Where are we headed as a nation?
thenassauguardian editorial
When three lives can be taken senselessly, seemingly without cause or pause, what does that say about us as a ‘Christian’ nation? When a man is at home and another boldly enters his “castle” uninvited, armed with an illegal weapon and snuffs out his life; when a teenager and a relative is at a birthday party celebrating the milestone of a friend, and a knife is plunged into his chest, stopping his breath; when a woman, just completing an eight-hour work shift, walks out to the parking lot and is accosted by an assailant, who not only steals her money and shoots her, but drives from the scene in her car?
What does that say about us as a ‘Christian’ nation?
In the past two, three years it appears as though persons pulling the triggers in this country have been overtaken with an irrational mindset that is spiraling out of control. Many organizations have begun programs to curb their behavior, but to no avail. The police have launched countless initiatives, beefed up patrols and acquired new equipment. However the crime wave and criminality continues to build and as the essence of those transgressions permeate the atmosphere, pent up tension and frustration are beginning to forge themselves in the minds of the victims.
Just over the weekend residents of Bain Town, New Providence assembled themselves as “one group”, a force against the police. Rocks, bottles and other missiles were thrown and the innocent, including media personnel and clergymen were hurt in the process.
It may not of been the intent of the residents to do bodily harm to anyone, however, restrained frustration and anger over what they believe is their situation of disadvantage boiled over and there had to be a point of release.
Their action maybe an isolated one, but be assured people throughout this country are living time bombs waiting to explode. But before The Bahamas develops a criminal reputation internationally, the people must unify themselves in the fight against crime.
Earlier this year Prime Minister Hubert A. Ingraham called for a day of prayer, many were surprised by this move, but if Grand Bahamians would take their minds back to the year of the “Five Missing Boys” it was not until the men of the cloth called for a time of fasting and prayer that the predator revealed himself. Cordell Farrington walked into the Central Police Station and confessed that he committed those crimes.
However, that did not happen until the people came together with one voice, believing and focusing on the perpetrator being exposed.
So, the prime minister was on the right track calling for a day of prayer. Maybe he should consider declaring another such proclamation as 2010 nears its end, with the country having recorded 85 murders thus far, only two under the murder count of 87 for 2009.
There are five weeks left in 2010, where are we headed as a ‘Christian’ nation when lives are being taken senselessly; when families are afraid to rest at night in fear of some unscrupulous bandit invading their home; when women are afraid to water their grass after sunset and when children cannot stand at the bus stop without the fear of being hit by a stray bullet?
This country must no longer be held hostage by those who have apparently lost their conscience and respect for life.
Where are we headed as a nation?
The terror must stop and it will take the people, being of one mind and one focus – to bring an end to the terror of crime in our Bahamaland.
11/23/2010
thenassauguardian editorial
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
Showing posts with label Bahamas crime wave. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bahamas crime wave. Show all posts
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
The Bahamas' crime wave must stop
The crime wave must stop
thenassauguardian editorial
It seems as though everywhere you go, crime like an ugly monster, raises its head negatively affecting society and taking away the comforts of safety enjoyed by so many Bahamians over the years.
Even though careful steps have been taken by the leaders of the country to ensure that offenders are brought to justice, there is still a lack of respect by certain criminals in the country, who feel they are above the law and continue to engage in illicit behavior, a number of them inflicting undue pain on innocent people through violent acts.
Some acts are so brutal that there seems to be no regard or concern for human life.
Apart from the number of cases in New Providence where people have been tragically gunned down or stabbed to death after violent altercations with others, Grand Bahama has seen its own share of unexplained and brutal murders that have left many residents in shock.
Just yesterday, a man was brutally stabbed in a crowded bank in front of numerous witnesses.
According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, a man who appeared to be in his mid 30's was preparing to be served by a teller when he was approached by a younger man who began arguing with him.
The argument which was reportedly over money, intensified when the two men began choking and punching each other. The younger man reportedly pulled out a weapon and began stabbing the older man about the body.
Then on Thursday, a woman was attacked outside the Rand Memorial Hospital and her jewelry snatched from her neck. According to Officer-in-charge of the Central Division Superintendent Macktavaus Daniels,"People are becoming violent. We had an incident just this morning where a lady had dropped somebody at the Rand Memorial Hospital and a guy ran up to her, punched her and yanked her chain off her neck,"he said."And so that's where this thing(crime)is going now."
While these incidents represent a small fraction of the number of cases that take place in Grand Bahama and the northern region, one cannot argue the severity of the crimes and the awful disregard for the lives that were lost.
The sad thing about this whole situation is that whether we want to admit it or not, there will be more incidents to report this year as we head into the Christmas holiday.
There will be some that will escape our hearing and others, so brutal, we will wonder if such acts will ever end. The bone-shivering truth is, they will not stop.
So what should the government and concerned citizens do to help stop it?
Some say enforce the laws and resume hanging. Others say always impose the maximum punishment as dictated by law. The reality is, something must be done. During these harsh financial times, and with the tourism industry of the country suffering much loss, The Bahamas cannot afford to be known as a destination where crime is out of hand.
