It's Every Bahamian Duty to Keep The Bahamas Safe

Bahamians Demand and Deserve a Safer Bahamas

Dr. Duane Sands, Chairman of The Free National Movement: The Duty to Keep Bahamians Safe Endures

Last year’s reduction in murders is welcome news in a country that has felt the heavy toll of violent crime.  Any reduction in murder matters, and every life saved matters.  But no Bahamian believes that a single statistic means the work is done.

We can acknowledge progress and still be clear-eyed about reality.  Bahamians want to feel safe walking home, sending their children to school, and going about their daily lives without fear.  That remains the standard by which success must be measured.

A decline in murders, while important, does not on its own mean we have a safer society.  Crime trends can shift quickly if the underlying system remains weak.

Even the Minister of National Security has acknowledged the need to study where crimes occur, when they occur, and who is affected.  That analysis must lead to action because public safety is built on execution, not explanations.

What Bahamians are asking for now is clarity and follow-through: clear priorities, clear timelines, and clear results.  Too often, crime plans are announced but not fully delivered, leaving communities frustrated and victims underserved.

That is why the Free National Movement has put forward a comprehensive 10-point plan to address crime.  Our plan is not a slogan and not a copy.

It is a correction, and focuses on tougher, smarter policing, faster justice, and a public health approach that works to prevent violence before it spreads.  It calls for stronger enforcement against gangs and illegal firearms, improved intelligence-led policing, modern forensic capacity, and real accountability across the justice system.

Any serious crime strategy must also confront sexual violence head-on.  Reported sexual offences continue to rise, disproportionately affecting women and children.  Protecting them must be central to national security.

Laws alone are not enough.  Survivors must be supported, believed, and protected, and cases must move quickly through the system.  The continued absence of a national forensic lab, leaving victims waiting months for DNA testing, is unacceptable.

Public confidence also depends on capacity.  Visible policing, adequate manpower, modern tools, and an efficient court system are essential if gains are to be sustained.  Without them, progress risks being temporary.

Bahamians do not want a victory lap.  They want solutions.  If murders are trending down, that is a positive step.  But safety cannot be seasonal, and it cannot depend on short-term measures.  The duty to keep Bahamians safe endures, and it demands serious leadership, real investment, and decisive action.

A National Agenda for The Bahamas

Deo Adjuvante, Non Timendum

“With God as My Helper, I Have Nothing to Fear”

By Dr. Kevin Turnquest-Alcena

Nassau, The Bahamas

“The price of greatness is responsibility.” — Winston Churchill

The Bahamian drums are beating, the cowbells are ringing into 2026.  The year 2026 represents more than another election cycle; it is a national crossroads.

As Bahamians often say, when “the fat lady sings and gives you the price of the fish,” the debate ends, and reality begins—someone must govern.  The true challenge is not only who wins, but what agenda will guide the nation forward.  While elections bring speeches and promises, words alone do not deliver progress.  The country now requires a people-centered agenda rooted in discipline, accountability, and long-term development.

Reducing the national debt must be a top priority.  High debt limits investment in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and social services.

As Warren Buffett once said, “Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.”  The government must commit to transparent budgeting, responsible borrowing, and improved tax collection.

Auditing government programs, prioritizing high-impact projects, and leveraging public-private partnerships are essential steps toward fiscal sustainability and ensuring every dollar borrowed produces measurable value for the nation.

Crime remains one of the most urgent challenges facing The Bahamas.  It threatens public safety, tourism, investment, and social confidence.

Addressing it requires a comprehensive approach including intelligence-led policing, strengthened border security, judicial reform to reduce court backlogs, community policing, youth intervention programs, and rehabilitation services.  As Marcus Tullius Cicero said, “The safety of the people shall be the highest law.”  Treating crime as both a social and security issue ensures safer communities and stronger national cohesion.

A National Service Programme could further strengthen the nation by promoting discipline, civic responsibility, and workforce readiness among young Bahamians.  Participants could serve in disaster response, healthcare, environmental protection, agriculture, technical trades, and community safety.  Mahatma Gandhi wisely noted, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”  Beyond providing skills, the program would reduce youth unemployment, foster civic pride, and build social unity.

Education reform is central to national development.  Priorities include early childhood education, teacher training, curriculum updates, and accountability measures.  Nelson Mandela emphasized, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”  A literate, skilled population drives productivity, innovation, and economic competitiveness, laying the foundation for sustained national growth.

Preparing Bahamians for the digital economy is equally vital.  Integrating coding, robotics, AI, and digital entrepreneurship into schools equips students for modern careers and entrepreneurship.  Bill Gates observed, “The advance of technology is based on making it fit in so that you don’t really even notice it.”  Partnering with tech firms, universities, and online platforms can provide mentorship and access to advanced resources, ensuring long-term competitiveness.

Public health and wellness must also be prioritized.  The Bahamas faces challenges such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Preventive healthcare, nutrition education, community fitness initiatives, and mental health services are critical.  Gandhi reminded us, “It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver.”  A healthier population reduces healthcare costs, improves productivity, and enhances quality of life.

Economic empowerment requires land reform and effective land management.  Clear land titles, efficient approvals, and transparent administration encourage investment, reduce disputes, and support sustainable development, particularly in the Family Islands.  Aristotle once said, “Land is the basis of all wealth.”

An efficient and accountable public sector is essential.  Digitization, performance-based management, retraining programs, and rationalizing structures improve service delivery.  As Peter Drucker stated, “Efficiency is doing things right; effectiveness is doing the right things.”  These reforms ensure taxpayers receive value while government operations remain sustainable.

Raising the minimum wage addresses rising living costs and improves social equity.  Franklin D. Roosevelt’s principle, “A fair wage for a fair day’s work,” reflects the importance of fair pay in improving living standards, stimulating domestic consumption, and reducing inequality.

Supporting Bahamian investors and entrepreneurs strengthens local ownership and economic resilience.  Simplifying investor registration, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, offering tax incentives, and providing mentorship foster innovation and job creation.  As Peter Drucker said, “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”  A thriving business sector reduces dependence on foreign investment and drives national prosperity.

