Continental Breakfast

8am-8:30am

As we embark upon another year recognizing the outstanding contribution of our Private Sector Security Unit, I am happy to share in this annual workshop which has been moved this year from New Providence to Grand Bahama. As Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of National Security, I witness daily the extraordinary dedication of the men and women across our security agencies who keep this nation safe. 

I also witness, with equal clarity, the limitations of what government can accomplish alone. It is that recognition that makes this seminar not merely a welcome initiative, but a necessary one. The convening of government and private sector leaders around the common agenda of national safety represents exactly the kind of institutional collaboration that modern security demands.

The private sector in The Bahamas is deeply woven into the fabric of national life by employing tens of thousands of citizens, serving millions of visitors, and managing infrastructure of immense national significance. Each of those enterprises carries a security dimension that affects not only the business itself but the employees who depend on it, the communities that surround it, and the national economy that benefits from it. When the private sector is insecure, the nation is insecure. It is, therefore, both logical and urgent that we deepen the frameworks through which government and business share intelligence, align standards, and build the collective resilience that neither can achieve in isolation.

I encourage you all to share your intelligence, participate in our frameworks, invest in your security personnel, and help us build the layered, whole-of-society security architecture that will make The Bahamas safer, more competitive, and more resilient.

I extend my sincere congratulations to the organizing committee for bringing this seminar to life, my deepest appreciation to all presenters and panellists who have shared their expertise, and my warmest welcome to every participant who has chosen to invest their time in this important work. Security is not a destination, it is a continuous and collective commitment. This seminar is a powerful expression of that commitment, and I am confident that the deliberations held here will leave a lasting and positive imprint on the security culture of our nation. 

I wish you all productive and meaningful engagements.

Sincerely,

Ms. Bridget E. Hepburn
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of National Security

Opening Ceremony

Mr. Paul E. Jones

Mr. Paul E. Jones, is a seasoned law enforcement professional and attorney with over 35 years of service in the Royal Bahamas Police Force. 

His distinguished career earned him numerous honors, including the Governor General’s Award for Exceptional Service, Commissioner’s Commendations, and medals for Long Service, Good Conduct, and Meritorious Service.

Mr. Jones was called to The Bahamas Bar in 2008 having earned an LL.B with (Hons) from the University of the West Indies, and his Legal Education Certificate from the Eugene Dupuch Law School. 

Among his many vocational experiences, he served as a lecturer in Law and Criminal Justice, a Prosecutor in the Attorney General’s Office, Legal Advisor to the Commissioner of Police, Chief In-House Counsel at the Ministry of National Security.

Mr. Paul E. Jones.

Ms. Ann Ferguson

Ms. Ann Ferguson has been employed with the Ministry of National Security since April 2012. Throughout her tenure, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to public service and excellence in her professional responsibilities. Ms. Ferguson holds a Degree in Office Administration.

Since 2019, Ms. Ferguson has faithfully served as an Administrator dedicated to the Rehabilitation of Offenders, consistently demonstrating compassion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. From 2019 to 2021, she also served as Secretary to the Prerogative of Mercy Board, providing valuable administrative support and contributing to the Board’s important work.

Ms. Ferguson approaches every responsibility with passion, professionalism, and a genuine desire to uplift those around her. Her dedication to service above self continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the individuals she serves and the wider community.

Ms. Michelle Knowles

Ms. Michelle Knowles, a dedicated public servant with 28 years of distinguished service to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Michelle is a proud mother of two and a committed member of the Anglican faith. Her public service career began at the Ministry of Social Services, where she served for 13 years, starting as a Case Aid. During this time, she developed a deep appreciation for the importance of compassion, integrity, and excellence in serving the public.

For the past 16 years, Michelle has served within the Ministry of National Security, where her dedication and strong work ethic have seen her progress from Clerk to Personal Assistant II. Throughout her career, she has consistently demonstrated professionalism, perseverance, and commitment to national development.

Indirah Belle

Indirah Belle serves as the Chairperson for the Trafficking In Person Inter-Ministry Committee. In this role she provides leadership and oversight in national efforts to combat trafficking.  As Chairperson, she coordinates cross sector collaboration among government agencies, civil society and international partners to strengthen the fundamental pillars of trafficking including: prevention, protection, prosecution and partnership.

She is committed to upholding human rights; strengthening institutional responses and ensuring that survivors of trafficking receive comprehensive care and justice.

