The Directorate - Department of Immigration
At present, one (1) Acting Deputy Director, eight (8) Assistant Directors and six (6) Acting Assistant Directors serve along with Director Stephen LaRoda for the efficient management of the Department of Immigration.
Mr. Sean O. Gordon
Acting Deputy Director of Immigration
Assistant Director Sean Owen Gordon has served in the Bahamas Public Service for over three decades, steadily rising through the ranks of the Department of Immigration. A proud member of Squad A 1990, Mr. Gordon began his career on 5th June 1990 as a Trainee Immigration Officer, marking the start of a long and diverse journey in immigration enforcement, border management, and diplomatic service.
Over the years, Mr. Gordon has worked in nearly every major unit within the Department, including Investigations, Refugee Administration, Classified Registry, Border Control, Detention, Escort Services, Intelligence, Training, and Administrative Oversight. He has held various leadership roles such as Shift Leader, Port Supervisor, and Regional Head. From 2019 to 2023, he managed all immigration operations in Exuma, demonstrating effective leadership and operational command.
His field assignments have taken him across the archipelago, with postings in New Providence, Grand Bahama, Bimini, San Salvador, Exuma, and North Eleuthera. From 2015 to 2017, he was seconded to the Bahamas Embassy in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where he served as First Secretary/Consul, supporting the nation’s immigration and consular efforts abroad.
Mr. Gordon’s professional development has been strengthened by a wide range of local and international training programs. He has participated in specialized courses offered by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Royal Bahamas Defence Force, United States Coast Guard, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the Organization of American States, among others—equipping him with advanced knowledge in law enforcement, leadership, border security, and refugee protection.
In 2008, Mr. Gordon was selected to participate in the creation of a Law Enforcement Crime Committee, an initiative sponsored by Her Majesty’s Prison, in recognition of his skills in inter-agency collaboration and policy development.
Mr. Gordon is known for his thorough knowledge of immigration law, procedural fairness, and hands-on operational leadership. His ability to navigate complex assignments and contribute meaningfully to both national enforcement and international representation continues to make him a valued leader within the Department of Immigration.
Ms. Marilyn R. Burrows
Assistant Director of Immigration
Exuma
Assistant Director Marilyn Rochelle Burrows began her career in the Public Service on 2nd June 1986 as a Trainee Immigration Officer. Over the years, she has demonstrated steady advancement through the ranks of the Department of Immigration, earning a reputation for her versatility, professionalism, and deep operational knowledge.
In March 1998, she completed specialized training in Citizenship and Immigration Documentation facilitated by Citizenship and Immigration Canada. In 2007, she broadened her customer service and stakeholder engagement skills through the S.M.A.R.T. Training Programme (Sales, Marketing, and Royal Treatment) hosted by the Ministry of Tourism.
Her extensive fieldwork and leadership experience span several Family Islands and administrative districts. Between 1986 and 1988, she served in the Investigations Section in New Providence before transferring to Grand Bahama. From 1989 to 2002, she held multiple assignments in Grand Bahama and Bimini, including Officer-in-Charge of West End, where she was responsible for processing at ports of entry and investigative operations.
From 2004 to 2006, she focused on work and residence permit processing in Freeport. Between 2006 and 2009, she led operations as Officer-in-Charge in San Salvador. She returned to Grand Bahama from 2009 to 2012 to manage investigations, complaints, and permit applications. From 2013 to 2015, she was posted to the Exuma District; while her assignment is confirmed, supporting work files from this period are noted as incomplete.
Between 2016 and 2018, Assistant Director Burrows served in the Shipyard Unit in Grand Bahama, and from 2018 to September 2019, she was stationed in Abaco. She then returned to Grand Bahama as Second-in-Charge from September 2019 to June 2020, before being reassigned to Abaco in a similar role through 2021. In the same year, she was appointed Officer-in-Charge of the Permits Section. From 2021 to 2023, she returned to Grand Bahama where she served both as Officer-in-Charge and later Supervisor of the Permits Section.
