NASSAU, BAHAMAS — The US delivered nearly $300,000 of advanced imaging and scanning technology and radio equipment to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS) Facility in Nassau.
The donation is a component of a long-term collaboration between the US Embassy’s Office of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement and BDOCS to strengthen Bahamian law enforcement capabilities and make correctional facilities protected for inmates, visitors and correctional officers alike.
The donation consisted of a body scanner, X-ray machine, radios and other equipment.
US Chargé d’Affaires Usha Pitts delivered the donation to Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe.
While noting that the visit was her first to the ability, Pitts commented on the importance of the donation.
“It’s all going to assist protect the protection of everybody who’s at this facility… It’s good for inmates, it’s good for visitors and it’s good for the officers who work here,” she said.
Pitts also referenced the broader context, noting: “This donation reminds us that the US and The Bahamas are united in our shared values and our common purpose — our beliefs in democracy, human rights and the rule of law.”
Munroe echoed the sentiment, noting: “We’d like to understand that we get assistance [from the United States] not only on matters of mutual concern, but matters where they’re simply helping us because they’re our friends.”
He added: “On this world today, with all that is going on, I believe everyone knows that friendships are good to have — and good to maintain.”
Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe gives remarks upon receiving a donation of $300,000 value of kit from the US for the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS) on Monday, February 28, 2022. (US EMBASSY NASSAU)
US Chargé d’Affaires Usha E Pitts gives remarks upon delivering $300,000 of kit to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS) on Monday, February 28, 2022. (US EMBASSY NASSAU)
From left, US Embassy INL Director Bridget Premont, US Chargé d’Affaires Usha E Pitts, Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe and Acting Commissioner of Corrections Doan Cleare at a handover ceremony for the donation of $300,000 value of kit to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS) on Monday, February 28, 2022. (US EMBASSY NASSAU)
US Chargé d’Affaires Usha E Pitts (right), Everlasting Secretary Cheryl Darville (center) and Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe (left) cut the ribbon to commemorate the donation of $300,000 of kit from the US to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS) on Monday, February 28, 2022. (US EMBASSY NASSAU)
Prison officers display contraband confiscated from the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDOCS) over the past several months. (US EMBASSY NASSAU)
The Leidos SafeView Advanced Imaging System, valued at over $220,000, can detect a spread of objects that regular metal detectors cannot. In lower than 1.5 seconds, the system scans and detects each metallic and non-metallic items, resembling explosive sheets, powders, bulk explosives, metals, liquids, gels, ceramic and plastic.
The SafeView also guards against the theft of assets, confidential information and valuables.
The Astrophysics XIS-6040 Inspection System, valued at over $26,000, is a high-performance system for scanning backpacks, purses and parcels. With a strong 160KV generator, the X-ray inspection system provides crisp, high-resolution images that may reveal weapons, contraband, cell phones and other concealed items.
Finally, the radio equipment allows corrections officers to speak with each other throughout the compound, improving coordination and safety. The equipment includes 11 Motorola APX Radios, chargers, batteries, two antennas and other equipment.
Pitts toured the correctional facility to see exactly how the equipment will help make it a safer and safer environment.