As we move toward a new year, it is time for those in authority to consider and implement new strategies. The criminals are not backing down, they are getting more aggressive everyday, therefore so must the system that brings them to justice.
10/16/2010
thenassauguardian editorial
thenassauguardian editorial
It seems as though everywhere you go, crime like an ugly monster, raises its head negatively affecting society and taking away the comforts of safety enjoyed by so many Bahamians over the years.
Even though careful steps have been taken by the leaders of the country to ensure that offenders are brought to justice, there is still a lack of respect by certain criminals in the country, who feel they are above the law and continue to engage in illicit behavior, a number of them inflicting undue pain on innocent people through violent acts.
Some acts are so brutal that there seems to be no regard or concern for human life.
Apart from the number of cases in New Providence where people have been tragically gunned down or stabbed to death after violent altercations with others, Grand Bahama has seen its own share of unexplained and brutal murders that have left many residents in shock.
Just yesterday, a man was brutally stabbed in a crowded bank in front of numerous witnesses.
According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, a man who appeared to be in his mid 30's was preparing to be served by a teller when he was approached by a younger man who began arguing with him.
The argument which was reportedly over money, intensified when the two men began choking and punching each other. The younger man reportedly pulled out a weapon and began stabbing the older man about the body.
Then on Thursday, a woman was attacked outside the Rand Memorial Hospital and her jewelry snatched from her neck. According to Officer-in-charge of the Central Division Superintendent Macktavaus Daniels,"People are becoming violent. We had an incident just this morning where a lady had dropped somebody at the Rand Memorial Hospital and a guy ran up to her, punched her and yanked her chain off her neck,"he said."And so that's where this thing(crime)is going now."
While these incidents represent a small fraction of the number of cases that take place in Grand Bahama and the northern region, one cannot argue the severity of the crimes and the awful disregard for the lives that were lost.
The sad thing about this whole situation is that whether we want to admit it or not, there will be more incidents to report this year as we head into the Christmas holiday.
There will be some that will escape our hearing and others, so brutal, we will wonder if such acts will ever end. The bone-shivering truth is, they will not stop.
So what should the government and concerned citizens do to help stop it?
Some say enforce the laws and resume hanging. Others say always impose the maximum punishment as dictated by law. The reality is, something must be done. During these harsh financial times, and with the tourism industry of the country suffering much loss, The Bahamas cannot afford to be known as a destination where crime is out of hand.
As we move toward a new year, it is time for those in authority to consider and implement new strategies. The criminals are not backing down, they are getting more aggressive everyday, therefore so must the system that brings them to justice.
10/16/2010
thenassauguardian editorial
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Leslie Miller - former cabinet minister and crime victim backs call for capital punishment to resume in The Bahamas in the face of a "severe crisis"
Former MP Strongly Backs Capital Punishment
By Macushla N. Pinder:
A former cabinet minister and victim of crime is strongly backing the call for capital punishment to resume in The Bahamas in the face of a "severe crisis" in the country.
According to businessman and former Blue Hills MP, Leslie Miller, Bahamians are being terrorised in their own country and something has to be done about it.
"The police do a fabulous job, so the problem isn’t the police, it’s the court system and those persons who are unafraid of the law…We must implement capital punishment and the cat o’nine tail and whatever other action is necessary to stem the flow of crime" Mr. Miller suggested when he appeared as a guest on Love 97’s daily talk show "Issues of the Day" with host Algernon Allen.
"…. It bothers me that we can allow 12 men to sit in London and decide the fate of people who are grappling with situations beyond the realm of what they face. A government is elected for and on behalf the people. So, if you cannot or are not prepared to do your job, you should resign as a Member of Parliament. I don’t see the Members of Parliament on both sides speaking out against crime or calling a special session of parliament to say we are going to deal with this once and for all."
Mr. Miller’s son Mario was found dead in a bushy area near Super Value Food Store in the Winton area on June 2002.
According to reports, he was stabbed 18 times about the body.
Evidence coming out of the case revealed that the official cause of death was a stab wound to the lungs and a chop to the neck, resulting in acute blood loss.
The Crown alleged that brothers Ricardo Miller, 30, also known as Tamar Lee, and his younger brother Ryan, 24, intentionally caused Miller’s death.
However, the first and second trials ended in a retrial.
Yet another retrial has been ordered.
So far this year, the country has recorded 55 homicides. The last two occurred over the holiday weekend.
On Friday, Slyvannus Williams, 45, was reportedly in an altercation with a woman believed to be his wife when she allegedly stabbed him in the parking lot of Green Parrot Restaurant and Bar on East Bay Street.
Just over 24 hours later, Exuma resident Cely Smith was killed.
According to police, four dreadlocked gunmen shot the 45-year-old Stuart Manor resident around 7:30 a.m. Sunday.
It is crimes like these that have made the call for the death penalty almost deafening at times.
"He who feels it, knows it. When you have to go to the hospital to identify your loved one or see them in the street murdered, then have someone talk foolishness around your head about hanging or any lethal injection, what about that person who would never take another breath? You would never see them get married. They would never have a grandson or granddaughter," he said.