Assistant Director Marilyn Burrows continues to be a dedicated and experienced asset to the Department of Immigration. Her comprehensive field expertise, administrative leadership, and regional familiarity contribute meaningfully to the Department’s mandate and service to the nation.
Ms. Sophia B. Ferguson
Assistant Director of Immigration
Bimini
Assistant Director Sophia Beshone Ferguson began her career in the Public Service on June 2, 1986 as a Trainee Immigration Officer. Over the course of nearly four decades, she has steadily risen through the ranks of the Department of Immigration, consistently assuming greater responsibility and expanding her areas of expertise.
Throughout her career, Assistant Director Ferguson has served in various islands across The Bahamas, including New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Bimini, Great Harbour Cay, and San Salvador. Her assignments have spanned a wide range of immigration functions, including investigations, border control, permit processing, recruitment and training, and supervisory leadership.
Her early career began with the Investigations Section in New Providence (1986–1987), after which she was transferred to Freeport, Grand Bahama (1988–2002), where she worked in Ports of Entry and Investigations. During this time, she held the position of Officer-in-Charge of West End in both 1999 and 2002. In October 1992, she received her first Family Island assignment with a six-month stint in Bimini. From 2002 to 2004, she was stationed in Great Harbour Cay, followed by a decade-long return to Freeport (2004–2014), where she focused on application processing, permits, airport operations, and enrollment.
In 2014, she was appointed Recruitment Officer and played a key role in training the 2014 Recruitment Class. From 2014 to 2016, she also served as Parade Commander. Between 2015 and 2016, she was stationed in San Salvador, where she was promoted to Chief Immigration Officer. From 2016 to 2018, she led the Extensions Unit, and from 2018 to 2020, she was responsible for the Enrollment Unit. In 2018, she completed “Train the Trainer” Identity Document Management Systems (IDMS) training facilitated by the Immigration IT Unit and Canadian Bank Note representatives.
Her later postings included several critical leadership roles: from May 3, 2021, to December 2022, she was posted to Abaco, where she was promoted to Superintendent. She also served in Abaco from 2018 to September 2019, in Grand Bahama from 2019 to 2020 as Second-in-Charge, and once again in Abaco from June 2020 to 2021 in the same capacity. In October 2024, she returned to Bimini, where she currently serves.
Assistant Director Ferguson has also completed several specialized training programs throughout her career. In March 1998, she completed training in Citizenship and Immigration Documentation through Citizenship and Immigration Canada. In 2007, she earned a Certificate of Achievement for completing the S.M.A.R.T. Training Programme (Sales, Marketing, and Royal Treatment) hosted by the Ministry of Tourism. She has also participated in training workshops conducted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration, and in March 2012, she attended a Trafficking in Persons training exercise.
Assistant Director Sophia Ferguson continues to bring a wealth of operational knowledge, hands-on leadership, and a legacy of dedicated service to the Bahamas Department of Immigration. Her longstanding tenure and wide-ranging experience reflect her valued and impactful role in the nation’s immigration landscape.
Ms. Andrea S. Moxey
Assistant Director of Immigration
Prince George Wharf
Assistant Director Andrea Sylvia Moxey has served in the Bahamas Public Service for over three decades, cultivating a career defined by operational expertise, continuous professional development, and leadership across key immigration functions. She began her journey with the Department of Immigration on 13th June 1990 as a Trainee Immigration Officer.
Her early posting to Freeport in 1994 provided hands-on experience with high-volume immigration operations. This foundation led to increasingly senior roles in a number of specialized areas. From 2011 to 2013, she was responsible for Customer Service and Home Owners, followed by her appointment as Second in Command of the Resident Spouse Unit from 2014 to 2016. She later led the Extensions Unit between 2016 and 2018.
