By Dennis Dames
I was delighted today to have read the message of peace by the Free National Movement’s candidate for Killarney; the Hon. Hubert Minnis. He wrote about allowing calm heads to prevail this election season and beyond.
It’s a point worth repeating by all responsible politicians in the land, as the temperature is truly rising among the people across the political divide. I have never experienced such touchiness, itchiness, and angriness among Bahamians of different political perspectives in The Bahamas until now.
If things continue on this course, we could be in for something violently new in our electoral process; and it will be a direct reflection of our 21st century political leadership in The Bahamas.
Respect should always be our password; and with it – comes responsibility and love for one another. The political disrespect that seems to be out of control in our country today is a part of the wider disrespectful culture that’s slowly tearing us apart.
We cannot be serious about a prosperous future as one people, if we hate one another because - we support different political parties, or we see things differently.
If the invasive contempt for one another continues through the upcoming general election, then - what kind of results do we expect at the end of the day brothers and sisters?
Yes, the assault incident in Grand Bahama this weekend involving a candidate’s daughter, is one worthy of serious note and action. Nip it now or be sorry later.
I have noticed that so called responsible politicians and political leaders in our country are first concerned about winning by hook or crook. Well, Mr. and Ms. politicians, you all better change that outlook before you don’t become a victim of your distorted philosophy.
Let’s all watch and see who will follow Doctor Minnis of Killarney, and denounce all forms of violence in this election season and onwards; because only real leaders will do so.
Step up to the plate brothers and sisters who seek our vote.
Caribbean Blog International
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 peace Bahamas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label peace Bahamas. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Thursday, November 25, 2010
“…carnage unleashed…”
Rough Cut
By Felix F. Bethel
The Bahama Journal
What I am trying to say is that something is dreadfully wrong in this place where the police can apparently get away with killing people who – for whatever reason –cross them.
Something has got to be wrong when the people are afraid of the police. And as far as I am concerned, the people are afraid of the police because of the fact that far too many people have been killed at the hands of the police.
And as far as I am concerned, far too many police officers are allowed to carry guns/ and for sure –as the record attests and confirms – far too many law-abiding citizens are losing confidence in the men and women to whom they should be looking for protection.
Another Thursday and –yet again- one day closer to the time when Jesus will come and put an end to all this damned foolishness.
What I’m trying to say is that I am sick and tired of all the killing; sick and tired of all the lies I am told –day in and day out.
And Lord knows - I am sick and tired of all those fine citizens – who even as they call for justice on behalf of some lost soul- are writhing in the coils of bloody vengeance.
In one telling instance, a fine Christian lady told me that if she ever had the opportunity she would use it wisely; and that she would lynch the man who killed her grandson.
When I tried to explain that this would make her a killer, she dismissed me and all that I had to say, noting that I was too smart for my own good, with all that God-talk in my head and in my mouth.
But since she is still my beloved sister in Christ, my fervent prayers continue for both this woman and her family; and so, even as I note this or that in aid of helping bringing peace to this troubled land that is mine; I tell you that, another Black man is now dead.
Take note that, Sharmoco Newbold is dead; having been wasted – some say- by a police man.
In time, we might all have some idea; some bit of information concerning why he had to die as he did when he bit the dust as he did, this Saturday past.
But in the meanwhile as we await the coming of that day when truth is revealed; take note that, having thought deeply about the matter on today’s agenda, I am prepared to argue that, this land that is ours is an infernal kind of place – an archipelagic necropolis; a place where Death reigns and lurks; triumphant with the results of carnage unleashed.
Having thought deeply about the matter on today’s agenda, I am prepared to argue that, this land that is ours is an infernal kind of place – an archipelagic necropolis; a place where Death lurks and for sure, our land has become –inch by bloody inch - a place where thugs in uniform routinely kill unarmed citizens.
Indeed, today’s exotic-erotic Bahamas is a hellish, messed up kind of place. It is a place where you can get killed for apparently no real reason.
It is a fact that, "The shooting death of 18-year-old Brenton Smith has raised questions as to whether the armed members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force have adequate firearms training to ensure they react properly to high-pressure situations or whether some are "trigger- happy" officers whose first instinct is to pull the trigger.
