In a move welcomed by Bahamians and visitors alike, the Royal Bahamas Police Force have begun to re deploy the traditional Traffic Point Policemen back on Bay Street.
The lone image of the Policeman gesturing to traffic in his tailored white tunic was one of the most photographed images by tourists visiting The Bahamas. In addition the Traffic Policeman significantly improved the movement of traffic. The figure was immortalized with the old Nassau Royale rum bottle, which was a popular Bahamian souvenir item.
“The program currently has officers on Bay & Fredrick Street and Bay & East Street, areas prone to congestion” states ASP Chris Rahming who is in charge of this program under the Bahamas Visitor Security and Safety Board initiative. The Traffic Police are trained to expedite the flow of traffic, however we expect to see a reduction in other types of crimes both pedestrian and traffic related as their physical presence will act as a natural deterrent.”
“The Ministry of Tourism is thrilled with the project” states Angela Cleare, Senior Director Product Development, for the Ministry of Tourism. “Tourists love to see the Traffic Police at work, dressed smartly in their uniforms. The look is unique to The Bahamas and is memorable for our guests.”
The Traffic Point Police Program is one component of many being planned as part of the soon-to-be formalized Bahamas Visitor Safety and Security Board (BVSSB). The Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Ministry of Tourism are spearheading the overall safety initiative. They are working closely with The Bahamas Hotel Association, the Nassau Tourism and Development Board, The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Safe Bahamas.
“The BVSSB’s focus is to address visitor crime and safety issues, which include everything from harassment to crimes of a more serious nature. The Royal Bahamas Police Force has increased manpower in tourist areas including Paradise Island beaches and the Downtown area” states ASP Rahming. “The configuration of an advisory Board and a Secretariat is currently underway as part of an overall strategic plan designed to engage the public and private sector in a cooperative approach to fight crime. The strategy also hopes to expedite processing of tourist related incidences while providing an effective, immediate, appropriate reaction and follow up for crime victims and their families.”
Charles Klonaris, Chairman of the Nassau Tourism and Development Board states “Crime affects every aspect of our existence, it impacts our personal lives and our economic well-being as individuals and as a nation. The Nassau Tourism and Development Board welcome the opportunity to be part of this important effort”.
Source: The Bahama Journal