In 2018, Ms. Moxey earned her Train-the-Trainer certification for the IDMS system, a milestone that underscored her ability to support internal capacity-building and technical training. She subsequently headed the Enrollment Unit from 2018 to 2020 and managed Board Matters and the Classified Registry from 2020 to 2022. In 2023, she was placed in charge of the Naturalization Unit at Monarch House, and in 2024, assumed responsibility for operations at the Prince George Wharf, where she continues to serve with professionalism and effectiveness.
Ms. Moxey’s diverse postings have also included a 2006 transfer to North Eleuthera, further broadening her operational experience. In 2022, she provided oversight of performance monitoring and training in the Enrollment and Permits Sections at Mount Royal House, and in 2023, supervised day-to-day operations and regulatory compliance at Monarch House.
Her professional development includes a wide range of local and international training in tourism service, document verification, refugee protection, firearms handling, law enforcement leadership, first aid, and security operations. These programs were conducted by reputable institutions such as the Ministry of Tourism, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the United Nations, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Bahamas Red Cross, the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism, and the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration.
Ms. Moxey’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. On 10 September 1997, she received a formal commendation recognizing her outstanding performance, dependability, and field readiness.
Throughout her distinguished career, Assistant Director Andrea Sylvia Moxey has demonstrated unwavering professionalism, sound judgment, and strong leadership. Her depth of experience and commitment to operational excellence continue to make her a respected figure within the Department of Immigration and the wider Bahamas Public Service.
Mrs. Shemah Saunders-Darling
Assistant Director of Immigration
Administration
Assistant Director Shemah Saunders-Darling is a veteran officer with nearly 40 years of service in the Bahamas Department of Immigration. Her longstanding career reflects steady progression through the ranks, marked by operational expertise, reliable supervision, and a strong administrative presence.
She officially joined the Bahamas Public Service on 5th June 1990 and has since held numerous leadership roles across both New Providence and the Family Islands. From 2007 to 2012, she was posted in Governor’s Harbour and Rock Sound, Eleuthera, where she led investigations, managed port operations, resolved complaints, and prepared confidential Immigration Board reports. By 2017, she was appointed Supervisor in Governor’s Harbour, overseeing all immigration matters in the district. In 2019, she was transferred to the Department’s Headquarters, and from 2020 to 2024, she served as Officer-in-Charge of several core units, including Online Applications, Public Relations, Research and Education, Public Education, Insurance, and Maintenance. In that capacity, she managed staff welfare, safety and emergency preparedness, insurance services, training initiatives, and public outreach.
Her career spans a wide range of duties including investigations, Immigration Board reporting, and public engagement. Known for her calm leadership and professionalism, she is often recognized for her steady presence during critical operations. Mrs. Saunders-Darling holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Galilee College and has completed professional development in corporate governance, leadership, and digital communication.
Her combination of field experience and administrative leadership continues to make her a respected figure within the Department of Immigration.
Mr. Bernard V. Pratt
Assistant Director of Immigration
Grand Bahama
Assistant Director Bernard Van-Buern Pratt is a veteran public officer whose service to the Bahamas Government spans more than four decades. He began his public service career on 7th September 1981 with the Post Office Department under the Ministry of Transport. On 2nd June 1986, he was formally appointed to the Public Service and, shortly after, on 6th June 1986, transferred to the Department of Immigration as a Trainee Immigration Officer.
Over the years, Mr. Pratt has developed deep expertise in both operational and administrative areas of immigration, with a focus on Naturalization, Permanent Residency, and Resident Spouse matters. His steady progression through the ranks reflects a proven record of leadership and commitment across a wide range of assignments.
From 1986 to 1998, he was stationed in Freeport, Grand Bahama, where he handled investigations, port operations, and citizenship processing. In 2002, he was transferred to Abaco, taking on responsibilities related to port management and immigration investigations. Between 2008 and 2010, he served in Exuma before returning to Grand Bahama to oversee complaints, permit processing, and Immigration Board reporting. From 2010 to 2012, he led the Resident Spouse/Homeowner’s Card and Naturalization Sections.