Now know that, "It was just before 8 pm on a warm summer's evening -- on the cusp of the country's 36th Independence anniversary -- when the 2008 graduate of St Augustine's College walked with a friend through a popular shortcut used by many in the Kemp Road area. The path led to the nearby City Market food store on Village Road.
"He was in a hurry to flag down a jitney before it got dark and warned his friend not to make him late for his younger sister's singing recital. "But he never made it there…"
As I now imagine things – even as Brenton tried to find his way to his sister’s recital, the death angels hovered about in the immediate vicinity of that food-store that had been robbed in that same time as Hector Brenton just happened to be passing by.
The rest of the story is simple enough – Brenton was laid low by police gun-fire.
Today, Brenton Hector Smith is still dead.
The police officer who killed him is alive and well and working as a police officer. And from all that I currently suspect, this officer is armed.
While I have no basis on which to pin a judgment or opinion to the effect that this man is dangerous; I hope that his path and mine never cross.
Or to be a tad more charitable, I hope to see him on the Judgment Day – and then only so that I can get an opportunity to get the real story as to how it came to be that Hector Brenton Smith was destroyed -as he was – where he was on that fateful night when a police officer was man enough to kill him. Even now, some of my fellow-Bahamians do verily believe that Hector Brenton Smith was killed in cold blood.
For my part, I just do not know a thing about this.
What I do know is that a Coroner’s Jury did last Thursday – on a Thursday just like this one – did say that it was unanimous in its conclusion that the police officer with the gun had acted in his own self-defense when he apprehended that his life might be at danger; thus that one blast that sent Hector Brenton Smith to thy kingdom come – on a one way ticket to Oblivion. And so, that is how it is done in today’s stinking Bahamas.
I am today so very sorry for my people.
And on the basis of all that I know and believe – based on my faith in a Risen Savior- I am sure that I will see this student of mine on that day when Gabriel gets set to blow his trumpet.
I am also certain that the man who killed him will bow and confess to God Almighty for what he did when he did what he did on that fateful night when he shot the shot that felled the boy who was trying to find his way home through what he thought was a short-cut from one dead end road to another crime-infested street.
Little did Brenton know that the route he took was that one that would take him – in a flash of fire and in the stench of his own shed-blood – to that place where the dead congregate.
And the preacher-man said some days later: dust to dust and ashes to ashes and another young man’s remains were returned to the earth.
The same kind of thing happened for Jermaine Mackey’s family when they had to bury what was left of him in the aftermath of his death by police gun-fire on St. James Road in the Eastern District of this infernal island.
And then, there was that now-notorious case of a young man who was known as Sharky, but whose real name was Deron Bethel – this case being the one where –as he sat in his car and as he tried to get away from what was clearly a bad scene unfolding – he was shot through the heart.
He bled to death.
And even now, his mother grieves for the man-child who emerged – head-first- from her womb. Today this woman is grandchild to her dead son’s child – my God-son –Deron Bethel, Jr.
And still, blessed are the peacemakers.
November 25th, 2010
The Bahama Journal
By Felix F. Bethel
The Bahama Journal
What I am trying to say is that something is dreadfully wrong in this place where the police can apparently get away with killing people who – for whatever reason –cross them.
Something has got to be wrong when the people are afraid of the police. And as far as I am concerned, the people are afraid of the police because of the fact that far too many people have been killed at the hands of the police.
And as far as I am concerned, far too many police officers are allowed to carry guns/ and for sure –as the record attests and confirms – far too many law-abiding citizens are losing confidence in the men and women to whom they should be looking for protection.
Another Thursday and –yet again- one day closer to the time when Jesus will come and put an end to all this damned foolishness.
What I’m trying to say is that I am sick and tired of all the killing; sick and tired of all the lies I am told –day in and day out.
And Lord knows - I am sick and tired of all those fine citizens – who even as they call for justice on behalf of some lost soul- are writhing in the coils of bloody vengeance.
In one telling instance, a fine Christian lady told me that if she ever had the opportunity she would use it wisely; and that she would lynch the man who killed her grandson.
When I tried to explain that this would make her a killer, she dismissed me and all that I had to say, noting that I was too smart for my own good, with all that God-talk in my head and in my mouth.
But since she is still my beloved sister in Christ, my fervent prayers continue for both this woman and her family; and so, even as I note this or that in aid of helping bringing peace to this troubled land that is mine; I tell you that, another Black man is now dead.