Turkessa Y. Culmer

Ms. Turkessa Y. Culmer is a Human Resources professional with more than 30 years of combined public service experience in human resource management, administration, leadership support, and uniformed services.  She currently serves as a Human Resources Officer within the Ministry of National Security, where she supports workforce management, employee relations, policy administration, and organizational development.

Ms. Culmer holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from The University of the West Indies Open Campus (The Bahamas), a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with Honours, and an Associate of Science in Computer Information Systems with Honours.

Having served in both uniformed and civilian capacities within national security organizations, including the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, the Parliamentary Registration Department, The Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, and the Ministry of National Security, Ms. Culmer brings a unique perspective on the connection between people, organizational culture, and performance. Her experience has highlighted the importance of accountability, discipline, ethical leadership, and effective communication in fostering productive work environments and supporting organizational success. She understands that within the security profession, technical competence must be complemented by professionalism, integrity, and sound interpersonal relationships to achieve operational excellence and maintain public confidence.

Passionate about promoting positive workplace cultures, Ms. Culmer believes that strong human relations and sound work ethics are essential to organizational effectiveness.  Through her presentation, “Human Relations & Work Ethics in Private Sector Security Services: Building Trust, Performance, and Reputation,” she will explore how professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and ethical conduct contribute to employee engagement, service excellence, and organizational credibility.  In keeping with the conference theme, “Striving Together for Excellence in 2026 and Beyond,” she will discuss practical approaches for strengthening workplace culture, enhancing service delivery, and positioning the security industry for continued growth and success.

Gamal Newry
Security & Resilience Strategist
Regional Risk Advisor

Gamal Newry is a senior security and resilience professional with over 34 years of experience supporting corporate, government, and critical infrastructure organizations across The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Latin America. His work has shaped corporate security, crisis management, and business continuity programs for a major regional bank, healthcare systems, law enforcement agencies, and multinational developments.

He has contributed to and influenced the development of local and international legislation, policies, and standards relating to crisis management, business continuity, security operations, and firearms usage, helping align operational practice with governance, compliance, and public safety objectives.

Gamal is the founder of Bahamas Safety NET Kids and the Caribbean Safe and Secure Academy, and volunteers with the Boys’ Brigade of The Bahamas. He is a co-author of the Business Security Audit and Review Toolkit, and his next book is scheduled for release in November 2026.

A Reserve Assistant Superintendent of Police in the Royal Bahamas Police Force, attached to the Drug Enforcement Unit, Gamal also lectures at the National Police College. An avid martial artist, he holds black belts in Judo, Karate, and Ju-Jitsu, and is a Certified Instructor of Russian Systema. He brings more than three decades of experience delivering tactical instruction to law enforcement and military units across The Bahamas, the Caribbean, North America, and Asia.

Respected for his strategic judgment and calm under pressure, Gamal is a trusted voice in security leadership, helping individuals and organizations navigate uncertainty with clarity, structure, and foresight.

Mr. Virgil A. Thurston-Sturrup Esq, J.P
Professional Profile
Director National Firearms association

Mr, Sturrup has attained more than twelve years experience in the Royal Bahamas Defense Forc as Leading Marine. In addition to this he has more than five years experience with the Embassy of the United States Department of Diplomatic Security Services Nassau, Bahamas as a Supervisory Protective Agent During this employ he also provided protective duties and logistical support to other diplomats visiting the Bahamas. Mr.Sturrup was also sworn as a Police District Constable.

During his tour of duty with the Royal Bahamas Defense Force he attained the position of Leading Marine in the Commando Squadron Amphibious Infantry Unit and was promoted In 2000 to Leading Seaman after successfully completing the promotion exams attending local and international training in military operations.and explosives handling In 2001 Mr. Sturrup held the position of Inspector with the Security division of the Airport Authority where he gained valuable knowledge in the aspects of airport security.

In addition to his extensive military experience, Mr. Sturrup completed training with the United States Air Force Special Operation Command in communications, weapons and explosives handling.He also attended training for Infantry Tactics and Land navigation in Grenada Trade

Winds Operations with the British Royal Marines and U.S Special Forces. In 1999 he extended his knowledge by completing the training in vehicle search procedures for improvised explosives devices and in 2000 he completed training in Protective Security Operations.

