Ingraham: All Bahamians must assist in crime fight
By Krystel Rolle
Guardian Staff Reporter
krystel@nasguard.com
Acknowledging that crime is unacceptably high, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham yesterday appealed to all Bahamians to assist in the crime fight, adding that the government is resolute in its effort to reduce the level of criminality.
“On the issue of violent crime I use this occasion to appeal to all citizens and sectors of society -- schools, churches, civic organizations, the business community and others -- to support efforts to combat crime and its causes,” Ingraham said during the Free National Movement’s Anniversary Service of Thanksgiving at the Cousin McPhee AME Church on Carmichael Road.
“And I appeal to all sectors of society, including those in politics, to refrain from associating with and from making statements that excuse criminality or give comfort to criminals. Together we can defeat those who seek to destroy our peace, tranquillity and economic well-being. They are a small minority and we must determine, as the majority, not to allow the small number of bad apples among us to poison our environment.”
Ingraham said statistics show that crimes are being committed by persons from all walks of life, including those who come from good family backgrounds. He added that the country is “challenged” by violent crime and unemployment. “We are best able to tackle both,” he said.
Ingraham noted that his government brought the country out of troubles before and is prepared to do it again.
“By our deeds, we and others are known. Others governed during a time with violent crime and murder spiralled to unprecedented levels, unchecked drug trafficking and related crime changed the mores and behavior of far too many of our people and unemployment reached historic highs. We brought our country back from those terrible lows and we are working diligently now to stop and reverse the threats to the quality of life of our people,” he continued.
His statement came one day after the 92nd murder was committed in the country. A Haitian man was killed in his store on Palm Tree Avenue on Saturday evening. He was shot in his neck during what is believed to be an attempted robbery.
The unemployment rate in New Providence dropped slightly from 14 percent to 13.2 percent. Grand Bahama’s unemployment rate dropped from 17.4 percent to 15.4 percent. However, the number of people who are no longer looking for work (discouraged workers) also dramatically increased by 34.8 percent.
But despite those challenges Ingraham said the country has much to celebrate. “We also have significant national accomplishments, and are nowadays respected the world over. It is in our power, with God’s help, to raise levels of civility and common accord between citizens and to win greater peace in our communities,” he said.
Ingraham, who is serving his third non-consecutive year as prime minister, noted some of the national accomplishments his government made over the years.
He said his government improved and extended telephone services, including cellular phone service to the most remote settlements of the country, and made the introduction of cable television and internet services throughout the country possible.
Additionally, he said the government made it possible for the further expansion of the broadcast industry.
“Now every Tom, Dick, and Harry can call radio stations and say what the Lord put in their hearts or what the devil put in their heads,” Ingraham said.
Meantime Dr. Ranford Patterson, pastor of Cousin McPhee Church, called on FNM’s to help restore the nation. He said it will take people who are willing to stand for righteousness.
“This is still the greatest nation,” he said, adding that Bahamians must return to the ideals of the past.
“We must become caring again,” Patterson added.
Aug 22, 2011