Speeches & Op-Eds
Rhode Island State Partnership Program Prison Subject Matter Exchange Closing Remarks
Her Majesty's Prison Fox Hill
August 10, 2006
Superintendent Rahming, Director of Operations Jake Gadsden, Deputy Warden Collins, Lynn Pasquerella, Paul D’Abbraccio, visitors from Rhode Island and our other distinguished guests…good morning.
I am pleased to join you today as we bring to a close what I understand has been a very productive Prison Subject Matter Exchange between the Government of the Bahamas and the State of Rhode Island. This most recent collaboration between our countries is another example of what is quickly becoming the most vibrant National Guard State Partnership Program anywhere in the hemisphere.
Of course, I am not the least bit surprised that when you put together the energy and determination of the people of Rhode Island -- my home state -- with the creativity and dynamism of the people of the Bahamas, you have a winning combination that will work to the benefit of both partners. Indeed, this week's exchange builds on successful State Partnership programs held earlier this year in which Rhode Island's Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) joined the Bahamas National Emergency Management Agency to assess disaster preparedness, the Rhode Island State Police joined with the Royal Bahamas Police Force to undertake training in forensics and crime scene analysis, the Bahamas Port Authority, the Bahamas Office of Economic Development, the Hotel Association and Chamber of Commerce traveled to Rhode Island to discuss economic development strategies with Rhode Island economic development officials.
These initiatives and programs such as this week's prison subject matter exchange reflect the close ties and shared values that continue to define the vibrant relationship between the United States and The Bahamas.
The prison partnership developed this week recognizes that criminal correction is a responsibilty that all societies must address. Prison security is a focal point of concern for all of our law enforcement communities. This week's Prison Subject Matter Exchange provided correctional officers from Rhode Island and the Bahamas a forum to share their ideas and experiences -- ideas and experiences that are needed to give both parties a new perspective on our shared problem of prison security.
Besides being a catalyst of information exchange, the program provided our Bahamian partners with first class training from some of our nation’s best corrections officers. Bahamian guards received certification in cell extraction procedures, use of pepper spray in riot situations, and baton use.
I wish to acknowledge Mr. Gadsden, the Director of Operations for Rhode Island’s Department of Corrections, for his enthusiastic support of the program. It was under his watch that this new partnership between Rhode Island and the Bahamas was forged and I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to mention his important role in organizing today’s event. Also, I would like to thank Ms. Donna Collins, Deputy Warden and Liaison Officer to the State Partnership Program, for her great work in ensuring that the event was a success.
But this week's visit from the Rhode Island National Guard did more than help our respective countries develop better techniques for keeping our prisons safe and secure, it also built some new connections between our countries at the military, civilian, and personal levels.
For example, Dr. Lynda Pasquerella, Vice Provost of Academic Affairs of the University of Rhode Island (URI), graciously agreed to join the partnership visit. She held several meetings with the leadership of the College of the Bahamas, including this afternoon with President Hodder. Ms. Pasquerella is currently developing a Memorandum of Understanding that could lead to academic exchanges in areas such as nursing and marine science. She also has agreed to explore charging in-state or New England regional tuition rates for Bahamian students who wish to attend the University of Rhode Island URI.
The Rhode Island National Guard has also been working with other Rhode Island tertiary institutions, who have been very receptive to developing links with the College of the Bahamas. This includes Johnson and Wales College, world-renowned in the hospitality industry, Roger Williams College, with outstanding programs in criminal justice and law, URI, as mentioned with one of the leading marine science programs in the world, and Providence College, which has an outstanding theology department.
Also during this visit, Paul D’Abbraccio from the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency continued to build the RIEMA Emergency Management partnership with NEMA, with consultations with NEMA Director Carl Smith and Police Commissioner Farquharson. They have been looking at developing an exercise and training to address potential weapons of mass destruction threats. In addition, in early September, six members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s fire unit will travel to Rhode Island to undergo training in fire safety.
I am very excited about these new directions for this program. I would like to extend the Embassy's appreciation to Major General Bray, the Adjutant General and Commander of the RI National Guard for his continuing strong support of this program. Also, I would like to recognize the real driving forces behind the program, the irrepressible Captain Mike Manning and sure and steady Major Eric Christopher for their extraordinary dedication and hard work.
On behalf of all of the U.S. participants, I would like to convey our special thanks to Superintendent Rahming and Her Majesty’s Prison at Fox Hill for warmly welcoming our colleagues from the Rhode Island Department of Corrections. Also, I wish to thank Director Gadsden, Deputy Warden Collins and their team of instructors for taking the time to share their expertise with their Bahamian counterparts. I am certain that the information exchanged between the Bahamas and Rhode Island will leave both parties more prepared to deal with the all-important challenge of prison security.
To all participants, American and Bahamian, allow me to convey my congratulations for a productive and highly successful event. It is clear to me that the state partnership program between Rhode Island and the Bahamas is quickly emerging as one of the most productive of all of our National Guard State Partnership Programs. I wish to thank the leadership from both sides of this partnership for their enthusiasm, ingenuity, and imagination to raise the relationship between our two countries to newer and higher heights.
Thank you.