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Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Nassau, Bahamas -
A peaceful protest was held in Rawson Square organized by the Bahamas Against Sexual Violence & Child Abuse (BASV&CA). The action group has issued the following statement:
Following three days of planning, Bahamas Against Sexual Violence & Child Abuse (BASV&CA) joined forces with HollaBack! Bahamas and Citizens for a Better Bahamas t
o hold a protest in Rawson Square on Wednesday, March 19. The groups seek support for their
petition
to Rt. Hon. Prime Minister Perry Christie, M.P. which details a
Call to Action
. The three groups and the growing number of supporters want the Prime Minister to acknowledge the pervasive effects of domestic violence, fund an anti-violence campaign to educate the public on the issue of domestic violence, and include conflict resolution in the high school curriculum.
In response to the call for unity and public support, about 25 people stood together holding placards and chanting, “Violence against women... Not funny! Country leaders... Act now!” The protestors attracted the attention of people travelling along Bay Street by car and by foot. Some passersby stopped to join in the protest, speak with the protestors, and offer words of encouragement. Of those who entered the House of Assembly, only three people acknowledged the protestors, crossing the street to speak with organizers. Speaker of the House Dr. Kendal Major, MP for Montague Richard Lightbourne, and Leader of the Opposition Dr. Hubert Minnis took the time to engage organizers in conversation about the purpose of the protests and the contents of the Call to Action referenced in the petition.
One hour into the protest, police officers ordered organizers to lower the volume of the music. This eventually turned into the sound system being shut off. Refusing to be silenced, protesters beat drums and blew whistles, but were told they could not do that either. With no other options, the group had to rely on the voices of its members. They chanted and sang Lean On Me, Get Involved, and We Shall Overcome as 22 police officers (counted by two group members) surrounded them.
At eleven o’clock, three police officers announced the time, signalling the end of the protest. At this time, protestors marched west on Bay Street to Pompey Square, then east on Bay Street and south onto Parliament Street, continuing to chant.
BASV&CA is hopeful that the Bahamian public will support its petition. The group, along with HollaBack! Bahamas and Citizens for a Better Bahamas, is dedicated to keeping the conversation alive and continuing to lobby for women’s rights and government action to address domestic violence in The Bahamas.
(Photos by Rosemary Clarice Hanna)
Action group petitions and writes PM Christie on Leslie Miller remarks
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