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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
 After months of escalating gang violence, near double digit homicides, multiple international travel warnings by the US, UK and Canada – the most recent of which was issued just last week – as well as a recent spate of police involved shootings, National Security Minister Dr. Bernard Nottage has finally broken his silence on the terror which has gripped our communities. After months of waiting for this Christie led administration to outline its plan of action in dealing with the scourge of crime, Bahamian families who have been impacted by the criminality facing our country and those who live in fear of being next on the list of the criminal element were deeply disappointed by the Minister’s hollow promises and political rhetoric.
The Minister began his address by citing the importance of valuing the Rule of Law. Ironically enough however, this administration, like the ones before it, has failed at every turn to do just that. In fact, I dare say that the complete lack of respect shown for the laws of this country by those in the executive and legislative arms of government has only served to embolden the criminal element. In recent weeks, reports of alleged corruption and conflicts of interest involving both FNM and PLP members of Parliament have been plastered across local news media and even now 3 years into this term in office scores of government ministers have failed to adhere to important laws on public disclosure. It is therefore hypocritical for this administration and members of the opposition to demand adherence to the law when they themselves have flouted the law at every turn; doing so without consequence.
After admitting to interfering in a judicial matter involving one of his constituents, MICAL MP V. Alfred Gray walked away with nothing more than a slap on the wrist. Even more disturbing in that matter was the fact that PM Perry Christie was not prepared to take immediate action against him, in fact it was Mr. Gray who recommended to the PM that he step down from his post as Local Government Minister.
Take for example also the recent matters involving the AG herself. Despite her pledge to uphold the rule of law, the Attorney General has on more than one occasion failed to live up to that pledge. Not only did she fail to bring the necessary charges in connection with allegations of judicial interference on the part of her cabinet colleague, but she has also failed to bring charges against the BEC bribe taker despite the fact that US authorities have turned over the name of that individual and pertinent evidence in that matter. Most recently, she has found herself at the center of an obvious conflict of interest involving the Baha Mar negotiations.
Similarly, members of the Free National Movement have proven just as morally deficient.
In the run-up to the 2012 election this Christie government stated emphatically that they had the answers to making our country safe again. Since coming to office however, this government has put forward no ground breaking policy initiatives to address the issue, instead relying on much of the same and hoping for a new result. Last night’s address by the Minister though filled with promises of action are for the time being simply that. PROMISES.
According to Dr. Nottage, the government is spending millions on new equipment and technologies which on the surface seems like an appropriate measure to take. Unfortunately, this government has for months ignored and neglected the needs of their most valuable resource: POLICE OFFICERS! Hard working officers hoping to meet with government officials on issues affecting the force have instead been met with derision and outright victimization. To that end sadly, the Minister’s commendation of the work being done by members of the armed forces rang hollow and empty.
Also of note in the Minister’s address were plans to introduce new legislation to hold parents accountable for the criminal actions of their minor children. This proposed law does nothing to address the many root issues contributing to crime in the Bahamas and will serve only to make criminals of struggling, hard working parents. Even so, the government’s track record on the introduction, implementation and enforcement of matters on its legislative agenda has left much to be desired. The DNA has little confidence that this administration will be able to execute and enforce these new laws. Even in the case of the Minister’s highly touted Marco’s Law which was passed in Parliament, the government has yet to finalize the accompanying sex offender’s registry or enact other key elements of that legislation.
The time has come to put the criminal element on notice that their actions will no longer be tolerated. Those found breaking the law regardless of their political connections or status in society must recognize that the government of the Bahamas will not hesitate to act in preservation of the wider public.
The first step must be the removal of all impediments to the use of capital punishment that has been a fundamental part of our laws for many years. Despite the noise in the market, the government cannot become caught up in the relativity of what crimes qualify as the worst of the worst. The loss of ANY and ALL LIFE should be considered a travesty and those found guilty of willfully ending the life of another human should face the full brunt of the law.
In these matters the legal maxim: “JUSTICE DELAYED IS JUSTICE DENIED” applies. By the Minister’s own admission retaliation killings have contributed to the critical crime situation developing on the streets of New Providence. Allowing persons accused and convicted of murders, crimes against children and crimes against the elderly to escape punishment often compels family members and friends of those victims to take matters into their own hands.
A government that is serious about crime must also refrain from interfering in the work of the judiciary and of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. As has been seen during this government’s term in office, the interference of government officials in the work of the judiciary has perverted the course of justice and had widespread impact on the public perception of the judicial process. The practice of MP’s intervening in police matters on the part of their friends, family members and lovers must END!
While it was good to hear the Minister reaffirm the government’s commitment to teaching conflict resolution and to the rehabilitation of offenders, little was said about addressing the very specific needs of the family members of victims of violent crime. The DNA would create a victims’ ombudsman separate and apart from the police and prosecution departments where they can receive independent advice and representation if necessary.
In addressing the very serious issue of crime, real attention must be paid to increasing rate of recidivism. Some studies have discovered that two-thirds of all criminals reoffend within a three year period. Far too often, young men and women arrested and convicted for minor offenses enter the prison system as first time offenders and leave as hardened criminals. A DNA Government would focus on not just the punitive aspect of incarceration but also the rehabilitative aspect as well. Incarceration is not meant to be fun however, if convicted individuals are to be successfully reintegrated into society then a purely punitive philosophy of corrections cannot be our only course of action. Doing so will not only make our prison systems more effective but give reoffenders an alternative option to a life of crime.
We call on the Ministers of National Security to do more than just spew rhetoric but to take real and decisive action. Our political leaders must do just that: LEAD; and not simply in word but most importantly by example. The DNA calls on the Christie administration to turn these would be promises into concrete plans of action, which will restore the Rule of Law.
© Copyright 2015 by thebahamasweekly.com
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