Pictured from left to right are Jewel Major, Chief Counsel; Garvin Gaskin- Acting Director of Public Prosecutions; Tameko Evans, Deputy Director of FOAM Bahamas; Attorney General Allyson Maynard Gibson; Kandi Gibson, President of Families Organized Against Murder; Cynthia Gibbs, Acting Permanent Secretary; Cleopatra Christie, Consultant; and Neil Braithwaite, Assistant Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions. (BIS Photo/Gena Gibbs)
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NASSAU, The Bahamas -- With mortality numbers rising and
being recorded at 127 murders in 2011, and 111 murders in 2012, 119 murders in
2013, and 122 murders in 2014, Families Organized Against Murder (FOAM) is a
non-profit organization established by Khandi Gibson in memory of her two
brothers Anthro and Khanaochi Knowles, both of who lost their lives due to
violence.
In a March 18 courtesy visit on the Attorney General and
Minister of Legal Affairs Senator the Hon. Allyson Maynard Gibson – Mrs. Khandi
Gibson, president of FOAM explained that “FOAM feels the future of our country
is in the hands of the mothers of our children. If we enable our young
mothers with better resources, support, and teachings, we feel that one child
at a time, we will regain our country.”
Mrs. Gibson said that “FOAM’s primary objective is to
establish a nurturing environment for family members especially children to
have somewhere they can get professional counseling, financial assistance,
food, clothing, shelter, and job placement if necessary anywhere to start the
rebuilding process. We are Families Against Violence through community
based prevention and education efforts and we try to foster healthy
relationships and increased awareness of gun and domestic violence in The
Bahamas.”
Mrs. Gibson described the group’s formation: “FOAM was
established in June 1st, 2012 and is committed to helping bridge the
gap between families and young children who have also lost loved ones to
violence with law enforcement and also the public. To bring an
understanding that there are more victims than just the ones who may have lost
their lives in this violent manner.”
Minister Maynard Gibson discussed
with FOAM’s directors the formation of a "working relationship” that
includes a combined effort of ensuring that persons, who are alleged of committing
murders, are swiftly bought to justice. In addition, FOAM would assist
with motivating the citizenry in coming forth, as witnesses, and engage the
public to be active citizens by participating in Jury duties.
Mrs. Khandi Gibson said “FOAM teaches conflict management
and passes on the knowledge that a life is worth more than anything else and
there are so many more options than picking up a weapon.”
Mrs. Gibson continued, FOAM advocates against crime and uses
a survivor-centered relationship of advocacy by helping survivors plan their
safety, have easy access to benefits and explore options for job placements to
start building a better
tomorrow. She said she is calling on the full
cooperation of all Bahamian citizens to work together.