Economic diversification is critical to reduce vulnerability.  While tourism remains important, expansion into financial services, captive insurance, renewable energy, agriculture, digital services, and the creative economy is necessary.  Miguel de Cervantes’ wisdom, “Do not put all your eggs in one basket,” highlights the need for multiple growth sectors to ensure stability and opportunity.

Affordable housing and cost-of-living relief remain urgent.  Government-subsidized programs, construction incentives, and policy reforms ensure working families can afford safe homes.  As an unknown author noted, “A house is made of walls and beams; a home is built with love and dreams.”

Modern infrastructure drives national development.  Roads, bridges, ports, airports, inter-island transportation, and broadband connectivity enhance trade, mobility, and quality of life.  Lily Tomlin’s observation, “The road to success is always under construction,” underscores the ongoing need for investment in infrastructure.

Climate resilience and disaster preparedness are essential.  As a small island nation, The Bahamas is highly vulnerable to climate change.  Coastal protection, flood mitigation, resilient infrastructure, emergency preparedness, and community awareness safeguard lives and property.  The Native American proverb reminds us, “We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.”

Finally, good governance and anti-corruption measures underpin national success.  Transparency, accountability, and strong institutions ensure public trust.  Kofi Annan stated, “Good governance is less about structure and more about behavior.”  Ethical leadership and citizen oversight are critical for maintaining confidence and ensuring fair use of national resources.

Countries such as Singapore demonstrate that discipline, efficiency, education, and long-term planning can transform a nation.  While The Bahamas cannot replicate another nation entirely, adopting these principles can guide national development and sustainable growth.

As 2026 approaches, the national agenda must move beyond promises and focus on execution, accountability, and measurable results.  Addressing crime, debt, education, health, wages, investment, and national service is essential to securing the future of The Bahamas.

A Christmas Message to the Bahamian People: As the year ends, warm wishes go out to the people of The Bahamas.  May this season bring peace, reflection, and renewed hope. Merry Christmas, and may the coming year bring unity, progress, and national renewal.

December 20, 2025

Source / Comment

Growing Suspicion and National Doubt over The Bahamas Government Smuggling of Migrants Bill

 

Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas - Put that Smuggling of Migrants Bill on Hold!

HOLD THE BILL!!!

There are some questions emanating from the press release issued by the Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in relation to the intention of the Government to debate and pass the "Smuggling of Migrants Bill".

In its own press statement the Government is quoted as saying, "The clause being circulated by Mr Bain deals with smuggled migrants as victims and witnesses of this crime.  It simply prevents a victim from being charged under this new anti-smuggling law for acts that arise directly from being smuggled, such as illegal entry of possession of a fraudulent document supplied by the smuggler".

There are a number of questions that begs a clear and concise answer considering that someone being smuggled may not to be the same as a person being trafficked.  According to The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR )"Human smuggling is when people called smugglers (sometimes referred to as "Coyotes"), help persons cross borders irregularly, typically with their consent, in return for money or other material benefit:

The UNHCR further defines Human Trafficking as the exploitation of people for profit such as forced labor or sexual exploitation".

So the Government needs to explain how can smuggled migrants qualify as victims and witnesses - as well as for short term humanitarian care, if by the UNHCR definition these individuals are typlically smuggled with "their"consent and usually by paying the smuggler money or by other material means?

So this begs the question, if the individuals being smuggled do not fall under the category as persons being kidnapped and trafficked to engage in forced labor and or for sexual exploitation, how do these individuals end up in a proposed Smuggling and Migrants bill in the Commonwealrh of The Bahamas as "Victims" and not "Criminals?

How will the Government determine from a boat or plane load of migrants who qualifies as smuggled persons (someone who paid to be brought to The Bahamas illegally) from trafficked persons (someone kidnapped and forced against their will)?

If the purpose of this bill is designed to put teeth into the law to punish smugglers, it cannot at the same time serve to exonrate those being smuggled as victims and witnesses, shielded from arrest and prosecution.  The probability is that both smuggled migrants and smuggler are on the same vessel for the same purpose.

The general understanding with these kinds of smuggling operations is the individuals desiring to be smuggled to a destination illegally, "pay" a smuggler to smuggle them to said destination.  This would mean that smuggled individuals are not victims, as nothing was done to them nor were they forced to make the journey.  Second the smuggled migrant is indeed a witnesses but a witnesses to a crime and a crime that they are more than likely an accessory to.

There appears to be a section in the bill under the heading "Immunity from prosecution of smuggled migrants" - that says in part "A smuggled migrant cannot be liable to criminal prosecution under this Act in respects of

(A) illegal entry into the receiving country

(B) remaining illegally in the receiving country or transit country or

(C) possessing a fraudulent or identity document

It would be important for the Government to confirm if the above is true and what is their true intent when it comes to these smuggled migrants.  There are many more questions.  I was informed that it was the intent of the Government to debate and pass this bill today, Wednesday December 3rd 2025 or by tomorrow Thursday December 4th 2025.

I would strongly recommend Director of Communications Latrae Rahming encourage the Government to put the brakes on debating and passing this bill until there can be wide spread national consultation and input by the Bahamian people including members of the legal fraternity, the Church and Civil Society.  I was just sent a copy of the bill and like many Bahamians, I have not had sufficient time to read it and I suspect neither have many other citizens.

Bills are comprised of serious legal language and the wrong language used in a bill could result in a wrong or devastating outcome.  Bills tabled in the House of Assembly usually become the law of the land and so every bill should include the correct language, which should be very clear.  However from the looks of things so far, this particular bill doesn't appear to be very clear and could open the door to suspicion and national doubtsuspicion and national doubt.  Just my thoughts.

