Remarks By Her Excellency the Governor, Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam
I would like to start by welcoming Commissioner Bailey’s family, Commissioner of Police of Jamaica, Dr Kevin Blake and the Commissioner of Police of the Bahamas Shanta Knowles OM, who have travelled to join us for this occasion. We welcome you warmly to the Turks and Caicos Islands. Commissioner Bailey’s family, thank you for your support and sacrifice in enabling Commissioner Bailey to serve; and to Commissioner Blake and Commissioner Knowles thank you for your support and valued partnership in tackling shared threats.
This morning, it is with great honour that I stand before you to conduct the formal swearing-in of the new Commissioner of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force, Mr Fitz Bailey, who is entrusted with one of the most demanding and vital roles in the public service. It is a moment that reaffirms our collective commitment to safety, justice and the rule of law.
Commissioner Bailey, as you are all too keenly aware, this appointment comes not only as a recognition of your leadership and service, but as a call to lead boldly, to reform fearlessly and to restore trust in an institution that must serve every citizen with fairness, integrity and accountability.
The appointment of Commissioner Bailey comes at a time when the Turks and Caicos Islands stands at the crossroads of promise and pressure. Our economy remains resilient, our people industrious and our natural beauty undeniable – but we must remain vigilant against the forces that seek to undermine our safety and security.
Criminal networks are becoming more sophisticated, transnational crime and irregular migration continue to challenge our security architecture and vulnerabilities across the region place us at the sharp end of this fight – the role of our police leadership has never been more critical.
The challenges we face are no longer just local. Our response must be strategic, data-driven, intelligence-led and collaborative – across agencies, across borders and above all, with the communities we serve.
To that end, the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force must be a beacon of public trust – an institution rooted in fairness, strengthened by community engagement and driven by results. The principles of protection, prevention, enforcement and safeguarding continue to anchor our policing mandate. But how we live out those principles must evolve.
We must uphold the highest standards. We must be unforgiving in our zero-tolerance approach to misconduct. And we must build a culture where doing right is the rule, not the exception. To every officer across the rank and file of our police force, wearing the badge must continue to be a source of pride, not of power or privilege. Our communities need to see you, know you and trust you. That begins with how you serve them and how you hold each other to account.
In Commissioner Bailey we have a leader whose record speaks to grip and forward-thinking leadership. With his deep experience in law enforcement, a modern approach to policing and a strong belief in community-led safety, he brings to this role a clarity of purpose and a commitment to excellence.
Commissioner Bailey, your charge is not a light one – but it is a noble one. You take on this responsibility at a time of high public expectation and heightened need. The work ahead requires courage, transparency and a willingness to challenge the status quo. Reform is not easy. But bold leadership never is. And yet, I have every confidence in your ability to lead, to strengthen and to transform.
As Governor, I look forward to working closely with you, the National Security Council and Unified Command as we continue to bolster our national response to crime and uphold the values that underpin our democracy.
To the officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force – thank you for your continued service and steadfast resolve. Despite the challenges, there is much to be proud of. I thank you for your commitment to protect and serve our communities, often in the most challenging and uncertain circumstances – your courage and sacrifice, with our multi-agency partners, is to be commended and valued deeply.
I know you will offer your full support to your new Commissioner. Together, we can and we must deliver a safer, more just and more resilient Turks and Caicos Islands. Let us remember, “the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice1.” Today marks a new chapter, let it be defined by integrity, accountability and unwavering service in the delivery of justice and the security of our Islands.
Commissioner Bailey, as you take on this solemn responsibility, as written in Micah 6:8 –
‘He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’
In service to the Turks and Caicos Islands may you lead with strength and with honour.
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