thebahamasweekly.com - Dr. Minnis: Murderous Start to the New Year

From:TheBahamasWeekly.com

Bahamian Politics
Dr. Minnis: Murderous Start to the New Year
By The Free National Movement
Feb 13, 2017 - 2:44:48 PM

Nassau, Bahamas - Dr. Minnis, Leader of the Free National Movement (FNM), issued the following statement:

“February is off to a tragic start for the Bahamian people -- 13 murders in 13 days. For so many this goes way beyond politics – we need action now to stop this growing crime epidemic. It saddens us that the PLP’s initial response is to launch political attacks, instead of working towards real solutions. Baseless political attacks will not end the senseless violence. Baseless political attacks will not heal our communities. And the PLP’s baseless political attacks offer cold comfort to the families whose lives have been turned upside down by these crimes.”

“One murder is too many for the victims and their families, but 27 so far this year are too much to bear. It’s time for the PLP to set aside the statistics they are seizing upon attempting to convince the public that crime is down and that their fears and anger are misplaced. Statistics won’t bring these people back – they are meaningless to the victims’ families. Ignoring the problem will not make it go away; in fact that strategy has only allowed it to get worse.”

“The FNM has devised a comprehensive, constructive plan that will put a priority on making our communities and neighbourhoods safe and secure. Our ‘Change Team’ is composed of candidates who have been on the front lines of this issue, as former police officers they bring ideas and experiences that will make a difference. Their ideas helped shape our plan, a plan that starts with proper training and equipment for our police; a plan that calls for collaborating with church leaders and educators who know their communities, and a plan that will bring them together collectively with social workers and community leaders. Our goal will always be to empower the people, not ignore them or their concerns. We pledge to work every day to make all our communities safe and secure for the people because they deserve nothing less from their leaders.”