Marvin Dames

Marvin H. Dames is a distinguished Bahamian leader whose career spans more than three decades of exemplary service in law enforcement, public administration, and national security. Born in Nassau, he received his early education at Government High School before pursuing higher studies abroad.

Marvin is a 1987 graduate of The Ohio State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology. He holds a Postgraduate Certificate in Criminal Justice from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, and has completed advanced leadership and management training at world-renowned institutions, including Yale University and the University of Chicago’s Chicago Management Institute. In 2005, he also completed a Master of Science in International Trust.

Marvin Dames began his career in national service in 1988 when he joined the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF). Over his 23-year tenure, he rose through the ranks with distinction, attending top law enforcement training programs in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. He is a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy (176th Session), the Royal Canadian Mounted Police College in Ottawa, and the Strategic Leadership Programme in the UK. His international postings included attachments with the Metropolitan Police Service in the UK and a year-long leadership role with the Toronto Police Service, where he worked closely with the Chief of Police.

By 2010, Marvin had become Deputy Commissioner of Police, having previously served as Senior Assistant Commissioner from 2007 to 2009. His leadership earned him national and international recognition, including the Queen’s Police Medal in 2010, the Long Service Medal in 2009, and the Meritorious Service Medal in 2001.

In 2011, Marvin transitioned into the private sector as Vice President of Security at Baha Mar, one of the largest luxury resort developments in the region. There, he oversaw security operations during critical phases of the resort’s development. In 2016, he founded The Dames Group, a security and consulting firm, where he currently serves as President.

Marvin returned to public service in 2017 when he was elected as a Member of Parliament and appointed Minister of National Security in the Cabinet of The Bahamas. In this capacity, he led major national efforts in law enforcement reform, border protection, and public safety, guiding policy and operations during a critical period in Bahamian governance.

Marvin Dames is a dedicated husband and father. He is married to Stacey Dames (nee Cumberbatch), and together they are proud parents of two children. Throughout his life, Marvin has remained committed to building a safer, more just Bahamas through service, through leadership, and through action.