Kevin Harris 

Wednesday December 3rd 2025

Source / Comment

The Decline of The Bahamas

The Steady Decline of The Bahamian Nation - The Bahamas

By Dennis Dames
Nassau, The Bahamas

The public's perception of the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) is at an all time crying low - in my view. Recent bad news about the Force and some of its Officers has added unfavourably to how the Bahamian people see the Police, and their organization.

The Coroners Court has concluded lately that a number of Police Officers have committed manslaughter in the excution of their duties. This has left a totally bad taste in the mouths of many citizens and residents generally - and has widen the distrust between the Police and the general public - which has eroded further the national security of The Bahamas.

To make matters horribly worse, a senior Officer of the Force - who occupied a high position of trust and responsibility - is accused of engaging in serious criminal activities with a high profile, highly and politically connected, potentially rogue and criminal-minded attorney, and street gangsters; some of whom have been murdered on the streets of Nassau in recent times. This has created a public scandal of monumental proportions.

The leadership of the Police Force along with the government of the day - seem to be taking the matter very lightly - in my opinion. Thus, the Bahamian community's view of the Police and the government - is one of complete disgrace. The handling of such a serious situation to date has left one to wonder if the powers that be have decided that they will gamble politically and just pretend that all's well.

Well, all is not well in The Bahamas under the political and immoral leadership of the status quo and its devoted facilitators. The Bahamian public feels as if endemic wholesale corruption, incompetence and criminality in high places throughout the Commonwealth of The Bahamas - is the order of the day which the shamelessly corrupt leadership of the nation holds so dearly close to their demonic hearts and souls.

The fruit of such diabolical corruption in high places will continue to rip apart the Bahamian nation. The wickedly corrupt political and otherwise leaders in The Bahamas do not care about the future welfare of their own friggin children! So, the future of The Bahamas will be more and more of the much sought after devilish corruption in high places - while powerful criminals and blood-thirsty bosses have their way with impunity!

How very sad - as many so called good Bahamian men and women remained silent! It looks like every Bahamian citizen are standing on the sidlines just watching The Bahamas descend in to the pits of hell.

Latrae Rahming on Safety For American Tourists in The Bahamas

What About The Safety of Bahamians in The Bahamas, Mr. Latrae Rahming?

OPM DID NOT SEND CBS NEWS TEAM TO COVER MURDER SCENE

STATEMENT FROM COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR:

“The Office of the Prime Minister did not direct any news crew to cover a crime scene in The Bahamas. We have since contacted the team, who indicated they will not use that as part of their story.

The purpose of their (CBS News crew) trip is to show that The Bahamas is safe for Americans to visit and that incidents occurring in The Bahamas are outside of the tourist areas,” Communication’s Director, Latrae Rahming.

Source

Coalition of Independents (COI) Respond to The Communications Director at The Office of the Prime Minister, Latrae Rahming On Safe Areas for Tourists in The Bahamas

"Director Latrae Rahming, your statement is not only a slap in the face to every Bahamian but also a clear indication of where the government's priorities lie. The audacity to publicize areas safe for tourists while leaving your own citizens to navigate through violence and fear is beyond appalling.

It's a blatant display of negligence towards the very people you've sworn to protect and serve. Our nation should not resemble a resort, where safety is a luxury afforded only to those holding foreign passports.

The reality that our own streets have become battlegrounds for our sons and daughters, while the government seems more preoccupied with the nation's image abroad, is shameful. It's a gross failure to fulfill the most basic duties of governance and law enforcement.

Furthermore, let this serve as a stern reminder that the Bahamian people are exhausted by this blatant disregard for their safety and well-being.

Our children, the future of this nation, are growing up in an environment where their lives are undervalued. The government's apparent indifference to the escalating violence within our own borders, while ensuring tourists can sunbathe in peace, is unacceptable.

We demand more than just words and reassurances; we demand tangible actions and policies that prioritize the safety of every Bahamian. The time has come for the government to stop treating its citizens as second-class and start addressing the root causes of this violence.

The people of The Bahamas deserve to feel safe in their own country, not just survive. Our patience has worn thin, and our tolerance for excuses has reached its end. It's high time our leaders took their responsibilities seriously and made the safety and security of their own people their top priority.

I fully understand that tourism is our number one industry, and we've seen how fragile that is, especially when we were struck by COVID-19, and now it is being further threatened by crime. While the need to protect this industry is clear, it's crucial that we move past this outdated model.

The safety and needs of our people must not be overlooked in the process. The continuous focus on the welfare of tourists at the expense of our own citizens' safety is a dangerous imbalance that cannot be sustained.

It's time to explore and invest in sustainable development models that do not sacrifice the well-being of Bahamians. Our people's lives and safety should always be the priority, and any model that fails to recognize this is fundamentally flawed and unacceptable."

Charlotte Green

National Chairman

Coalition of Independents

Source 

Does The Bahamas Government understands the prudence of a national sovereign wealth fund?

It would be wise of The Bahamas govenment to implement a sovereign wealth fund

“One People United In Sovereign Wealth!"

By Dr. Kevin Turnquest-Alcena

As the nation continues preparation to trod toward the road of celebrating 50 years of Independence, the need for the preservation of our country is now!

Prime Minister Brave Davis must be cognizant of the fact that the country's debt is out of control, crime is high, the cost of living has increased and as such a solution to these impending issues need to be found.

Hence, while attempting to pass the mining legislation, it would be a very prudent and wise of our govenment to implement a sovereign wealth fund component for several reasons.

A sovereign wealth fund is - a state owned investment that invests globally in a variety of financial assets. Several countries utilize this strategy, including: Singapore, China, France and Norway.

Benefits of SWF include, but not limited to:

1. Protecting and stabalizing budgets and economies from excess volatility in revenues and exports.

2. Diversify from non-renewable commodity exports.

3. Diversify revenue streams.

4. Better earning potential on foreign exchange.

5. Long-term capital growth.

So, why should The Bahamas consider implementing such a strategy?

Firstly, due to the issue of global warming, entire countries are being harmed environmentally. This will surely affect the areas of South Beach and even islands like Andros to be under water. As a country, we need to be very proactive and strategic in our resolve to secure the problem.

