The headline splashed across the front page: Police Inspector Faces Cocaine Charges…That Inspector in question was Henry Wemyss, a distinguished officer who had worn his uniform with such pride that he was called “one of the cleanest police officers in uniform.” A legendary Instructor at the Police College, who was highly regarded as a “father figure” and “role model.”
An officer entrusted to lead the Royal Bahamas Police Cadet Corps and groom the future leadership of the Force. That false accusation derailed his career and plunged him into one of the darkest periods of his life. He lost his freedom, his reputation, and the profession he was destined. But this life-shattering experience did not define him. God used it as his turning point and propelled him further than anyone could have imagined.
In 2020, Henry faced another dark moment when he contracted COVID-19 and was brought to the brink of death. Yet again, God stepped in, and He became “the miracle patient.” This book chronicles Henry’s journey from humbling beginnings in Behring Point, Central Andros. It pulls back the curtain, delving into his policing career, court trial, life behind bars, re-entry into society, pioneering work in the security industry and his remarkable recovery from COVID-19. It is told, not just through his own words, but also through the perspectives of the people he touched along the way. It is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It is a story of faith, hope, and perseverance.
In 2023, Henry was conferred by the Government of the Bahamas with the honour of member in the Order of Merit of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Henry continues to have a positive impact on the world around him. He stands tall as a proud Bahamian nation builder, an entrepreneur, a visionary leader, a philanthropist, and a man who is unashamed to declare that Jesus Christ is his Lord and Savior.
Henry’s story is a life changer for anyone facing difficult times. His message is simple: “Never give up! If God can do it for me, He can do it for you.”
Henry A. Wemyss, M.M. was born in Behring Point, Andros, on April 14, 1947. He began his education at St. Mary Catholic School in Andros, and after moving to Nassau in 1959, he attended St. Thomas Moore and thereafter completed his high school education at Aquinas College. He has been a committed Bahamian patriot for 58 years, contributing to law enforcement, youth development, and ongoing financial aid to community and social welfare.
In 1965 at the age of 18, he joined the Royal Bahamas Police Force. During his tenure in the Force, he earned the reputation as one of the cleanest police officers in uniform. This innate sense of pride afforded him the opportunity to travel throughout the Americas and Canada as an Ambassador, along with the Ministry of Tourism. In 1982, he made history as the first and only Bahamian police officer in an independent Bahamas to complete the General Police Duties course at the Metropolitan Police College in Hendon, London, and bring home the coveted baton of honor, having achieved first place.
He is a revered and highly respected past Instructor of the Police College, where he taught for 12 years, eventually becoming Chief Class Instructor. In this capacity, he was instrumental in grooming the future leadership of the Force, including male and female Assistant Commissioner of Police, the first two female Deputy Commissioner of Police in the history of the Force, the past three Commissioners of Police, and the current Commissioner of Police. In his last assignment, he revitalized and led a new Royal Bahamas Police Force Cadet Corp Program from 1988 to 1990, where some of the country’s most successful young men and women were trained and they have risen through the ranks to become Superintendents of Police, Assistant Commandant of the Police College, Assistant Superintendents, Inspectors, and other ranks of the Police Force. Others have become International Lawyers, Medical Doctors, Entrepreneurs, and Business Executives. Before retiring after 31 years of service, he was recognized and received the medals for Long Service and Good Conduct, along with Meritorious Service.
Read MoreIn 1995, he began working at the Bahamas Telecommunication Corporation as a Supervisor and shortly after he was promoted as a Security Manager. In that same year (1995) he was nominated and received the award for Manager of the Year. After the privatization of the corporation, he ventured out as an entrepreneur, and in 2000, WemCo Security & Collections Limited began operations. WemCo became a trailblazer in the security industry and continues to stand out as an industry leader, setting the standard for trained, disciplined, and career-minded security professionals. Over the years, the company has received numerous commendations from the Commissioner(s) of Police, clients, and the general public for outstanding services in going above and beyond.
He is an ordained Minister of the Gospel and as a philanthropist, he has established his personal Ministry of Help. Many, including charitable organizations, churches, widows, orphans, employees, and members of the general community, continue to benefit from his generosity. He has received numerous awards, including being honored by the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas as a Salute to Legends for his commitment and dedication to the Bahamas. In May 2023, he received the Clementina Stubbs and The Eagle Award from Calvary Deliverance Church for his dedication and support to the church’s outreach ministries.
He has been married to Judy Anna M Wemyss, née Lockhart, for 49 years and has eight children. His life’s motto is “For with God nothing shall be impossible” (Luke 1:37). This has been the hallmark of his life, accomplishments, and exemplary services to the Bahamian community.