|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 It is no secret. Over the years, the PLP has become infamous for cronyism and its rank victimization of individuals with opposing political views. In light of its reputation, it was not surprising to hear the State Minister of National Security Keith Bell attempt to intimidate and browbeat members of our nation’s security forces into submission.
During Monday’s Senate session, BELL THE BULLY launched a scathing attack on police and prison officers who have dared to speak out against the actions of this Christie administration in handling their grievances. During his remarks Bell threatened to “deal with” those officers who participated in an orderly and peaceful protest in an effort to bring public awareness to their plight. Their right to assemble as an organization is one which is guaranteed to them in the constitution, and one which the Democratic National Alliance FULLY SUPPORTS.
One cannot help but wonder exactly how the government plans to “deal with” these officers. Does the Minister plan to sit with the hard working members Police and Prison Officers’ associations and negotiate in good faith, or has the minister covertly unveiled the government’s plans to further victimize them? For months, members of the country’s armed forces have been attempting to negotiate with this administration with a view to addressing some of their long-standing concerns. Unfortunately those concerns have been ignored, and attempts to rekindle those talks met with tactics of intimidation.
It goes without saying that the armed forces of any country are an important cog in the wheel of national development. Members of our security forces, as part of their commitment to their jobs, rub shoulders with the criminal element while managing to keep themselves above reproach and working tireless to help the government fulfill its mandate to protect the citizenry of this nation. Police Officers are often the country’s first line of defense against the criminal element. Those officers walk the beat daily, protecting our communities; and considering the current state of crime in this country, their job is undoubtedly a difficult one. Unfortunately, this government has yet to show them the level of respect they deserve.
While officers continue to agitate for better salaries and improved working conditions the government has refused to make their concerns a priority; opting instead to spend millions on the promotion of a non-Bahamian cultural expression in the form of Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival, or to clean up the messes left by their political cronies – as in the case of the BAMSI insurance fiasco. While these hard working officers are forced to BEG for what they are rightfully owed, well to do members of this government have, during this term in office, made a case of salary increases of their own while PM Perry Christie has agitated for the construction of a residence for PM to be constructed and maintained with taxpayer funds.
The comments made by Bell in the Upper House on Monday are both disgusting and undemocratic. They also speak to the culture of victimization that this government continues to cultivate. A culture which continues to stifle true national development. His comments coupled with the actions of this administration again invalidate their mantra of believing in Bahamians.
Unlike this oppressive PLP government, the Democratic National Alliance will continue to support members of the country’s armed forces as they agitate for what is fair and just. Should this government continue to ignore the concerns of the hard working men and women that protect, the DNA pledges to make their issues a priority and negotiate in good faith. In the interim though, the Christie government and its agents must refrain from using its power to bully those who dare to stand up for themselves.
Mr. Andrew Wilson
DNA Chairman
© Copyright 2015 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
