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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
The following is a statement by Senator the Hon. Michael Pintard:
The Prime Minister is duty bound to both outline his plan to address the wave of violent crimes occurring and demonstrate his governments’ resolve to act with a sense of urgency and without fear and favoritism is defeating the criminal elements that are wreaking havoc in our beautiful country.The plan must be specific and the actions must be swift and measurable.
Ministers Nottage and Bell have both failed on numerous occasions to outline the governments plan of action to administer law and order so as to reduce the bloodshed and allay the widespread fear and anxiety among Bahamians and the countries from where many of our visitors come.
Doctor Nottage has lost the energy to lead the charge and is out of ideas in terms of what may work in light of the failure of the PLP’s signature programs- Safe Bahamas and Urban Renewal to reduce violent crimes. Minister of State Bell lacks the temperament, credibility and skill-set required to serve in his present capacity.
Crime is getting worst under Nottage and Bell and not only are they not helpful, Bell is contributing to a breakdown in communication and cooperation among law enforcement officials and the government.
The Prime Minister, Minister Nottage, Minister of State Keith Bell, Attorney General Allyson Gibson and the Commissioner of Police are not and have not been on the same page for some time now.In 2015 at least 149 persons were murdered in the Bahamas. This is a record for the Bahamas and despite this staggering number the leadership in law enforcement remains largely silent and are in conflict over what strategies should be employed.
The Minister for National Security failed to speak during the budget debate to give an account of how the peoples' monies were and will be spent on crime fighting strategies. He later promised to inform the public about how the 20 million dollars the government received from the IDB would be spent to address crime.He, like his Cabinet colleagues, continues to make idle promises about giving an account of their stewardship and intentions to deal with the crises we now face. Enough is enough!
The Free National Movement reminds the government that lives are at stake and Prime Minister Christie must now lead the charge and rally stakeholders and layout the plan to win our streets back and return (within reason) civility to homes and communities that are under siege.Doctor Minnis and the FNM have outlined more than 30 recommendations that addresses crime prevention, detection, the judiciary and rehabilitation of offenders. We remain ready to assist the government and other stakeholders in rescuing our nation from the carnage we are now experiencing.
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