A heavy focus is placed on stemming the flow of illegal drugs into The Bahamas... the same must be given to stopping the influx of illegal guns

Gun trafficking and murder in The Bahamas
thenassauguardian editorial



On Monday, The Nassau Guardian in its National Review section published some revealing figures on the homicide rate in the Caribbean.

Out of 15 countries in the region, The Bahamas had the fifth highest homicide rate last year, with 29 homicides per 100,000 people.

The international homicide standard that countries seek to be at or under is 5 per 100,000.

The Bahamas recorded a total of 96 homicides last year, and along with the vast majority of other countries in the region is far off that mark set by the United Nations.

While the latest statistics on gun killings in The Bahamas are not available, it is reasonable to state that the vast majority of killings and armed robberies in the country are done using handguns. A special license is needed to possess a handgun.

So how are these guns getting into the country and what is being done about it?

The Bahamas has reasonably strict laws when it comes to gun ownership. They are among the toughest in the region. A genuine reason must be given to obtain a firearm licence, an applicant must pass background checks, there is a limit on the number of guns any one person is permitted to possess, there is a limit on the quantity of ammunition, and gun owners must re-apply and re-qualify for a firearm license every 12 months, among other regulations.

The maximum penalty for illicit possession of firearms is five years imprisonment and a fine of $10,000.

Local law enforcement agencies must ensure that constant surveillance initiatives are conducted to break up gun smuggling operations to and through The Bahamas.

The government must be commended for putting in place additional tools and key personnel in the battle against violent crime; however, the gun laws on the books must be enforced, and amended where needed.

The government and judiciary should also consider re-establishing a ‘gun court’ in order to expedite the trials of suspects of such offenses.

If we can help stay the flow of guns into the country surely we can impact the troubling homicide rate.

A heavy focus is placed on stemming the flow of illegal drugs into the country, the same focus must be given to stopping the flow of illegal guns.

Special legislation is also needed to punish those found in possession of illegal assault rifles and machine guns. These are weapons of war. Those who use these weapons are usually involved in the drug trade. It would seem reasonable to incarcerate these individuals for a period of up to ten years if they are found on our streets with such weapons.

1/18/2011

thenassauguardian editorial

Bahamas Blog International