LONG ISLAND DECK CELEBRATES FEAST OF BARRACUDA WITH A RESOUNDING INITIATIVE ON POLICE-COMMUNITY COLLABORATION

On Sunday, 18th May 2025, Long Island Deck (Ottawa, Canada) of the National Association of Seadogs (NAS) marked the annual Feast of Barracuda at the Hampton Inn and Suites, Ottawa West. The event witnessed a public lecture with the theme: Police and Community Collaboration: Advancing Public Safety in the Black Communities.

The Keynote speaker was the Chief of Police, Ottawa Police Service, Mr. Eric Stubbs, and his presentation dwelt extensively on his vision of transforming the Ottawa Police Service into a more inclusive, ethnic diverse and proactive institution of government, whilst sustaining its goal of providing safety and security to the diverse communities within his jurisdiction, especially the Nigerian community.

In his opening speech, Capoon of Long Island Deck kicked off by explaining the concept of the Feast of Barracuda, linking its historical origins from the conquests of ancient seafarers in subduing the aquatic predator, to the confraternity’s sworn resolve to combat myriad ills that continue to plaque humanity.

Long Island Deck was privileged to have the Scribe of the National Association of Seadogs, Mr Amoni Orupabo, who represented the NAS Capoon, Dr Joseph Avuwa Oteri. The Area Mate, NAS Area 04, Mr Francis Anyimigbo, was also in attendance.

On behalf of NAS and Long Island Deck, Mr Orupabo presented a plaque of appreciation to the Police Chief (Mr Stubbs), and gave him the assurances of the NAS Capoon for future engagements and collaborations between the confraternity and Ottawa Police Service.

In his closing remarks, the Area Mate, NAS Area 04, Mr Anyimigbo, thanked the Police Chief for finding time in his busy schedule to honour Long Island’s invitation, capped with his very important presentation on a topical issue. He also thanked the leadership of Long Island Deck for coming up with this initiative of engaging the Police community and bringing together members of the Nigerian community for such a laudable community engagement. He further encouraged the leadership of the Deck to continue with this engagement in order to ensure the relationship with the Police and the community is maintained for future collaborations.

The Capoon of Long Island Deck, Mr Dabere Collins Amaechi, in his thank you remarks, thanked the NAS Scribe and the Area Mate for their presence at the event. He also thanked the Police Chief, Eric Stubbs, for finding it worthy to
partner with the deck in fostering a safe and secure community. He thanked every Seadogs present for their active support in ensuring a successful event.

Other police officers present at the event were Mr. Abid-Jan – (Director Community Safety and Well-Being), and Mr. Floyd  Hutchinsomn – (Community Safety and Recruitment), both from the Neighborhood Policing Directorate of Ottawa Police Service. Mrs Dianne Stubbs, wife of the Keynote Speaker, was also in attendance.

There were representatives from other not-for-profit organisations in Canada, including:

– Canada Hope Transformation Initiative – Mr. Emmanuel Tobi (Founder)
– Immigrant At Large Canada – Mrs. Elizabeth Dami (Founder)
– The Becoming Space Initiative – Mss. Chiaka Amaechi (Founder)
– Emerging Lives Initiative – Mrs Ifeoma Okonji (Founder)