"God gave us life and he is the one who is supposed to take us home. Anyone who interferes must be prepared to give their own [life]….This foolishness of going up to Fox Hill [Her Majesty’s Prison] and getting fat at the expense of the state is utter garbage."
But not everyone believes the death penalty is the solution. In fact, many argue that executing a convicted murderer would not cause crime to decrease.
But, Mr. Miller said the offender who kills would not kill again.
The country’s unabated crime wave has also driven up the cost of doing business.
In fact, Bahamas Chamber of Commerce President Khaalis Rolle recently told a local daily "many companies are scared to do business after dark."
Mr. Miller agreed.
"We have 10 police officers (at Mario’s Bowling and Entertainment Palace) on the weekends because we saw situations arising," he said.
"…This costs us between $8,000 and $10,000 per month….This is one of the drawbacks of operating in a society where crime is so prevalent... The criminals are getting bolder."
Earlier this year, Mr. Miller was robbed at gunpoint in broad daylight.
Two men reportedly exited a gold Chevy Impala, put two guns to his head and told him to hand over the money or he would be killed.
The two men reportedly got away with nearly $30,000.
"When a man has a gun pointed at you, you are not in charge. Don’t act as if you are in charge. You can make the money back. Think about your life, your loved ones, those who depend on you," he said.
"You can’t be the hero. In every movie, the hero normally dies at the end. I’m not trying to be the hero."
August 4th, 2010
jonesbahamas
By Macushla N. Pinder:
A former cabinet minister and victim of crime is strongly backing the call for capital punishment to resume in The Bahamas in the face of a "severe crisis" in the country.
According to businessman and former Blue Hills MP, Leslie Miller, Bahamians are being terrorised in their own country and something has to be done about it.
"The police do a fabulous job, so the problem isn’t the police, it’s the court system and those persons who are unafraid of the law…We must implement capital punishment and the cat o’nine tail and whatever other action is necessary to stem the flow of crime" Mr. Miller suggested when he appeared as a guest on Love 97’s daily talk show "Issues of the Day" with host Algernon Allen.
"…. It bothers me that we can allow 12 men to sit in London and decide the fate of people who are grappling with situations beyond the realm of what they face. A government is elected for and on behalf the people. So, if you cannot or are not prepared to do your job, you should resign as a Member of Parliament. I don’t see the Members of Parliament on both sides speaking out against crime or calling a special session of parliament to say we are going to deal with this once and for all."
Mr. Miller’s son Mario was found dead in a bushy area near Super Value Food Store in the Winton area on June 2002.
According to reports, he was stabbed 18 times about the body.
Evidence coming out of the case revealed that the official cause of death was a stab wound to the lungs and a chop to the neck, resulting in acute blood loss.
The Crown alleged that brothers Ricardo Miller, 30, also known as Tamar Lee, and his younger brother Ryan, 24, intentionally caused Miller’s death.
However, the first and second trials ended in a retrial.
Yet another retrial has been ordered.
So far this year, the country has recorded 55 homicides. The last two occurred over the holiday weekend.
On Friday, Slyvannus Williams, 45, was reportedly in an altercation with a woman believed to be his wife when she allegedly stabbed him in the parking lot of Green Parrot Restaurant and Bar on East Bay Street.
Just over 24 hours later, Exuma resident Cely Smith was killed.
According to police, four dreadlocked gunmen shot the 45-year-old Stuart Manor resident around 7:30 a.m. Sunday.
It is crimes like these that have made the call for the death penalty almost deafening at times.
"He who feels it, knows it. When you have to go to the hospital to identify your loved one or see them in the street murdered, then have someone talk foolishness around your head about hanging or any lethal injection, what about that person who would never take another breath? You would never see them get married. They would never have a grandson or granddaughter," he said.
"God gave us life and he is the one who is supposed to take us home. Anyone who interferes must be prepared to give their own [life]….This foolishness of going up to Fox Hill [Her Majesty’s Prison] and getting fat at the expense of the state is utter garbage."
But not everyone believes the death penalty is the solution. In fact, many argue that executing a convicted murderer would not cause crime to decrease.
But, Mr. Miller said the offender who kills would not kill again.
The country’s unabated crime wave has also driven up the cost of doing business.
In fact, Bahamas Chamber of Commerce President Khaalis Rolle recently told a local daily "many companies are scared to do business after dark."
Mr. Miller agreed.
"We have 10 police officers (at Mario’s Bowling and Entertainment Palace) on the weekends because we saw situations arising," he said.
"…This costs us between $8,000 and $10,000 per month….This is one of the drawbacks of operating in a society where crime is so prevalent... The criminals are getting bolder."
Earlier this year, Mr. Miller was robbed at gunpoint in broad daylight.
Two men reportedly exited a gold Chevy Impala, put two guns to his head and told him to hand over the money or he would be killed.
The two men reportedly got away with nearly $30,000.
"When a man has a gun pointed at you, you are not in charge. Don’t act as if you are in charge. You can make the money back. Think about your life, your loved ones, those who depend on you," he said.
"You can’t be the hero. In every movie, the hero normally dies at the end. I’m not trying to be the hero."
August 4th, 2010
jonesbahamas
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