After failing consistently on all fronts for the past
three years in government, the comments attributed to National Security Minister
Dr. Bernard Nottage regarding the country’s dismal crime statistics are a
disappointing slap in the face for all Bahamians who supported and believed
that this government had the answers to stemming the rising tide of crime.
The Democratic National Alliance is disgusted and
appalled by Dr. Nottage’s comments, which again prove exactly how out of touch
this administration is with the realities facing our country. Before taking
office, the PLP administration promised a multifaceted approach to crime
prevention. Instead the Bahamian people have gotten nothing more than excuses. For
8 months this National Security Minister sat in silence and watched as our
streets became a conflict zone. The Minister watched in silence as scores of
young men and women lost their lives to gun violence, while countless other
Bahamians fell victim to crimes such as armed robberies, rapes and assault.
Only recently did the Minister bother to address the situation; but instead of
articulating a concrete and concise plan of action,
HE SAID NOTHING OF VALUE! He instead used the opportunity to blame
the public and threaten to penalize parents rather than address the root causes
of the country’s crime problems. Now, with just over three months left in this
year, the country is already on track to outpace the number of murders
committed last year. In recent months the government’s lack of vision in
addressing the crime problem has led to a decrease in public confidence in both
the Royal Bahamas Police Force – which continues to do a yeoman’s job in
managing the criminal element despite widespread political interference – as
well as the judiciary, which continues to be plagued with a lack of resources.
It is against the backdrop of these startling
realities that the Minister is demanding a pat on the back? Rather than accept
the constructive public criticisms on this issue, both the substantive and
junior Ministers have been nothing but DEFENSIVE. The idea that this government
wants praise for doing
THE JOB IT HAS
BEEN MANDATED TO DO IS SIMPLY UNACCEPTABLE!
In the wake of his distasteful remarks, the DNA calls
for Dr. Nottage to issue a public apology to the people of this country and
tender – with immediate effect - his resignation as the Minister responsible
for National Security. HE HAS FAILED in his duties to the public. After so
adamantly blasting the previous administration for its record on crime it
appears that the PLP, like the FNM before it, is asleep at the wheel in the
fight against crime. Dr. Nottage, and by extension
THIS CHRISTIE GOVERNMENT, HAVE FAILED THE PEOPLE OF THIS COUNTRY. Just
like they used the former Prime Minister Ingraham’s words in the last election
campaign, the PLP is
UNWORTHY of
re-election.
The first responsibility of any government is the
safety and security of its citizenry. That responsibility should not be taken
lightly nor should those in leadership positions carry out their duties in
anticipation of recognition or a pat on the back.
After years of tolerating governments which pay only
lip service to addressing the many factors contributing to criminality in this
country, the DNA is committed to full scale enforcement of laws on the books –
both major and minor – without political interference.
Upon taking office the DNA will ensure that capital
punishment is enforced. A DNA government
will weed out corrupt or non-performing individuals.
Addressing other key issues such as substandard
education, youth unemployment, and a lack of sustained youth intervention
programs are all part of the DNA’s commitment to addressing crime and
criminality across our archipelago. The future of our Bahamas depends on it.
Branville McCartney
DNA Leader
