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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
McCartney: Crime in The New Providence: A Critical Situation
By Branville McCartney, Leader, Democratic National Alliance (DNA)
Feb 24, 2015 - 1:33:22 PM
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 Critical. That was the word most recently used by US State Department Officials to categorize the state of violent crime in New Providence. In recent years, crime and the fear of crime have continued to grab headlines. Violent crime has, on an almost daily basis, spilled into our streets, claiming the lives of hundreds of men and women. For what seems to be the umpteenth time, our greatest ally to the north, has taken note of the increasingly dangerous situation developing in our local communities and are again warning visitors to our shores about the precarious situation.
Despite its many commitments to ensuring the safety and security of citizens, residents and visitors, this Christie led administration has failed to adequately address the issues of crime and criminality within our borders. While in opposition this Christie government claimed to have the answers. In the run up to the 2012 general election, the PLP campaigned heavily on the issue of crime. In fact Mr. Christie claimed to be ready on day 1. Touting plans such as Urban Renewal 2.0 and Project Safe Bahamas, the PLP proudly displayed horrific crime statistics on billboards that they plastered across the island. At the time, the PLP was content to use the tragic deaths of hundreds of Bahamians as a campaign tool. Since then however, the countless initiatives put forward by this government have had no real impact.
With each horrific spate of murders, rapes, and armed robberies, Mr. Christie and his government are forced to go back to the drawing board in some last ditch effort to bring about some real change. Even as the government continues to strategize, instances of political interference in the work of the Royal Bahamas Police Force threatens to undermine what minimal progress is actually being made.
The Commissioner of Police along with dedicated members of the Police Force continue to do everything within their power to get criminals off the street; unfortunately politicians in this country have been allowed to intervene on behalf of friends family members and lovers to the detriment of those efforts.
If we are to see a real reduction in violent and other crimes in the Bahamas ALL MEN MUST BE EQUAL UNDER THE LAW! No longer can those who rest in the bosom of the political elite be allowed to evade prosecution entirely or simply get a slap on the wrist. That standard works only to embolden law breakers who resort to even more heinous and brazen acts of criminality. When coupled with the current backlog of cases, and lack of personnel plaguing the judiciary, the actions of the government have served only to create an environment for the criminal element to thrive.
Even worse, however is the position taken by the Ministers responsible for National Security. Rather than take responsibility for the shortcomings of this administration, the Substantive Minister Dr. Bernard Nottage is often defensive and quick to pass the buck, blaming everyone – the family unit, the police, and society at large – for the failures of this administration to fulfill its campaign promises on crime.
This government must be aware that it’s fundamental duty to protect its citizens! If they cannot carry out this duty, they must step aside. Our boarders have been invaded by the criminal element and it seems that this government is helpless in tackling this invasion. The Law abiding citizens of the Bahamas are afraid. We live in fear on an island 21 by 7.
Branville McCartney
DNA Leader
© Copyright 2015 by thebahamasweekly.com
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