Abaco residents are pushing for the swift removal of Chief Superintendent William Hart, the officer in charge of their district, citing his disastrous leadership style.
The pleas come at a crucial time as the newly appointed Commissioner of Police, Shanta Knowles – the first woman to hold the post – is making sweeping changes within the force.
Many in Abaco are hoping these changes will extend to the leadership on the island, and they are calling for Hart’s swift transfer to ensure the community's concerns are addressed.
At the heart of the community’s grievances is the ongoing financial strain caused by Hart's management, particularly regarding Evergreen Mortuary, a local funeral home that has been an integral service provider since 2014.
Due to outstanding payments from the police force, Evergreen’s management made the tough decision to suspend its services to the police department.
This decision, which affects the timely removal and proper handling of deceased individuals, has created a deeply troubling situation for Abaco’s residents.
"The situation has reached a breaking point. We are not talking about a minor inconvenience here," said one local, who requested anonymity. "Since Evergreen suspended services, families have had to resort to loading their loved ones into the backs of trucks or squeezing them into private cars to get them to the morgue. It's unthinkable that in 2025, this is happening on an island with a fully equipped funeral home."
The community’s frustration is further compounded by the fact that Hart is fully aware of the problem and, according to residents, has done little to address it.
This, coupled with accusations of poor leadership and what some describe as "ineptitude," has led many to believe that Hart is ill-suited for the role and out of touch with the needs of Abaco’s residents.
"The man does not have a heart for Abaco," said one community member, echoing a sentiment shared by many. "His leadership style is not just ineffective; it's downright harmful. His disregard for basic professional standards is evident, and it is affecting families who are already grieving."
Evergreen Mortuary, which was established to bring dignity to the dead and alleviate the financial burdens of transporting loved ones to Nassau, had long been a partner in good standing with the police force.
Under previous leadership, notably when Kevin Mortimer was the officer in charge, the police and funeral home worked hand in hand to ensure that all death-related matters were handled with professionalism.
Since Hart’s appointment, the relationship between the funeral home and the police has deteriorated.
The call for action isn't limited to the funeral home’s situation. Several members of the Abaco community have also criticized Hart for his management of police assets.
The community’s frustrations have reached a boiling point, and with the recent appointment of Commissioner Knowles, they see an opportunity for change. Many hope that Knowles, who has made history as the first female Commissioner of Police, will bring a fresh perspective and focus to the Abaco district, beginning with Hart’s removal.
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