Rotary and Police partner at cheque presentation to The RBPF Dependants’ Trust

(Nassau, Bahamas) February 16, 2010 -- A donation was made to the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) Dependants’ Trust on February 10, 2010 by Assistant District Governor (ADG) for The Bahamas, Felix Stubbs and Rotary representatives.  The partial proceeds resulted from the welcome reception that was held at the Police Headquarters’ Conference Centre for District Governor (DG) Errol and his wife when they visited from Jamaica. Under the theme, “One Love,” the DG and his wife and Rotarians enjoyed a catered meal from the RBPF Conference Centre and music by the world-class Royal Police Force Pop Band.

Justice Emmanuel Osadebay (retired), LLM, JA who is chairman of the board of the RBPF Dependants’ Trust accepted the donation which was made on behalf of the Rotary Clubs of the Bahamas, District 7020 and the planning committee for the DG’s visit which was chaired by Rotarian, Karen Pinder.

Osadebay said that with the Trust, the affected family could feel that someone is there to help look after them and he thanked Rotary for their contribution.  “We can never repay the Police for what they do. These are the men and women who lay down their lives for us, so that we can survive. And in case that they do get injured, the families suffer and they do not always have the funds to assist them. Donations like yours will go a long way.”

Incoming ADG for The Bahamas, Charles Sealy II, a former police officer, was bestowed with the responsibility by ADG Felix to explore how Rotary can assist the Trust even more. “My team who helped with the Haiti Telethon has been asked to stay intact and to help in other areas,” said ADG Felix.  “Since the Commissioner has said that he always wanted Rotary to work with the Police, the timing coincides perfectly and the team should be able to greatly assist.”

Responding, the Commissioner said, “You’ve extended your hand and we’ve reciprocated and I believe that we are locked in.” He also mentioned that the Police have to step back at times and allow the wider community and organizations like Rotary to do their part.  “We must work others into our plans and we have to have Rotary, be Rotary.”   The Commissioner and Acting Deputy Commissioner Marvin Dames updated the group on projects that were in the pipeline and welcomed a beneficial partnership.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force Dependants’ Trust was established in 1993 and 3 years later became a charitable trust.  They provide financial assistance for continued education of the children of police officers; make donations to relieve short-term financial hardships and direct dependants to agencies of the Government for long-term, non-financial assistance.  The Trust meets their obligations through support from the public as well as private organizations.

The Rotary clubs of The Bahamas comprises of 9 clubs with 6 in New Providence, 1 in Abaco and newly formed clubs in Cat Island and Eleuthera. Rotary is an international organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide, who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Their motto is “service above self.”  More information can be found at www.7020.org.

Photo Caption: Rotary Bahamas presents donation to the Royal Bahamas Police Force Dependants’ Trust (RBPFDT).  Seated (left to right) are:  Commissioner Ellison Greenslade, QPM, MBA, Justice Emmanuel Osadebay (retired), LLM, JA, Assistant District Governor for The Bahamas, Felix Stubbs and Acting Deputy Commissioner, Marvin Dames.  Standing (left to right ) are: Assistant District Governor-Elect, Rotary Bahamas Secretary, District Chair of International Service and Past-President, RC of Southeast Nassau, Charles Sealy II, Former Commandant, RBPF Reserves, Grafton Ifill,  Rotary Presidents, Annamaria DeGregory, RC SE Nassau, Sheila Bethel, RC Nassau, President-Elect and Committee Chair for the DG visit, Karen Pinder, Presidents Michele Rassin, RC East Nassau, Carla Card-Stubbs, RC Sunrise, Warren Knowles, RC New Providence, RBPFDT Secretary and Administrator, Dorothy Phillips and Past-President Harry Kemp, RC West Nassau. (Photo: Azaleta Ishmael-Newry)