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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Over the past several years, violence has continued to spill over into local communities, claiming the lives of hundreds of young Bahamians. As a citizenry, Bahamians continue to grapple with the daily reports of homicides, armed robberies and any number of other crimes which have grabbed headlines bringing with it unwanted public and international scrutiny. For years, the Bahamas has relied heavily on the influx of visitors from the United States and other parts of the world. Now, the country’s status as a conflict zone threatens to derail years of tourism growth.
Last week, the US State Department issued yet another crime warning to its citizens visiting New Providence. While the US has become the latest to issue such a warning, the Canadian and UK governments have also warned their citizens about rising crime levels, particularly here in the capital. This is the 9th crime warning issued by foreign governments in under two years. In its most recent warning, US officials noted a two year increase in the number of armed robberies taking place in New Providence, specifically within areas known as high traffic tourist areas. This is particularly troubling as it speaks to how emboldened the criminal element in this country has become; undoubtedly spurred on by years of inaction on the part of successive administrations. Most recently it has come to our attention that Carnival Cruise Line has indicated that it intends to issue separate advisories to their guest upon arrival into Nassau. We are reliably informed that Carlos Torres de Navarre of Carnival Cruise Line and Vice President of Commercial Port Operations have tried to liaise with the Minister of Tourism since August of this year regarding the security concerns but to no avail! We are informed that Security advisories will be issued by the cruise line as early as this week. The last time this occurred in 2013, hardly any tourist left the ships and the country suffered. It is believed that if the separate security advisory is issued by Carnival, the other cruise lines will follow suit!
After successfully convincing the electorate that it had the answers to addressing crime and criminality across the archipelago, Bahamians families, many of whom have lost loved ones are still waiting on this Christie led administration to outline its plan of action in dealing with the scourge of crime. Instead they have gotten only hollow promises and political rhetoric. Instead, they have watched as the system designed to mete out justice seems to shield the political elite among us. In fact, this administration has
given us countless examples including the scores of parliamentarians who have failed to disclose and cabinet ministers who have perverted the course of justice without consequence.
With the country on track to break the record on the number of murders recorded last year, the time has come for this government to get serious about crime. The continued failure of this and other administrations to creatively and effectively address crime not only facilitates the breakdown of our communities but also endangers the livelihood of scores of Bahamians who depend on tourism to make a living.
The time for Rhetoric and empty promises is OVER. THE WORLD IS WATCHING!
Branville McCartney
DNA Leader
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