NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Minister of National security, Marvin Dames, expressed on Tuesday that Bahamians have a right to criticize the work of various national security agencies as it’s the only way they will get better.
Dames’ comments were in response to criticisms levied by a family member of the late Phillip Perpall, a Royal Bahamas Defence Force Officer who was gunned down at Government House last month.
A family member who spoke last week at Perpall’s funeral said he was disappointed that the Royal Bahamas Defence Force remained tight lipped during the entire investigation into Perpall’s murder.
In response, Dames said, “The young people are allowed to express themselves. This is a very sad situation and we can’t fault anyone for making comments, we just have to look and see what we need to do to improve.
“We just have to look and see what we need to do to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our officers.
“So, I am sure the Commodore would have taken into account what was said and is taking steps to address anything he sees and needs to improve upon.”
Phillip Perpall, 52, a veteran officer was shot and killed in late April while on duty at Government House. According to police reports, Perpall, a Guard Commander at Government House, was shot by a lone gunman who entered the premises shortly before 3 a.m.
Jevon Seymour, 25, a Royal Bahamas Defence Force marine, was charged with Perpall’s murder and also the attempted murder of two other officers. He was remanded to The Bahamas Department of Corrections until June 20th.