{[BHG 1]}

History

Formation

The Ministry of National Security was established in 1990. Originally, when the country gained independence in 1973 it was first called Ministry of Home Affairs. In 1998 continuing into 2002, the MNS became the office of the Deputy Prime Minster and The Ministry of National Security.

Initiatives

The MNS oversees organizations such as (CJSP) the Citizen Security and Justice Programme. This program focuses on issues driving crime within the Bahamas.

Policies

• (NADS) National Anti Drug Secretariat
• Inquiry Agents and Security Guards Act

Divisions

Royal Bahamas Police Force

The police force was established on March 1, 1840. Their mission is "working together for a safer Bahamas." The Royal Bahamas Police Force functions are the maintenance of Law & Order, preservation of the peace, prevention and detection of crime, the apprehension of offenders and the enforcement of laws.

Royal Bahamas Defense Force

The Royal Bahamas Defense Force is the military entity of the Bahamas established March 31, 1980. Their motto is "the pursuit of excellence in guarding our heritage." The Royal Bahamas Defense Force duties are as follows: The defence of the Bahamas,the protection of the territorial integrity of The Bahamas, to patrol of the waters of The Bahamas, to Provide assistance and relief in times of disasters, the maintenance of law and order in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies and lastly any such duties as determined by the National Security Council.

Bahamas Department of Corrections

Established when the correctional services act was passed on August 11, 2014. The Bahamas Department of Corrections mission is to contribute to the protection of society by optimizing staff development while maintaining inmates in a controlled, safe, secure, and humane environment that encourages rehabilitation and successful reintegration into society. This department's role is to be responsible for maintaining inmates in a controlled, safe and secure environment whereby contributing to the protection of society.

Ministers responsible for national security

• Anthony Roberts, 1973 – 1974, as Minister of Home Affairs ^[2]
• Darrell Rolle, 1974 – 1977, as Minister of Home Affairs ^[2]
• Darrell Rolle, 1977 – 1979, as Minister of Labour and Home Affairs ^[2]
• Clement T. Maynard, 1979 – 1984, as Minister of Labour and Home Affairs ^[2]
• Loftus Roker, 1984 – 1987, as Minister of National Security ^[2]
• Paul Adderley, 1987 – 1992, as Minister of National Security ^[2]
• Arlington Butler, 1992 – 1993, as Minister of Public Safety and Immigration ^[2]
• Arlington Butler, 1993 – 1995, as Minister of Public Safety and Transport ^[2]
• Cornelius A. Smith, 1995 – 1997, as Minister of Public Safety and Immigration ^[2]
• Frank Watson, 1997 – 2002, as Minister of Public Affairs and Public Enterprise ^[2]
• Cynthia Pratt, 2002 – 2007, as Minister of National Security ^[2]
• Orville T. Turnquest, 2007 – 2008, as Minister of National Security and Immigration ^[2]
• Orville T. Turnquest, 2008 – 2012, as Minister of National Security ^[2]
• Bernard J. Nottage, 2012 – 2017, as Minister of National Security ^[2]
• Marvin Dames, 2017 ^[2] – 2021, as Minister of National Security
• Wayne Munroe, 2021 – Incumbent

References

1. "National Security, Ministry of". Government of the Bahamas. Retrieved 30 May 2017.
2. "Past and Present Ministers MNS and Bios" (PDF). www.bahamas.gov.bs. Government of The Bahamas.

1. "National Security, Ministry of". Government of the Bahamas. Retrieved 30 May 2017.