NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC – Prime Minister Philip Davis has vowed to tackle corruption following an indictment filed in New York on Wednesday, which alleges that 11 Bahamians, including members of the security forces, conspired to import cocaine into the United States.
The indictment names Chief Superintendent Elvis Curtis, officer-in-charge of the Airport Division, Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) Sergeant Prince Albert Symonette, who works closely with Curtis, and Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) Chief Petty Officer Darrin Roker as conspirators who helped facilitate the transshipment of tons of cocaine from South America through The Bahamas and ultimately into the United States.
In the House of Assembly, Davis said the revelations strike at the “core of who we are as a nation.” Madam Speaker, this House and the Bahamian people deserve answers,” he said.
“The Bahamas government will act decisively to ensure that those responsible for these breaches, regardless of rank or position, are held accountable. This betrayal will not go unanswered.
“In light of these serious allegations, I want to assure this House and the Bahamian people that my government will act swiftly and decisively. We will engage with our US partners and assist fully in this investigation.
“The defendants will have their day in court, where the guilt or innocence of each will be established. But we cannot wait – and will not wait – for the outcomes of court proceedings in the United States.
“We are going to use every resource – and consider every option – so that Bahamians can trust those who take an oath to protect them. This is essential. Everything is on the table. We will have change, we will have reform, and we will have action.”
The indictment alleges that Curtis, who supervises airport locations throughout The Bahamas, including Lynden Pindling International Airport, the country’s largest airport, abused his position in exchange for “cocaine-fueled bribes from drug traffickers and their confederates.”
It is alleged that Curtis helped to “facilitate the transportation of narcotics and drug-trafficking proceeds, by, among other things, providing safe passage for the traffickers and their cocaine loads through Nassau airport and elsewhere in The Bahamas.”
The indictment alleges that in or about September 2024, Curtis told a trafficker that “…In exchange for USD 2 million, a high-ranking Bahamian politician, whom Curtis named, would authorize the assistance and involvement of Bahamian law enforcement officials — including RBPF officers — in facilitating cocaine shipments…”.
The prime minister said he had directed the minister of foreign affairs to issue a diplomatic note requesting further details about allegations involving a high-ranking Bahamian politician. Such allegations demand a thorough investigation, and no stone will be left unturned in seeking the truth.
“Today, I have requested a meeting with the Charge d’Affaires of the United States Embassy to discuss these findings and reaffirm our government’s commitment to full cooperation in uncovering the truth and dismantling these criminal networks,” Davis noted.
“Additionally, I will meet with the leadership of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to discuss the allegations detailed in the indictment. The leadership of these organizations must understand the gravity of this moment and the immediate need to restore the integrity of our institutions.
“Madam Speaker, our security forces must demonstrate that they are prepared to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and accountability.”
The prime minister also vowed to introduce new legislation to Parliament to strengthen law enforcement agencies’ conduct and operations oversight.
“This legislation will ensure that no individual or institution is above accountability,” he said. “It will provide mechanisms to prevent corruption, establish clear checks and balances, and empower independent bodies to investigate and act when breaches occur.”
“The indictment brought forward yesterday reveals a deep breach that strikes at the heart of our national security.… We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s history—a moment of accountability,” he said while adding that the misconduct of a few must not and will not define The Bahamas.”
The indictment alleges that since at least in or about May 2021, corrupt high-ranking members of the RBPF and other Bahamian government officials have worked with Colombian and Bahamian drug traffickers to facilitate the receipt, protection, and safe passage of massive cocaine shipments through the airports and ports of The Bahamas.
The prime minister said on at least three occasions. As recent as earlier this year, he raised concerns with senior members of US enforcement and intelligence over the sharp uptick in the flow of cocaine through The Bahamas.
“For more than three years, it has pieced together evidence that paints a damning picture of collusion and corruption,” Davis said.
“Let there be no doubt: the Bahamian people deserve accountability for every act of betrayal committed during this time. The tree will be shaken until every bad apple falls.
“To those who believe they can outsmart the systems of justice and intelligence, let this serve as a clear and stern warning: the days of operating in the shadows are over. You will be found, and you will be held accountable.”
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