The question to ask is, "Does the Brave Administration understand the importance of a national sovereign wealth fund?" Planning true nation building and not the subpar colonial system we continue to adhere too takes hard work, along with persistence. This is necessary as we have seen an increase in debt, crime, the educational system, over staffed public services, low performance in terms of productivity, even the idea of feeding ourselves have become obsolete.

Secondly, the SWF will be beneficial in that it is open to all Bahamians regardless of color, class or creed, no one would be exempt. It can be set up in such a way that rather than issue money, it could be invested towards nation building. This investment fund will subsidize the issues we are now facing with National Insurance and our pensions. The SWF gives you the opportunity to do this.

The Question one must ask is, "Does the "Brave" Administration have the will and the ability to implement a Sovereign Fund that will be for the greater good?"

As Proverbs 16:9 say, "A man's mind plans his way: but the Lord directs His steps and make sure.

Prime Minister Davis you are indéed a man that understands empathy and the importance of doing the greatest good for the greatest amount of people.

Source 

The Official Opposition - Free National Movement (FNM) Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright calls on The Bahamas Government to act with urgency in the crime fight

FNM Deputy Leader, Shanendon Cartwright calls for urgency in crime fight

Following a spate of killings in recent days, Free National Movement (FNM) Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright called on the government to act with urgency in the crime fight.

“Our hearts are with the families of the recent murder victims on the islands of Grand Bahama and New Providence,” he said in a statement.

“News of these three killings all within 24 hours is alarming.

“Amidst the global pandemic and ensuing economic hardship, we have experienced our share of challenges which we can ill afford to have compounded with a spike in murder cases. An increase in crime in our society threatens the safety and security of the Bahamian people and ultimately does not bode well in our overall standing as a country.

“The urgency of this moment calls for a comprehensive plan in the fight against crime from the government. The time calls for it now. The official opposition remains with a mindset of working with the government of the day in these matters with a view to returning to seeing a downturn in the number of murders as in recent times under the Free National Movement administration.

“We must intensify our efforts at every level so as to protect the Bahamian people and ensure a peaceful Bahamian society. We dare not turn a blind eye to this issue.”

Police reported that two murders happened on Saturday, two on Sunday and one on Monday.

Daily routines of many women affected by the threat of crime in The Bahamas

Living in fear

Taneka Thompson
Guardian Senior Reporter
taneka@nasguard.com

Every time Kayla Sands comes home she checks under the bed and looks in the closet for signs of an intruder.

Her fear of being surprised by an attacker interferes with daily errands, keeps her anxious and constantly on guard. Sands, whose name has been changed because she did not want her identity disclosed, considers herself ‘paranoid’ but said her fear is justified. A man held her up at gunpoint one afternoon last year as she picked up lunch at a popular restaurant.

Sands believed the gunman, who threatened to kidnap her and eventually stole her car, was going to kill her. Luckily she escaped the holdup alive, but in the months after the incident her anxiety over future attacks has intensified.

“I can’t even open my door to take out my garbage or sometimes even go to the bank to withdraw money by myself,” said Sands.

“I keep looking over my shoulder because of my fear that someone is going to follow me home. When I get home I look in the closets and check under the beds. It makes me very uncomfortable doing my daily routine.”

Her fear has grown after news broke Monday that over the past few months numerous women in New Providence have reportedly been raped during home invasions.

“I want a gun now. I want to be locked and loaded - I want two. [My fear] is amplified now. I didn’t even know a rapist was on the loose,” Sands told The Nassau Guardian yesterday.

She is not the only woman in New Providence who now wants to arm herself against potential rapists and other would-be attackers.

“This makes me want to go and buy a gun,” Rochelle Wells, whose name has also been changed, said yesterday, referring to the reported rapes. “It’s one thing to get robbed and even killed but I think getting raped - I can’t imagine that not being the greatest fear for any woman.”

Wells said she was the victim of a gun attack on a night in 2010. She said two armed men robbed her and her boyfriend as they pulled up to her home in eastern New Providence. The attackers shot at her car and made off with her purse.

Wells, an avid runner, is now thinking about adjusting her exercise schedule to make herself less vulnerable to attackers.

Karen Davis, who also did not want her real name disclosed, said she found out about the rapes through Facebook long before the reports made the news. She said the police should have warned the public earlier.

“We live in an Internet age and it is common to find out information from the Internet before anywhere else,” Davis said. “When you read something on the Internet, you are not sure if it is true or if the story is being exaggerated but once it was in the news, I took it more seriously.”

She said the fear of crime has not altered her life too much but she is vigilant when driving home at night.

“I do take the extra time to check the windows and doors and my surroundings before I go outside or when coming home,” Davis said.

On Monday, Assistant Commissioner of Police Anthony Ferguson said four alleged victims who live in eastern New Providence, reported sexual assaults over the past few weeks. This led police to increase patrols in undisclosed areas.

Four more alleged rapes occurred in western New Providence over the past few months, Ferguson said.

He added that police have received reports of one or two men breaking into homes in quiet communities and holding residents at gunpoint between 2 a.m and 6 a.m. to steal jewelery, cash and sometimes rape women.

Jun 27, 2012

thenassauguardian

Caribbean Blog International

Urban Renewal 2.0 is a direct response to past and current problems facing a number of inner city communities in The Bahamas ...such as crime, poor housing conditions, joblessness, illiteracy, homelessness, and other social ills that contribute to crime and anti-social behavior

What Urban Renewal 2.0 Will Mean For The Bahamas
tribune242


The commissioner of police's statement on Urban Renewal:

THE flagship Urban Renewal 2.0 Programme is a direct response to past and current problems facing a number of inner city communities in the Bahamas such as crime, poor housing conditions, joblessness, illiteracy, homelessness, and other social ills that contribute to crime and anti-social behavior.

The project is the brainchild of the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas Perry Gladstone Christie and it has the full support of the commissioner of police, the executive management team, and all members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

The tenets of Urban Renewal 2.0 are included in the Commissioner's Policing Plan for 2012 and are clearly delineated under priorities one, two and three.

