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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 In the wake of yet another weekend of bloodshed here in New Providence, a weekend which saw the Prime Minister’s own Press Secretary slain during the early morning hours, a weekend which saw 4 other Bahamian families become the victims of tragic and unnecessary loss, the nation’s leader is again heading “back to the drawing board” to re-examine the government’s strategies on crime.
Before taking office in May of 2012, this PLP administration berated the then Free National Movement government on their failures to keep the rising crime rate in check. In fact, this Christie led administration plastered crime statistics on billboards as part of an election campaign tactic. They assured the public that they had the answers to addressing crime and the fear of crime in the Bahamas; touting programs like Project Safe Bahamas and Urban Renewal 2.0. Bahamians bought into the promises of the PLP but have so far received no return on that investment.
Sadly, now more than 2 years into this term in office, crime remains perhaps the most pressing of all the country’s national concerns. We, in the Democratic National Alliance are saddened by the loss of ALL lives, and the recent escalation in violent crime over the past several months is proof that none among us, even those in the higher echelons of government, are safe; sentiments which were also echoed by the country’s Deputy Prime Minister last year, after both an attack on his driver, and on he and his family at their home months later.
Even more disturbing though is an emerging trend within this Christie led administration which suggests that only an attack on one of their own seems to prompt or warrant the attention of the PM and a full scale re-examination of crime strategies. Would such a re-examination of police efforts been at the forefront of the PM’s mind had his press secretary not been one of the victims? Would the four other murders have been enough to warrant Mr. Christie’s intervention? Or was it only because the matter hit close to home did the PM decide to call a meeting with the relevant stakeholders?
The LIFE of EVERY BAHAMIAN should be valuable and the loss of such life should be the driving force behind what must become a sustained effort to effort to keep the criminal element at bay.
Rather than pay lip service to it, this and future governments must take a long, hard look at implementing the needed changes to our overburdened courts and the reintroduction of capital punishment as a deterrent to criminal behavior.
The re-evaluation of our prison system must also take place, shifting from a purely punitive environment which continues to crank out more and more career criminals, to a system which, while doling out punishment also seeks to rehabilitate offenders, preparing them for re-entry into society. This, coupled with the proper management of police manpower and resources will go a long way in addressing some of the challenges facing the country.
The DNA commends Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade and the entire Police Force for continuing to do what is undoubtedly a very difficult job, under very difficult circumstances. However crime cannot be controlled without a greater commitment from the legislative arm of the government.
It is the hope of the DNA, that this government will finally GET TOUGH ON CRIME! If not, more and more families will feel the sting of death’s touch and citizens of this country will continue to be paralyzed by fear rather than enjoying our beautiful paradise.
© Copyright 2014 by thebahamasweekly.com
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