Between 2013 and 2015, Mr. Pratt served at the Grand Bahama International Airport, where he advanced from Officer to Deputy, and ultimately Officer-in-Charge. In 2016, he was appointed Supervisor of Freeport Harbour—one of the country’s major ports of entry—a role he held with distinction. He later served as Second-in-Command at the Department of Immigration, with responsibility for Long-Term Applications and Immigration Board matters. Most recently, he was reassigned to Abaco as Officer-in-Charge, where he continues to provide oversight and operational leadership.
Throughout his career, Assistant Director Pratt has remained committed to lifelong learning and professional development. He has completed a variety of specialized training programs, including the Career Track Management Training by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (1997–1998), the Supervisory Management Seminar (2004), the Productivity Management Seminar (2005), the Bahamas Blockchain & Cryptocurrency Conference Workshop (2018), and Firearms Safety and Handling Training at the Bahamas Police Training College (2021).
His exemplary contributions have earned him several formal recognitions, including a Certificate of Exemplary Service for Outstanding Employee for the period July 2001 to June 2002 and, a Commendation for going above and beyond the call of duty on 25th January 2011.
Assistant Director Bernard Pratt is widely respected for his professionalism, integrity, and depth of institutional knowledge. His operational resilience and steadfast leadership continue to be a vital asset to the Department of Immigration.
Mr. Harold D. Thurston
Assistant Director of Immigration
Naturalization Unit
Assistant Director Harold Dennis Thurston has dedicated over four decades to public service in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, distinguished by his extensive field experience, institutional knowledge, and leadership across several government agencies. He began his career in 1982 with the Ministry of Health and transitioned to the Department of Immigration in 1990, where he was appointed as a Trainee Immigration Officer.
Over the years, Mr. Thurston has consistently demonstrated a commitment to professional development. He has completed specialized training in firearms handling, fraudulent document detection, maritime operations, anti-human trafficking, counterterrorism, and refugee protection. These programs were conducted in partnership with the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the United Nations, the U.S. Coast Guard, and other regional and international agencies—broadening his expertise in both national and transnational immigration matters.
His wide-ranging assignments have taken him across New Providence, Eleuthera, San Salvador, Exuma, and Abaco. His roles have spanned immigration control at Lynden Pindling International Airport, port supervision, regional office management, and service in high-security units such as the Detention Centre and the Enforcement Unit. From 2011 to 2013, he led the George Town, Exuma Office, and in 2023, he was appointed head the of the Abaco district office.
Mr. Thurston has been the recipient of multiple commendations for his contributions to national security and immigration enforcement. His efforts have been formally recognized for curbing illegal immigration, coordinating successful interdictions, and supporting national celebrations.
Assistant Director Thurston’s enduring commitment to duty, operational leadership, and professionalism continues to make him a trusted and respected figure within the Department of Immigration.
Mr. Allan L. Smith
Assistant Director of Immigration
Eleuthera
Assistant Director Allan Lester Smith has served the Government of The Bahamas with distinction for over three decades, building a career defined by growth, development, and consistent performance. His service with the Department of Immigration began in June 1990 when he was appointed as a Trainee Immigration Officer—marking the start of a long and impactful tenure in national security and border operations.
In 2024, Mr. Smith expanded his professional competencies by completing courses at the Bahamas Institute of Business and Technology. These studies focused on project management, planning, and structured project initiation—skills that have further equipped him to support organizational advancement and contribute to developmental initiatives within the Department.
Throughout his career, Mr. Smith has actively pursued specialized training in key areas of immigration work. He participated in seminars on refugee status determination and attended workshops hosted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). He also took part in national efforts to combat human trafficking. Between 2022 and 2027, he completed certification programs through the Bahamas Maritime Training Institute, earning qualifications in first aid, personal survival techniques, fire safety, and social responsibility.