The Urban renewal Community Based Policing programme is one of the most ambitious crime prevention programmes in the Bahamas.

It is a comprehensive approach to crime, antisocial behavior, and community safety.

It emphasises both innovation and integration of efforts and resources by a wide range of agencies and the community at large.

Objectives of the Urban Renewal Project

• To prevent crime and reduce the fear of crime in the community.


• To identify and tackle the main causes of the social conditions which promote the occurrence of crime and deviant behavior.


• To examine and improve the quality of life and the social and environmental conditions of high crime communities.


• To involve the community in problem-solving and empower citizens to play an active role in their communities.


• To identify the problems facing our young people and to engage them in positive activities and programmes geared toward making them productive citizens.

A brief history of the Urban Renewal Pilot Project

Urban Renewal was first launched as a pilot project in the constituency of Prime Minister Perry Christie, called Farm Road, in June 2002.

The community was identified as the pilot area because it showed trends that were prevalent in other communities in the Bahamas such as crime, social ills and urban decay.

Within just six short weeks of its inception, police officers assigned to the Farm Road Project visited every household and business establishment in the community.

They collected data and intelligence on environmental concerns, health issues, housing problems and criminal activities.

The police team was later joined by representatives from the Department of Social Services, the Ministry of Housing, Health Services and the Ministry of Works.

The team removed derelict vehicles, organised the demolition of abandoned buildings, dismantled street drug peddling groups, and arrested a number of prolific offenders. These initiatives resulted in a significant reduction in crime.

Within one year of the project's inception, the team established computer literacy centres, a youth marching band, a community development association and the national Urban Renewal Commission.

It also set up similar projects in eight other areas of New Providence, five in Grand Bahama and one in Abaco.

The team was awarded the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police Motorola Community Policing Award in May 2003 and won two other community policing awards from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).

Role of the police in Urban Renewal

Members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force who are assigned to the Urban Renewal 2.0 Programme have an expanded scope of police work which includes crime, the fear of crime, quality of life offences, social and physical disorder, and community decay.

These officers are expected to use a full range of talents, skills and abilities to not only prevent and interdict crime, but to also enlarge their role and become community problem-solvers.

About community policing

Community policing focuses on bringing the police and citizens together to prevent crime and solve neighborhood problems. In community policing, the emphasis is on preventing crime.

Preventing crime is a big job. The police are more effective when they can depend on residents for help.

Community policing calls for a commitment to improving the quality of life in neighborhoods. Community Resource Officers (CRO) look to residents for help in solving neighborhood problems.

In essence, community policing gives citizens more control over the quality of life in their community.

General duties and activities of the police under the programme

• Directed patrol - patrols are specific and intelligence driven, designed to deal with existing and emerging problems in the community. These patrols can be done on foot or in vehicles to facilitate communication and the building of relationships between the officers and community members.


• Community involvement - Urban Renewal officers must build trusting relationships and partnerships with community members to address their specific problems.


• Identifying and prioritising problems - community members are encouraged provide officers with information about the problems they face and work with them prioritise issues and problems.


• Reporting - the Urban Renewal officer must share information with other police officers as well as the RBPF generally and with special sections (DEU, CDU, CIB, SIB, et cetera) about the specifics of his community.


• Organising - organising activities oriented to specific problems and working to enhance the overall quality of life in the community.


• Communicating - there are both formal and informal sessions aimed at educating people about crime prevention and other issues as well as managing communication with the media.


• Conflict resolution - the Urban Renewal officer mediates, negotiates and resolves conflicts formally and informally (and challenges people to begin resolving problems on their own).
• Referrals - the officer refers problems to specialised agencies.


• Visiting - Urban Renewal officers make frequent visits to homes and businesses to recruit help and to educate.


• Recruiting and supervising volunteers - the Urban Renewal officer works with volunteers to address social problems affecting the community.


• Proactive projects - the Urban Renewal officer works along with the community to solve both long-term and short-term problems aimed at improving the quality of life.


• Targeting special groups - Urban Renewal police officers will focus on special groups in the community such as the elderly, youth, women, physically challenged persons and the homeless.


• Targeting disorder - Urban Renewal officers place specific emphasis on social and physical disorders and the degradation of neighbourhoods.


• Networking with the private sector - the Urban Renewal officer actively communicates with and solicits the assistance of the business community for services and volunteer work.


• Get to know people - the Urban Renewal officers form relationships with residents so as to learn about their concerns and to build confidence and trust between citizens and the police.




June 05, 2012

COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS ... SPEECH FROM THE THRONE ... DELIVERED AT THE OPENING OF PARLIAMENT ... BY HIS EXCELLENCY SIR ARTHUR FOULKES ... GOVERNOR-GENERAL ... WEDNESDAY, 23RD MAY, 2012

Madam President and Honourable Senators,
Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,


Today’s Opening of Parliament follows upon my Government’s election to office just sixteen days ago.

My Government has been entrusted by the Bahamian people with a clear and overwhelming mandate to effect important and far-reaching changes in our country for the benefit of all.

The challenges that confront us in The Bahamas today are as numerous as they are complex.  Accordingly, my Government will present an ambitious and extensive agenda for this new Parliament.  The Bahamian people expect and deserve nothing less.

Central to that agenda are two overriding imperatives -

Firstly, the need to reduce violence and crime and build a safer Bahamas.

Secondly, but in tandem with the fight against crime, is the need to build a stronger economy that generates jobs, deepens and broadens Bahamian ownership and produces a higher standard of living for all Bahamians.

Those twin imperatives will dominate the agenda for action of my new Government.

At the same time, however, my Government will also move as resolutely as fiscal realities allow to implement the full range of programmes, legislative proposals and policy initiatives promised in the platform entitled ‘Charter for Governance’.

