DRASTIC TIMES call for DRASTIC MEASURES! In the past several years, our once peaceful Bahama-land has morphed into a warzone. Our young men have become foot soldiers and pawns in the game crafted by the criminal element. Our communities continue to lose scores of young men, many of whom become victims of violent crime or the perpetrators of violent crime. Even as this reality persists, threatening to destroy the very foundations upon which our small country is built, there are those among us who seem to think that such individuals should not be made to feel the FULL BRUNT OF THE LAW. Even as Bahamians continue to live with the fear of crime and the criminal element, the behavior and commentary of some among us only serve to EMBOLDEN the criminal element.

Recent comments which have been made by myself and other members of the Democratic National Alliance regarding the need to carry out the death penalty have come under heavy criticism, most recently by tabloid paper columnist Nicki Kelly. Usually known for her spot on assessments of the country’s national landscape Ms. Kelly has unfortunately lowered her journalistic standards and in recent weeks has seemingly undertaken a series of vicious attacks against the DNA.

In her most recent article based on the commentary of disgraced former Parliamentarian George Smith, Ms. Kelly asserts that the views expressed by the DNA are simply those of a fringe party with no real political future.

The reality is however, that these views as expressed by myself and others in the DNA are shared by THOUSANDS OF BAHAMIANS; men and women of all socio-economic standings in this country, many of whom have been touched by the scourge of criminal activity and violence. Many of whom have lost a friend or family member to violent crime. The call made by the DNA represents the feelings expressed by Bahamians across our chain of islands; by Bahamians who are frustrated by the fact that law abiding citizens seem to have no real recourse under the law.

Again, it is disappointing that a writer of Ms. Kelly’s caliber has chosen to base her entire argument on the opinions of a man of shaky moral standing himself. As a former PLP Parliamentarian George Smith was accused of bribery and left public life as a disgrace to his constituency, which leads me to question his motives in attacking the Democratic National Alliance. Is he perhaps trying to amass some political currency within the PLP by attempting to discredit the efforts of the DNA?

Ms. Kelly’s article is not entirely without merit however; in it, she references the outstanding showing of the Democratic National Alliance in the 2012 general election. Since its formation, the DNA made history as the first third party in the country to run a full slate of candidates securing a significant number of votes in the process. Yes, The Democratic National Alliance may have begun as a fringe group but over time though we have, and continue to prove ourselves a worthy opposition. Over the last two and a half years, we have observed closely the actions of this administration and have worked tirelessly to hold them accountable on any number of national issues, succeeding even where the official opposition has failed.

Since the last election, support for the DNA has only grown as more and more Bahamians recognize the need for new leadership. Despite the opinions of both Mr. Smith and Ms. Kelly, Bahamians everywhere are responding to the DNA message because it represents many of their own views, and with a party convention slated for May 2015, the public will likely see even more individuals from within the ranks of the DNA step forward to assume more prominent roles in the organization, positioning the party to be a real contender in the 2017 race.

While the DNA and its leadership do not claim to be perfect, as successful business owners and operators, the country has an opportunity to elect a group of individuals who understand what it takes to effectively manage the country’s resources while encouraging growth. In the DNA, Bahamians can find a group of individuals committed to public service, and transparency of governance on all front. In the DNA Bahamians have found and will find a commitment to the RULE OF LAW.

There is a popular Bible scripture that says to spare the rod is to spoil the child. As a country, we have spared the rod long enough. We have given criminals mere pats on the wrist for serious offenses. THIS MUST END! While I agree that some offenders can be rehabilitated, many offenders are past the point of rehabilitation. Those individuals MUST BE PUNISHED in the manner prescribed by the law.

The Bahamas can no longer simply wait and pray for a solution to the issue of Crime and the fear of crime. The time has come for us to TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK! The trend of murder, rape and other violent crime can no longer be allowed to continue unabated. As long as the option for capital punishment remains a part of our Law, It MUST BE CARRIED OUT! Without it, we run the risk of emboldening criminals even more! Yes! Drastic times call for Drastic Measures. The time to act is NOW! The time to save our country is NOW! We need ALL hands on Deck!

Andrew Wilson