His postings have spanned several Family Island locations, including Freeport, San Salvador, and Bimini, giving him wide-ranging field experience. Since 30th September 2013, he has served as Officer-in-Charge of the Immigration Office in Bimini, where he has provided consistent leadership and strengthened operational efficiency.
His dedication has been formally recognized through commendations received on 27th September 1999 and 9th July 2023, along with consistently strong performance appraisals. Assistant Director Allan Smith is regarded as a dependable leader with sound judgment, a strong work ethic, and the proven ability to adapt to the evolving needs of the Department and the nation.
Mr. William S. Wilson Jr.
Assistant Director of Immigration
Exuma
Assistant Director William Stanley Wilson began his career with the Department of Immigration on 5th June 1990 as a Trainee Immigration Officer under the Ministry of Employment and Immigration. Over the course of more than three decades, he has steadily advanced through the ranks—an achievement underscored by his broad institutional knowledge, deep field experience, and unwavering dedication to national service.
Mr. Wilson has participated in a diverse range of professional development programs, contributing to his expertise in immigration operations and enforcement. His training includes the INS Forensic Document Laboratory Seminar (1991); the U.S. Department of State and INS Training Program in Miami, Florida (1999); and Fraudulent Documentation Training facilitated by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (2003). He also completed the Maritime Immigration Law and Policy Seminar with the U.S. Coast Guard; firearm training at the Bahamas Police Training College; and a Counter-Terrorism Workshop in 2010. Additional certifications include the Specialized National Workshop on Immigration and Customs Controls (2012) and Law Enforcement Chaplaincy Training (2022).
Throughout his career, Mr. Wilson has served in key posts across The Bahamas, including New Providence, Grand Bahama, Bimini, Abaco, and Walker’s Cay. His responsibilities have spanned enforcement, investigations, permit and application processing, border control, and administrative leadership in both urban centers and Family Islands.
From 1990 to 1992, he was posted to New Providence and Freeport, performing general immigration duties. In 1995, he served in Freeport with a focus on investigations and migrant landings. Between 1996 and 1998, he was appointed Officer-in-Charge of Walker’s Cay, Abaco. In 2005, he was assigned to Bimini, managing ports of entry, complaints, interviews, and reporting.
From 2008 to 2009, Mr. Wilson served in the Freeport Enforcement Unit, overseeing apprehensions, arrest documentation, escort operations, and shift supervision. Between 2010 and 2015, he was appointed Officer-in-Charge of Treasure Cay, Abaco, leading immigration operations at the airport and throughout the district. From 2015 to 2022, he was based in Freeport, where he was responsible for processing applications for citizenship, permanent residency, spousal permits, and resident belonger status, while also performing various public service duties. In 2023, he returned to Bimini and served as Officer-in-Charge through 2024.
Assistant Director William Stanley Wilson is recognized as a dependable and experienced senior officer. His extensive field knowledge, dedication to the enforcement of immigration law, and leadership in the development of junior officers continue to support the Department’s mission and uphold national security priorities.
Ms. S. Kainell Brown
Acting Assistant Director of Immigration
Lynden Pindling International Airport
Acting Assistant Director Sharon Kainell Brown began her career in the Bahamas Department of Immigration on June 5, 1990. Over the past three decades, she has exemplified discipline, professionalism, and dedication while serving in a variety of critical posts within the Department.
Her early assignment began in Freeport, Grand Bahama, on October 1, 1990. In July 2000, she transferred to New Providence, where she has since held key positions across multiple units, including the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA), the Permits Unit, and the Carmichael Road Detention Centre. Notably, between 2007 and 2021, she served at LPIA—one of the nation’s busiest border control hubs—solidifying her expertise in immigration control, customer service, and operational security.
Acting Assistant Director Brown has also built an impressive record of professional development. She has completed numerous local and international training programs, ranging from motivational leadership and first aid to advanced courses in refugee law, immigration security, and human trafficking. Her participation in global forums, such as the 59th International Association of Women Police Training Conference and the Global Leadership Summit, underscores her commitment to continuous learning and excellence in law enforcement.