In this regard, urgent priority will be given to the implementation of the action-plan outlined in the Charter for the first 100 days of my Government.  The implementation of this ‘First 100 Days’ plan is, I am pleased to report, already in stride, as witness the implementation of two of the action-items within the very first week of my Government coming to office, namely, the creation of the Ministry for Grand Bahama and the restoration of the Ministry of Financial Services.


Madam President and Honourable Senators,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,


Violence and crime corrode the very fabric of a nation. They must therefore be attacked and eradicated at the root if we are to build a secure and prosperous society.  My Government is absolutely determined to pursue this objective with unbounded energy, imagination, and unwavering dedication.

My Government will immediately reinstate and expand the Urban Renewal Programme to serve as a core instrument to combat the underlying social causes of crime and violence.

My Government will establish an Urban Renewal Commission to facilitate inter-agency collaboration and coordination in the delivery of services to the community.

My Government will, as a matter of high priority, introduce a national Crime Management Agenda comprising effective prevention, detection, prosecution and rehabilitation.

My Government will move for the repeal of all provisions of the Police Act which are unconstitutional or attempt to politicize the Police Force or undermine the impartiality and security of tenure of the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner of Police.

My Government will also create a National Intelligence Agency comprising all law enforcement departments to address all categories of major crimes on a co-ordinated basis and with a greatly improved intelligence-gathering capability.

My Government will also develop a National Firearms Control Strategy and establish a proper Firearms Department and Database.

My Government will also re-introduce the Swift Justice Initiative to ensure the timely prosecution of cases and reduce the number of persons released on bail for serious crimes.

My Government will also re-introduce, as a matter of the most urgent priority, the Witness Protection Programme so as to ensure that key witnesses and their families are protected.

My Government will also move to amend the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act to assist young and first-time offenders in embracing a life founded on the values of honesty, hard work and respect for the life and property of others.

My Government will also as a matter of high priority, reintroduce School-Based Policing to curb school violence.

My Government will also re-vitalize the Tourism-Based Policing Initiative to enhance visitor safety.

My Government re-affirms its determination to more effectively police our borders against illegal immigration, drug trafficking, human trafficking, illegal firearms, and poaching.  The Royal Bahamas Defence Force will therefore be re-equipped and re-positioned to more effectively combat these menaces.

In accordance with its Charter for Governance, my Government will also hold a referendum for the Bahamian people to decide whether a national lottery should be instituted and/or whether webshop-type gaming should be decriminalized but nonetheless regulated in accordance with internationally-accepted best practices and in a way that would ensure optimal revenue-generation for the country.


Madam President and Honourable Senators,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,


The plight of homeowners in financial distress must be addressed if a stronger economy is to be restored.

My Government will therefore work with the clearing banks and other institutional lenders to develop a financially sustainable mortgage relief programme aimed at assisting distressed homeowners in saving their homes from foreclosure.  Participation in such a programme would be voluntary.

My Government will also seek to bring employee pension funds under closer regulation and supervision to ensure that pension funds are duly protected; and that trustees and managers of pension funds are held to higher standards of transparency and accountability; and that employees are afforded access to their pension savings for emergency purposes, including mortgage relief.

My Government, in an effort to stimulate the real estate market, will also make good on its commitment to lower the maximum rate of stamp duty on land sales from 12 per cent to 10 per cent; and will also re-introduce a maximum cap on real property tax.

My Government will also enact amendments to the Subdivisions Act to make the building and planning process more efficient and less costly.

My Government, in an effort to help reduce the cost of rental housing, will reform the Rent Control Act and will seek to promote the construction of new rental units at more affordable prices.

My Government will aggressively pursue the expansion of affordable housing especially for lower income Bahamians.  My Government regards this as a social priority that requires focused and sustained attention.

My Government will also seek to provide additional land for home ownership through the purchase of vacant and abandoned lots as a part of the Urban Renewal Initiative.

My Government will create a reliable land register and a proper system of land registration.

My Government will also review and amend as necessary the laws relating to commonage land so as to allow for greater commercial use and beneficial enjoyment of land by commoners.


Madam President and Honourable Senators,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,


My Government is deeply wedded to the belief that private enterprise should remain the primary engine of job creation and entrepreneurial opportunity in our country, and that tourism and financial services, supported by industrial expansion, fisheries and agricultural production, should be the chief areas of economic activity in our country.  In this regard, my Government is committed to the formulation and execution of policies that will encourage private investment in these areas while maximizing job creation and career development for Bahamians in the shortest possible time.

As small and medium-size enterprises are the job- creation engines of today’s economy to an ever-increasing extent, my Government will re-focus the mandate of the Bahamas Development Bank and the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation (BAIC) to provide equity, credit guarantees and marketing and accounting support for fledgling businesses.

The necessary enabling legislation will be introduced by my Government as a matter of priority.

My Government will also implement a number of initiatives, including the grant of special concessions, to promote the economic development of Grand Bahama, and to facilitate the extension of the same benefits that are available under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement to east and west Grand Bahama.

In order to revitalize our critical tourism industry, my Government will seek to increase the number of available and affordable rooms.  Promotional efforts will explore opportunities for tourism growth in niche markets inclusive of film, entertainment, sports, health and religious tourism, as well as medical, heritage and eco-tourism.

The cultivation of new markets in Asia and Latin America will also form a key part of the national tourism promotion plan.

My Government will give focused attention to the refurbishment and re-development of downtown Nassau to make it a pedestrian and shopper friendly city while retaining and enhancing its historical appearance.

My Government will work in collaboration with local and foreign air carriers to improve airlift to and throughout the Islands of The Bahamas.

My Government will also create opportunities for Bahamians to own hotels through a National Resort Development Initiative.

Recognizing that agriculture is an integral part of any sustainable economic development plan, my Government will give focus to increasing food production as a vehicle to promote food security, create jobs and boost domestic investment.

My Government will initiate plans to construct a Bahamian Food Sciences Institute in North Andros with a view to incorporating it into the University of The Bahamas.

My Government will also aggressively pursue the development of a mariculture industry in The Bahamas and the further diversification of a fisheries industry which is reserved for Bahamians.


