Deceased officer praised for his commitment to community work in Eleuthera

By Matt Maura Bahamas Information Services

NASSAU, The Bahamas --- Minister of National Security, the Hon. O.A. “Tommy” Turnquest Friday praised deceased Police Corporal 972 Sidney Johnson for his “outstanding contributions” to community service in The Bahamas. 

A “gifted” musician who spent all 21 of his years on the Royal Bahamas Police Force in the Police Band and the Community Policing section, Corporal Johnson was laid to rest Friday following services at St. Barnabas Anglican Church. 

Corporal Johnson found time to mentor members of the Spanish Wells Community Band in addition to his duties with the Police Band and community policing.   “We are all aware that a constructive partnership between the police and the community is very important in preventing and controlling crime and Corporal Johnson was particularly successful at community policing,” Mr. Turnquest said. 

“Corporal Johnson was a talented musician who used his gifts to engage persons in the community. It was his mission to positively impact the lives of all with whom he came into contact, ” Mr. Turnquest added.  The National Security Minister said it was that trait that allowed Corporal Johnson to “work so well” with the Spanish Wells Community Band.  “He worked to ensure that those young, talented Bahamians were at their best. He not only taught them the discipline of music, but just as importantly, he imparted the basic keys to a productive life, to his students,” Mr. Turnquest added. 

Mr. Turnquest said Corporal Johnson was a “positive role model” whose legacy as a servant of the community, and by extension the people of The Bahamas, would be best remembered if others were to follow his example and commit, or recommit, themselves to serving as mentors for the young people throughout the various communities.  “We need more role models who can provide the support, guidance and encouragement to our young people, particularly those who have had contact with the Criminal Justice System, or are at-risk for becoming involved in anti-social behaviour,” Mr. Turnquest said. 

“Our aim as mentors, must be to reduce the offending and re-offending, to reduce substance abuse and misuse, to prevent the risk-taking, anti-social behaviour, to increase our young people’s participation in education and to assist them in improving their self-esteem, their personal traits and their life skills.  “As a grateful nation, we have come to celebrate the life of Corporal Johnson for the contribution he has made in mentoring others, and in the work he has done in building our Bahamas,” Mr. Turnquest added.