The Bahamas government is taking strong action against private security firms that are illegally hiring non-Bahamians. The government plans to hold a stakeholder seminar on Friday to address employment violations in the security industry.
According to Paul Jones, Chief Counsel in the Ministry of National Security, there are concerns that several non-Bahamians may be working in the sector, which is supposed to be reserved for Bahamians. Companies that are found to be hiring non-Bahamians or unlicensed personnel could face fines ranging from US$500 to US$2,000.
Jones said the intention of the seminar is to emphasize compliance with the Inquiry Agents and Security Guards Act and Regulations and that it will also discuss allowing security guards to carry firearms while on duty.
“There is a possibility. This seminar would give us an opportunity to also hear from them, and so that we can put forward certain recommendations to cause certain things to come into being. They’re the actual practitioners,” Jones said, adding “the police rely on them to be able to report to them suspicious situations and activities around schools”.
Currently, under the law only Bahamian citizens are eligible for employment as security guards or inquiry agents and Jones said there may be exceptions for foreigners being granted spousal permits leading to citizenship.
Jones told reporters that firms might be hiring foreigners due to difficulties finding Bahamians to fill these roles. He noted some people have complained Bahamians don’t want to work or have an issue with the working hours for the job.
But he said the ministry is monitoring companies violating the law regardless of their reasons.
All security guards and inquiry agents must hold licenses issued by the Ministry of National Security. Licenses are granted based on the person’s character and history. In addition, security companies are required to have proper licenses.
Companies are also required to have indemnity insurance to protect security guards in case of incidents happening while on duty.