A respected leader and mentor, Acting Assistant Director Brown is recognized for her versatile skill set, institutional knowledge, and steadfast service. Her journey serves as a testament to her value within the Department and her role as a trailblazer for women in immigration and public service.
Mrs. Crystal McKay
Acting Assistant Director of Immigration
Information and Communications Technology
Acting Assistant Director Crystal McKay began her career with the Bahamas Department of Immigration on June 5, 1990, and has since become a pivotal figure in the Department’s growth and modernization. With over three decades of dedicated service, she has successfully combined technical expertise with administrative leadership, making lasting contributions to the Department’s operations and digital transformation initiatives.
In 1996, Mrs. McKay earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems from Morgan State University, providing her with a strong academic foundation to navigate the rapidly evolving field of information technology and systems management. She further enhanced her credentials through a series of professional certifications from IBM, including AS/400 Security Concepts, AS/400 Advanced System Operator, and Query/400 Workshop. Her extensive proficiency in mainframe operations, system security, and data integration has made her an indispensable asset, particularly during key periods of digital restructuring within the Department.
Over the years, she has held several critical technical roles, including serving as an Assistant in the A.D.P. Unit at Headquarters from 1997 to 2002, and later as a leader within the IT Unit from 2009 to 2025. Currently, she serves as both Acting Assistant Director and Systems Administrator, overseeing the stability, performance, and security of the Department’s mission-critical IT infrastructure. Her work consistently focuses on strengthening national security, improving service delivery, and ensuring operational efficiency through the integration of technology, data management, and user support.
In addition to her technical expertise, Mrs. McKay is a seasoned officer with over 20 years of experience in law enforcement and immigration systems. She has worked across a broad range of areas, including investigations, border control, and permit issuance, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the Department’s core functions.
Widely regarded as a quiet force behind many of the Department’s digital advancements, Mrs. McKay continues to set a high standard of professionalism, technical excellence, and institutional knowledge. She is respected both as a role model within the public service and as a steadfast advocate for innovation in government systems.
Mr. Montello D. Gibson
Acting Assistant Director of Immigration
Grand Bahama
Acting Assistant Director Montello Donahue Gibson began his public service career with the Bahamas Department of Immigration on June 5, 1990. With more than three decades of dedicated service, he has developed into a well-rounded and highly experienced officer with expertise spanning immigration enforcement, administration, strategic planning, and leadership. His contributions have extended across several islands of The Bahamas, making him an invaluable asset to national immigration operations.
Throughout his career, Mr. Gibson has held key assignments across the archipelago. He served as Immigration Officer in George Town, Exuma (1992–1994), and in Freeport, Grand Bahama (2003–2005). He later worked as an Enforcement Officer in Marsh Harbour, Abaco (2005–2009), before returning to New Providence as Administrative Assistant to the Director in 2009. His subsequent appointments include the Enforcement Unit in Freeport (2013), Second in Charge in Bimini (2015), Officer in Charge in both Inagua (2015) and Eleuthera (2019), and as part of the Research and Planning Unit in New Providence (2021). He returned to Freeport, Grand Bahama, in 2024, where he continues to serve.
Mr. Gibson’s professional training portfolio is equally extensive and impressive. He holds certifications from several prestigious institutions and programs, including the Identity Document Management System (IDMS) Certification facilitated by Canadian Bank Note and the Immigration IT Unit (2018), and Immigration Security Training through the Inter-American Committee Against Terrorism (2008). He also completed Law Enforcement Leadership Training through the Royal Bahamas Police Force Training College (2018), is an alumnus of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, and earned a Certificate of Achievement from the Academy on Labour Migration in Turin, Italy.
His career reflects a deep engagement with both the operational and strategic functions of the Department of Immigration. Mr. Gibson’s broad field experience and commitment to ongoing professional development continue to support the Department’s goals in law enforcement, policy implementation, interagency collaboration, and the mentorship of junior officers.
