The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services

06/09/2026

BDCS UPCOMING EVENTS

05/09/2026

https://www.facebook.com/100068939898610/posts/1384968823811101/

Story courtesy of the Ministry of National Security.

Ministry of National Security Advances Preparations for Parole System at Caribbean Conference

Bridget E. Hepburn, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security, and Commissioner of Corrections Doan Cleare, and team from the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services are currently in the Turks and Caicos Islands attending the 3rd Annual Caribbean Association of Probation and Parole Conference. This marks the first time the Ministry of National Security has attended the event, which the administration considered important in light of ongoing initiatives in preparation for the Conditional Release of Offenders Bill (Parole), which is anticipated to be passed by the end of 2026.

The event is being held under the theme, “Leveraging Probation, Parole and Rehabilitation as Effective Crime-Reduction Strategies in the Caribbean.”

Permanent Secretary Hepburn, Commissioner Cleare and Assistant Commissioner Rolean Forbes took the opportunity to meet with Mr. Leo Tigges, Senior Expert with the EL PACCTO 2.0 along with his Project Officer Cassandra van Diemen, with the view to seeking technical assistance to support our transition to a Parole System. The technical assistance requested includes training and skills development for officers, as well as modern software to support our Parole endeavours.

EL PACCTO 2.0 is an EU-funded programme dedicated to strengthening cooperation between Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean in the fields of justice and security. Meetings and discussions with EL PACCTO representatives will continue over the ensuing weeks.

05/09/2026

PAROLE IS COMING! JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION!

31/08/2026

31/08/2026

Two Corrections Officers Promoted at BDCS

On Monday, August 31, 2026, Corrections Officers Kareem Jones and Joanado Cumberbatch were promoted to Corrections Corporal, receiving official letters of appointment.

Commissioner of Corrections Doan Cleare, CD, explained that their promotions are retroactive to 2020, making them eligible for additional promotions within the same year. He emphasised, "Staff must do what is necessary to qualify themselves for promotion; today demonstrates that the race is not for the swift but for those who endure to the end."

Deputy Commissioner Bernadette Thompson-Murray, CD, and Assistant Commissioner Derek Noville, OM, both urged the officers to stay focused, acknowledging that with promotion come higher expectations and responsibilities, while congratulating them.

Commissioner Cleare again noted that soon, the institution will see a surge of promotions.

31/08/2026

We invite you to join in the discussion.

THE PATHWAY TO PAROLE

PAROLE: A SECOND CHANCE.

30/08/2026

BDCS LAUNCHES BOLD PAROLE CAMPAIGN

Residents at The Bahamas Department of Corrections are experiencing a significant moment at BDCS as Commissioner Doan Cleare, CD, has initiated a bold campaign on parole aimed at transforming the correctional landscape in The Bahamas.

Representing the initiative on Parole was Mr. Sherwin Lloyd, Legal Counsel at the Ministry of National Security.

Commissioner Cleare applauds this new development in the institution, as it will afford many residents a second chance to improve themselves and make better decisions.

30/08/2026

TWO CORRECTIONS OFFICERS PROMOTED AT BDCS

On Monday, 24th August 2026, Corrections Officer Travis Thompson and Corrections Corporal Ricardo Glinton Jr. arrived at work at one rank and left at a higher rank, as they were both promoted to Corrections Corporal and Corrections Sergeant, respectively.

Assistant Commissioners of Corrections Derek Noville, OM, and Stephanie Pratt presented the promotion letters to the new officers, congratulating and encouraging them to continue serving with excellence.

According to Commissioner of Corrections Doan Cleare, CD, although promotions are happening gradually on a small scale, the institution can expect a larger wave of promotions that is already underway.

30/08/2026

BDCS Grow Your Child Programme Making an Impact

Since 2023, the Bahamas Department of Corrections has implemented the Grow Your Child Programme, which is making a significant impact on the children of incarcerated residents. It is praised as a great success, with many positive stories.

Throughout August, during the Grow Your Child Programme, BDCS and its partners used these events to help prepare residents' children for back to school. During the programmes, some of the children received hair grooming services.

Clothing and food packages were also distributed to the families to lessen the financial strain that they face when a parent is incarcerated.

At the Medium Security Facility, the New Providence Community Church Men, headed by Pastor Brooks Russell, engaged in a friendly basketball game with the Medium Security Basketball Team, who in the end were victorious. As a kind gesture, each member of the team was presented with a brand new pair of tennis shoes donated by NPCC.

Both the residents and their children enjoyed a day of fellowship, fun, and a good meal, while the shared message of making good decisions was emphasised throughout the programme.

07/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/1595825190/posts/10231120124578585/

The story and photos are courtesy of the Ministry of National Security.