Madam President and Honourable Senators,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,


My Government believes that education is the principal vehicle for promoting the economic development of individuals and the nation as a whole in the overarching framework of a rapidly evolving 21st century global economy. Education is the key to both personal and national empowerment.

Conscious of that truism, my Government will seek to reform our educational system to bring it more technologically in tune with 21st century challenges and to better position Bahamians to compete for jobs both locally and on a global level.

My Government will review and strengthen the National Literacy and Numeracy plans both of which are critical to educational achievement and economic advancement.

My Government will also introduce a standardized National High School Diploma programme to ensure that graduating students meet stipulated minimum levels of proficiency.

My Government will also develop a national regulatory framework to establish, at the secondary school level, a system of Career Path Academies.

Legislation will also be placed before you to establish the University of The Bahamas.

Regulations will also be developed to establish and oversee new standards for Preschool and Early Childhood Education.

My Government recognizes the important role played by the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) in training and re-training Bahamian workers.  Accordingly, the Council for BTVI will be appointed with a view to bringing the BTVI Act fully into operation as rapidly as possible.

My Government will also seek to provide enriching experiences for our youth through innovative programmes that promote cultural and self awareness, community service, social skills training, mentorship, knowledge of civics, and exposure to principles of leadership and responsible citizenship.

“Centres of Excellence” for sports will also be established within Family Island communities to help identify and develop sports talent.

My Government will also promote cultural expression in the visual, performing and literary arts; expand cultural education programmes; and enhance stakeholder participation in the development of our cultural heritage.

My Government will move swiftly to end all forms of discrimination, especially against persons with disabilities.  In keeping with this commitment, legislation will be enacted.  The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities will also be signed and ratified.

My Government will bring about the full implementation of the Child Protection Act, 2007.

In an effort to reduce poverty, promote human capital development and improve the effectiveness and efficiency of social assistance programmes, my Government will move speedily to undertake Social Safety Net Reform.

In the area of health care, my Government is firmly committed to the principle of universal access to health care, decentralized health-delivery systems; and a re-engineering of systems for financing the delivery of health care so that it can be more affordable.

My Government will also take steps to advance our nation’s preparations for the introduction of National Health Insurance in a financially sustainable way.  My Government’s commitment to National Health Insurance remains undiminished.

My Government will facilitate the Public Hospitals Authority’s acquisition of new cancer-screening technology to ensure that Bahamian women have access to state-of-the-art mammogram machines at both the Princess Margaret Hospital in New Providence and the Rand Memorial Hospital in Grand Bahama.


Madam President and Honourable Senators,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,


My Government will seek to amend the Local Government Act to better define the parameters for the employment of persons providing service to Local Government Councils.

In the area of air transport which is so vital to our archipelagic nation, my Government will overhaul the existing air sector policy to create a safer and more efficient air transport system. This will include the creation of a modern civil aviation regulatory regime, the creation of a fully independent body to investigate air accidents, enhanced communications technology and upgraded radar equipment.

Additionally, steps will be taken to address the management of the Bahamas Flight Information Region (FIR), which will permit access to overflight fees on The Bahamas’ upper airspace.

In relation to maritime transport which is no less vital to our national interests, my Government will procure the implementation of maritime safety standards, protocols and inspection regimes on all national ships and personnel, and the adoption of the Caribbean Ship Safety Code and Small Vessel Code.

To encourage environmental sustainability in Freeport, Grand Bahama the Freeport Bye-Laws Act, 1965 will be amended to impose mandatory standards for environmental management.

My Government will develop a national water policy in conjunction with all stakeholders and will ensure the proper extraction of ground and potable water so that all Bahamian communities will in the shortest possible time have access to piped potable water.

My Government will initiate a plan to lower the cost of electricity throughout The Bahamas through the development of alternative energy production and improved efficiency at BEC in the areas of administration, power production and equipment maintenance.

My Government will review the Regulations established by the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) to ensure that they conform to the Constitution and reflect Bahamian values in the context of responsible freedom of expression in a democratic society.

My Government will finalize its longstanding Foreign Service Orders for the enhancement and strengthening of a professional Foreign Service.


Madam President and Honourable Senators,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,


There is an emerging national consensus that the Bahamian tax system is simply inadequate to meet the needs of a modern 21st century society. My Government will therefore launch an extensive review of the Bahamian tax system with a view to proposing alternative means of taxation that address the problems of the current system while providing the Government with a stable, buoyant and adequate source of revenue to meet its governance obligations to the Bahamian people.

My Government will introduce legislation to establish a council of economic advisors. The role of the council will be to develop policy recommendations for Government on the major issues pertaining to economic growth and stability, including tax reform.


Madam President and Honourable Senators,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,


There will also be laid before you legislation to prevent the entering into of government contracts, including contracts of employment, or the payment of public monies in connection therewith, between the date of dissolution of Parliament and the date of a General Election unless such contracts or such payments are pre-determined by an independent statutory body to be absolutely critical for the maintenance of essential services.


Madam President and Honourable Senators,

Mr. Speaker and Members of the Honourable House of Assembly,


As my Government now sets about the urgent tasks that I have just outlined it shall be forever mindful that in all things God must come first and that without Him at the centre of our efforts we labour in vain.

My Government shall also remain mindful of the need for complete integrity in the stewardship of the people’s affairs.  Its commitment in this regard is absolute and will remain so.

Finally, my Government believes in Bahamians and in the capacity and determination of the Bahamian people to overcome all the many challenges that lie before us.  Armed with a common purpose and united in patriotism and love for one another, we shall indeed overcome, and achieve for our nation the greatness that is its destiny.

I pray that the blessings of Almighty God may rest upon your counsels.

bahamas.gov.bs

 

The most pressing issue in The Bahamas today is crime and the fear of crime... highlighted by the fact that the murder rate is going in the wrong direction - up

Party By Party: Where The Candidates Stand On Crime


 

By LAMECH JOHNSON
Tribune Staff Reporter
ljohnson@tribunemedia.net



THE Bahamas put the world on alert in early 2010 after a country which is noted for its sun, sand and sea racked up 87 murders the year before.