Further to this Mr. Sturrup also attended training in Ground Phases of Peacekeeping and Disaster Relief in Puerto Rico. He also holds a certificate for completion of Infantry Section Leaders Tactics training in the United Kingdom, also qualified as a skill at-Arms instructor with the 1st

Parachute Regiment of the British Army in Aldershot that was conducted at Normandy Barracks. In 2005 he continued his training in pistol and Carbine Training with Black Water Training facility; he also holds a certificate as an instructor in rappelling and abseiling. He was also employed as a Securit Associate with Starwood International at the Sheraton Nassau, Beach Hotel Security and surveillance Department.Certified (ISPS ) port security officer , NFA firearms instructor.

He holds membership with the International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigators.mMember of the National association of Justices of the Peace ( Bahamas) amember of the Royal bahams Defence Force Veterans Association Among his many accolades he has served with distinction while contributing in major ways to the accomplishment of national security of the United States Embassy in the Bahamas. He as also provided training and service to the Bahamas Government for its senior-most officials. According to Robert M Witajewski former INL County Director, stationed in Baghdad, Iraq he described Mr. Sturrup’s performance as superb, his judgment as unerring, his professionalism unquestionable and his skills the equal of any protective detail Agent with which he has worked. 

Elizabeth Collie

Born on 25 January, during the era of Independence… Elizabeth Dawn Renee Collie is a versatile Organizational Development professional with extensive employee relations experience in a full range of functions, with a practical understanding of organizational needs.

As a 34 year veteran in the Public Service, Ms. Collie has made immeasurable contributions not limited to:

i. the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services as a lecturer at the inmate institute in ‘Life Management Skills Training with the goal of seamless re–entry into the community’;

ii. as an Occupational Therapist, Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre by structuring its first annual Junkanoo parade (client centred), first external monthly ‘Spiritual Enrichment Programme’, which primary focus was to

provide an outlet for in–house clients to fellowship with the congregations of various denominations within the communities.. other initiatives;

iii. as Executive Assistant, Family Island District in the Police Department, where she was described as a ‘beacon’ by Commanders stationed on the family islands as she rotated the hats of adjudicator and counsellor;

iv. as Family Island Administrator, Long Island District where she was responsible for the first district Ecumenical Service, and first district Summer Camp among other new initiatives.

Selected Career Accomplishments

• Designed and implemented Professional Development courses and seminars for Law Enforcement Officers, Government and Private Security Officers and civilians

• Proposed and designed a Corporate Wellness Programme for serving officers affected by job related stressors 

• Designed and implemented the ‘Conflict Resolution vs Intervention’ program to train employees on knowing the difference between both and knowing when to engage effectively

• Created the Drug Intervention Education For MY Enlightenment ‘D.I.E. 4 M.E.’ program to discourage potential/ continued drug involvement in youth.

She currently serves as the Training and Professional Development unit head, Ministry of National Security with responsibilities to ensure that each law enforcement officer/ staff is exposed to professional development training, skill training and academic upgrade where needed/ desired.

Ms. Collie endeavours to utilize her networking abilities to assist those in need by ultimately placing ‘right people in right places’

She is a Toastmistress of club 3596, a member of the Regent Board of Managers, ICPM Pennsylvania (2001); a Bahamas Baptist Community College Alumni (2009); University of The Bahamas Alumni (2012), and a Barry University Alumni (2014).

Elizabeth’s hobbies include baking, cooking, painting, reading, and gardening.

She is the mother of two young adults, and a member of Bahamas Faith Ministries International

Dr. Sagina Pratt

Dr. Sagina Pratt is an accomplished Industrial and Organizational Psychologist and Mental Health Practitioner, who has a strong commitment to enhancing employee well-being, organizational effectiveness, and workforce engagement. She brings a unique combination of expertise, which enables her to support both organizational goals and the holistic well-being of employees. Throughout her career, she has contributed to the design and execution of programs that focused on mental health awareness, employee support services, creating positive work culture, employee and leadership development, and workforce sustainability.

Dr. Pratt serves as the Senior Social Health Executive at the Ministry of National Security. She is passionate about advocating for mental wellness, reducing stigma, and providing support that empowers individuals to thrive personally and professionally. She remains focused on advancing innovative human resource practices and mental health initiatives that contribute to healthier, more resilient, and high-performing employees. 

Dr. Pratt believes in paying it forward and lives by her mantra: “Never forget what you learned in the dark, when you are in the light”. She is active in the community and has served as the Membership Director for the Rotary Club of South Ocean for the past two (2) years. She is a member of the Caribbean Association of Probation and Parole where she was instrumental in the official launch in 2024. Always putting God first, she is also a member of the Bahamas Harvest Church.