Slain RBPF Officer Remembered as a Hero

Minister of National Security, the Hon. O.A.T. “Tommy” Turnquest addresses an overflowing Church of the Epiphany Thursday, January 10, 2008 during the Funeral service for the late Police Constable 2827 Ramos Williams who was killed in the Line of Duty on December 29, 2007. Mr. Turnquest said the senseless murder of Constable Williams was unexpected and difficult to explain, particularly in a nation such as The Bahamas, which prides itself on Christian values, and in which the vast majority of persons are law abiding. He said the message must be sent “loud and clear” that heinous crimes such as murder, in addition to all other crimes, will not be tolerated any longer. Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham (seated far right) and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Brent T. Symonette, led a delegation a Senior Government Officials who attended Thursday’s Service. (Photo/Patrick Hanna)

By: Matt Maura

NASSAU, The Bahamas – Officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and Defence Force, along with Senior Government officials were among the large number of persons in attendance at the Church of the Epiphany Thursday to pay final tribute to slain Police Constable 2827 Ramos Williams.

Constable Williams, who was gunned down in the line of duty on December 29, was laid to rest at Lakeview Cemetery with Full Military Honours.

The young officer, who joined the Force four and a half years ago, was hailed a hero, courageous, respectable, hardworking and one who was determined to stand up for those who could not stand up for themselves.

He was also heralded as a role model and leader, and as an officer who epitomized the attributes of courage, loyalty and integrity.

National Security and Immigration Minister the Hon. Tommy Turnquest, who brought condolences on behalf of the government said, “In defence of our country and our people, Constable Williams sacrificed the most precious thing he had to give – his life.”

“Constable Williams is not among us, but by his courageous action, criminals have been taken off our streets. This must send a clear message to the criminal elements in our country and communities. The message must be that we, as a country and people, are fully committed to a collective effort to halt and reverse crime trends and the fear of crime,” Mr. Turnquest added.

Mr. Turnquest said he was “touched by the courage of the family” after visiting with the late Constable’s mother Mrs. Jacqueline Williams Pickett, his aunt Ruth Williams and Grandmother Lillian Williams as well as other members of the family.

“I was heartened by the warm family circle from whom you all drew strength as you struggled to come to terms with his death,” Mr. Turnquest said. “It became clear to me why Constable Williams was considered by his Commanding Officers and colleagues alike to be respectable, hardworking and determined to stand up for those who could not stand up for themselves.

“It has been said that death is never the final chapter in a life lived with a sense of purpose. Constable Williams’ sense of purpose has etched his name among those men and women who served the Royal Bahamas Police Force with distinction and who gave service over and above what was required of them. He has fought a good fight. He has finished the course and he has kept the faith. His memory and contribution lives on.

“On behalf of the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Hubert A. Ingraham, the Government and people of an appreciative nation and on my own behalf, I extend sincere sympathy to you, the family of Constable Williams.

“The senseless murder of this young Officer was surely unexpected and difficult to explain in a nation such as ours, which prides itself on Christian values and in which the vast majority of people are law abiding,” Mr. Turnquest added.

Acting Commissioner of Police Reginald Ferguson said members of the Force gathered at the Church of the Epiphany Thursday with mixed emotions, saddened at the sudden, tragic passing “of a young, promising Police Officer who was cheated out of the opportunity to render the kind of quality service to his fellowmen they so rightly deserve.”

“We can somewhat take comfort in the fact that our colleague was no coward,” Mr. Ferguson said. “He epitomized the attributes of courage, loyalty and integrity even in the face of imminent danger, paying the ultimate sacrifice.

“It takes a special kind of person to serve in law enforcement,” Mr. Ferguson said. “Most people run from danger, law enforcement runs towards it.”

Born at the Clinic in Kemp’s Bay, Andros, on March 2, 1981, Constable Williams was the second of two sons born to Jacqueline Williams Picket. He enlisted in the Royal Bahamas Police Force on July 8, 2003, fulfilling a life-long dream of serving his country. He did so against the wishes of his family.

“Destiny had called him and he responded,” Mr. Ferguson said. “Even though his tenure in this organization was a mere four years, he left a positive impact. A role model and leader amongst his colleagues, Williams always stood out.

“He was indeed a man destined for greatness,” Mr. Ferguson added.