Crimewave is a word too easily used by politicians and the media, but statistics showed crime was on the up, and for a nation of just 350,000, dependent on tourism, it was a worrying trend.

By the end of 2010, the country surpassed the previous record with an extra seven murders.

Bahamians at every level in society were puzzled as to what was going on, what 2011's numbers would be and what the government was going to do about it. The murder figure reached 127 for 2011.

The most pressing issue in the Bahamas today is crime and the fear of crime, highlighted by the fact that the murder rate is going in the wrong direction - up.

Democratic National Alliance leader Branville McCartney couldn't have worded it better during his party's anti-crime and violence march in Bay Street last Wednesday. He said things would get worse if there was not an immediate intervention.

The sentiments from the man who wants to be the country's next Prime Minister are not new. His rivals, current Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and opposition leader Perry Christie, have already said the same thing.

Mr Ingraham and Mr Christie have blamed each other for the rise in crime levels. The DNA leader has blamed both of them - branding them "failures".

Behind the rhetoric, angry faces and gesticulations, claim, counter claim and overused insults like "abysmal failure", what is their answer to beating crime?

What has caused this spike in crime? Do the politicians even have an answer?

Crime exists in every part of the world where there is civilisation, the same way that certain weak drinks are present at almost every party adults go to. If those drinks get spiked, there's chaos.

At the rate the country is going and with the world watching through their TVs, computer screens and smart phones, it is only a matter of time before this rising crime leads to the wrong kind of tourist being held up during a nature tour, robbed on Cable Beach or attacked with a cutlass in their hotel room on a Family Island. A celebrity or a police chief from another country.

Crime is one of, if not the biggest, concern for the voters going into the May 7 elections and the three leaders and their respective teams know it.

In 14 days, more than 170,000 voters will go to the polls to select a new member of parliament for the 38 constituencies up for grabs.

Marking an X next to the name of an DNA, FNM, PLP or independent candidate will ultimately decide which party will be the next government for the next five years.

How will the three leaders and their parties, DNA, FNM and PLP, match up and overcome the Goliath that is crime?

The FNM and the DNA have revealed their manifestos for public viewing so far and looking at both documents, crime is the top priority. The PLP has been very vocal about their plans for fighting crime.

The FNM, hoping to regain the trust of Bahamians, has released its full manifesto and addresses crime as a part of its "National Security Strategic Plan", Tough on Crime and Tough on the Causes of Crime.

The FNM before outlining its plan, stated what it had done and what it thinks is the root cause of the crime surge: "Trade and abuse" of illegal narcotics over the past several decades.

The party, according to its manifesto said it had "modernized and better equipped the Royal Bahamas Police Force, passed and implemented tough anti-crime legislation and improved conditions in our legal, judicial and prison systems."

The party, in its document goes on: "To complement these efforts, we have also worked with educators, social workers and other citizens to implement new prevention programmes"

Going forward, the FNM's goal is to have a "modern, efficient crime fighting machine," through a "properly manned, trained and equipped" police force "to prevent crime where possible, detect crime when it occurs and bring those responsible to account before the courts."

The FNM proposes to hire an extra 250 officers; specifically train officers from remote Family Islands to serve their communities; combine technology with community policing to strengthen crime prevention; ensure continued funding for police; create more police patrols and increase presence in neighbourhoods.

The party proposes "continued and adequate funding" of the judiciary, to complete the construction of the judicial complex and Supreme Court, and the appointment of a resident magistrate in Andros.

They are also seeking to empower magistrates, "in appropriate cases", to use their power to implement "alternative sentencing and restorative programmes to reduce the amount of non-violent juveniles returning to prison."

The FNM plans to "accelerate prison reform initiatives" to rehabilitate non-violent offenders so they are able to be reintegrated into society.

Weekly drug testing will be introduced, and a remand centre will be constructed in Grand Bahama.

The Defence Force is also a part of the FNM's plan to fight crime. It wants to increase manpower on the force by 180 and introduce a reserves list similar to that of the police force.

The Defence Force is also expected to receive additional equipment in the form of sea and aircraft to help in the fight against illegal migration, poaching and drug smuggling.

While not as detailed at the governing party, the DNA's The Vision 2012 and Beyond manifesto lists crime as the first issue to be tackled after the election.

The party will focus on six areas:

■Enforce laws without political interference.

■Support the development and strengthening of a Bahamian criminal justice system that works.

■Develop a comprehensive and research-proven system to rehabilitate offenders, including academic programmes, and work readiness and skill building programmes.

■Commit necessary finance and people to the Royal Bahamas Police Force and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force to ensure "they are in the best position to be effective in their roles".

■Ensure the enforcement of capital punishment and that bail is not granted for accused murderers.

There are some similarities between the FNM and the DNA's plans.

Both parties are looking to strengthen the capacity of the judiciary and the various law enforcement agencies. They also recognise the importance of reforming and educating prisoners to reduce the number of repeat offenders.

The similarities end there.

The DNA has publicly stated its intention to carry out the death penalty. There is no mention of capital punishment in the FNM's manifesto.

The FNM government removed the Magistrates Courts' discretion to grant bail for murder and other serious offences. However, persons eligible who can prove they should to be granted bail can be given a bond by the Supreme Court.

Is the DNA proposing to support this move? Regarding the death penalty, how will the DNA get past the ruling of the Privy Council, based in the UK?

Mr McCartney answered this question last Wednesday.

"We're making sure that if it goes to the Privy Council, we'll have the laws in place that will force their hands when there is a conviction on murder, that the death penalty will be enforced."

What is the PLP's stance on capital punishment?

The country will find out when the party releases its manifesto for the country's 170,000 voters to see.

People will then be better placed to cast their votes in the ongoing fight against this particular Goliath.

April 23, 2012

tribune242

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