Bahamas National Security Minister Wayne Munroe has issued directives to law enforcement agencies to avoid inmate transportation during peak traffic hours whenever possible. This decision comes in response to public outcry following a significant traffic incident on East Bay Street that involved a prison escort vehicle.
The collision occurred on December 16 at approximately 5:30 PM when a police-escorted prison bus transporting inmates eastbound to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services collided with a red Honda Fit traveling north on Church Street. The impact resulted in substantial damage to both vehicles and necessitated hospital transport for two police officers and the 21-year-old civilian driver of the Honda Fit. While both officers were treated and released, the condition of the civilian driver remained undisclosed at the time of reporting.
Minister Munroe firmly addressed mounting social media criticism alleging that prison transport vehicles routinely disregard traffic regulations. He characterized these vehicles as ‘rolling cell blocks’ and emphasized that government vehicles with activated lights and sirens legally require right-of-way under Bahamian traffic laws.
‘I’ve expressed to them that I would prefer they do that outside of rush hours, and that they arrange the security provisions to do it if they can,’ Munroe stated, noting that inmate transfers typically occur outside peak traffic periods according to standard protocol.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief of Corrections Bernadette Murray indicated that ongoing construction of new court facilities would ultimately alleviate public concerns regarding inmate convoys passing through residential areas. She emphasized that the new infrastructure would significantly enhance safety by reducing convoy distances and minimizing disruptions to residential communities.
The incident has reignited previous calls for reform regarding prisoner transportation practices, echoing a Tribune editorial from October that described the current system as ‘dangerous in the extreme’ and ‘an inconvenience to other road users.’