He is married to Dr. Camille Bowen-Gibson and is known as a loyal colleague and a friend to many.
Mr. Perry G. Davis
Acting Assistant Director of Immigration
Consular Affairs
Acting Assistant Director Perry Garland Davis has served the Bahamas Department of Immigration with distinction since his appointment on October 1, 1996. With nearly three decades of dedicated service, he has built a career rooted in continuous education, cross-functional training, and field assignments spanning the length and breadth of The Bahamas.
Throughout his tenure, Mr. Davis has held a variety of critical assignments at both the administrative and operational levels. His service began at the Department’s Headquarters in 1997 and expanded to include postings at the Enforcement Unit, the Detention Centre, the Investigation and Apprehension Unit, and the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA). His assignments in North Eleuthera and Inagua afforded him valuable hands-on experience in the Family Islands. He later oversaw operations within the Security Administration Unit, demonstrating his leadership and administrative capabilities.
Mr. Davis’s professional development includes a broad spectrum of specialized training, both locally and internationally. His credentials span refugee law, correctional reform, dangerous drug investigations, counter-trafficking, firearms, and maritime law enforcement. He is a graduate of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Training College and has participated in programs hosted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the U.S. Department of State, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), reflecting his strong foundation in international and regional security practices.
Most recently, Mr. Davis has been assigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he currently heads the Consular Affairs Division. In this capacity, he oversees Bahamian visa administration and other critical consular functions, serving as a key liaison in facilitating international mobility and citizen services.
Known for his professionalism, deep institutional knowledge, and wide-ranging experience, Acting Assistant Director Davis continues to play an integral role in advancing national interests both at home and abroad. His enduring commitment to public service and officer development serves as a model for junior officers across the Department.
Mr. Chedville D. Adams
Acting Assistant Director of Immigration
Operations
Mr. Vasco J. Johnson
Acting Assistant Director of Immigration
Detention Facilities
Acting Assistant Director Vasco Jonathan Johnson began his tenure with the Bahamas Department of Immigration on May 22, 2000. With more than two decades of dedicated service, he has developed into a highly skilled professional with a strong background in security operations, tactical training, and administrative support. His wide-ranging field experience and robust educational background have positioned him as a valuable asset to the Department’s leadership team.
Mr. Johnson has completed extensive professional training, primarily in collaboration with law enforcement and corrections institutions in the United States. Between 2006 and 2011, he obtained certifications in Baton Use, OC Spray Application, Cell Extraction, Forensic Death Investigations, Flash-Bang Devices, Vehicle Combat Tactics, and Close Quarters Battle (CQB). He received training from respected entities such as the Rhode Island Department of Corrections, the National Corrections and Law Enforcement Training and Technology Center in West Virginia, and the Security Equipment Corporation in Missouri.
Some of the key certifications include: Baton Certification and OC Spray Training (2006), Cell Extraction Techniques (2006), and Forensic Death Investigations (2008). He also completed Flash-Bang Device Training (2008), Vehicle-Oriented Combat (2009), Less Lethal Launcher Operator (2010), and Distraction Device Instructor (2010). In 2011, he underwent training in Asymmetrical CQB and Advanced Combat Skills, and from 2010 to 2013, he was a Certified Instructor for Law Enforcement Aerosol Projectors.
Throughout his career, Mr. Johnson has served in several pivotal roles across the Department. His assignments include the Detention Centre (2015, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023), the Training Department (2019–2022), Prince George Wharf (2015–2018), and Immigration Headquarters (2012–2014). These roles reflect both his operational strength and instructional capabilities.
With a solid foundation in tactical operations, staff training, and ministry-based counseling, Acting Assistant Director Johnson brings a unique perspective to the Department of Immigration. His deep field knowledge, commitment to officer readiness, and passion for national security continue to drive the Department’s mission and inspire the next generation of immigration professionals.