Take note that, Sharmoco Newbold is dead; having been wasted – some say- by a police man.
In time, we might all have some idea; some bit of information concerning why he had to die as he did when he bit the dust as he did, this Saturday past.
But in the meanwhile as we await the coming of that day when truth is revealed; take note that, having thought deeply about the matter on today’s agenda, I am prepared to argue that, this land that is ours is an infernal kind of place – an archipelagic necropolis; a place where Death reigns and lurks; triumphant with the results of carnage unleashed.
Having thought deeply about the matter on today’s agenda, I am prepared to argue that, this land that is ours is an infernal kind of place – an archipelagic necropolis; a place where Death lurks and for sure, our land has become –inch by bloody inch - a place where thugs in uniform routinely kill unarmed citizens.
Indeed, today’s exotic-erotic Bahamas is a hellish, messed up kind of place. It is a place where you can get killed for apparently no real reason.
It is a fact that, "The shooting death of 18-year-old Brenton Smith has raised questions as to whether the armed members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force have adequate firearms training to ensure they react properly to high-pressure situations or whether some are "trigger- happy" officers whose first instinct is to pull the trigger.
Now know that, "It was just before 8 pm on a warm summer's evening -- on the cusp of the country's 36th Independence anniversary -- when the 2008 graduate of St Augustine's College walked with a friend through a popular shortcut used by many in the Kemp Road area. The path led to the nearby City Market food store on Village Road.
"He was in a hurry to flag down a jitney before it got dark and warned his friend not to make him late for his younger sister's singing recital. "But he never made it there…"
As I now imagine things – even as Brenton tried to find his way to his sister’s recital, the death angels hovered about in the immediate vicinity of that food-store that had been robbed in that same time as Hector Brenton just happened to be passing by.
The rest of the story is simple enough – Brenton was laid low by police gun-fire.
Today, Brenton Hector Smith is still dead.
The police officer who killed him is alive and well and working as a police officer. And from all that I currently suspect, this officer is armed.
While I have no basis on which to pin a judgment or opinion to the effect that this man is dangerous; I hope that his path and mine never cross.
Or to be a tad more charitable, I hope to see him on the Judgment Day – and then only so that I can get an opportunity to get the real story as to how it came to be that Hector Brenton Smith was destroyed -as he was – where he was on that fateful night when a police officer was man enough to kill him. Even now, some of my fellow-Bahamians do verily believe that Hector Brenton Smith was killed in cold blood.
For my part, I just do not know a thing about this.
What I do know is that a Coroner’s Jury did last Thursday – on a Thursday just like this one – did say that it was unanimous in its conclusion that the police officer with the gun had acted in his own self-defense when he apprehended that his life might be at danger; thus that one blast that sent Hector Brenton Smith to thy kingdom come – on a one way ticket to Oblivion. And so, that is how it is done in today’s stinking Bahamas.
I am today so very sorry for my people.
And on the basis of all that I know and believe – based on my faith in a Risen Savior- I am sure that I will see this student of mine on that day when Gabriel gets set to blow his trumpet.
I am also certain that the man who killed him will bow and confess to God Almighty for what he did when he did what he did on that fateful night when he shot the shot that felled the boy who was trying to find his way home through what he thought was a short-cut from one dead end road to another crime-infested street.
Little did Brenton know that the route he took was that one that would take him – in a flash of fire and in the stench of his own shed-blood – to that place where the dead congregate.
And the preacher-man said some days later: dust to dust and ashes to ashes and another young man’s remains were returned to the earth.
The same kind of thing happened for Jermaine Mackey’s family when they had to bury what was left of him in the aftermath of his death by police gun-fire on St. James Road in the Eastern District of this infernal island.
And then, there was that now-notorious case of a young man who was known as Sharky, but whose real name was Deron Bethel – this case being the one where –as he sat in his car and as he tried to get away from what was clearly a bad scene unfolding – he was shot through the heart.
He bled to death.
And even now, his mother grieves for the man-child who emerged – head-first- from her womb. Today this woman is grandchild to her dead son’s child – my God-son –Deron Bethel, Jr.
And still, blessed are the peacemakers.
November 25th, 2010
The Bahama Journal
Friday, July 9, 2010
Rodney Moncur - The Anti-Crime Activist To Lead a 1,000 Man Anti-crime March as The Bahamas Celebrates its 37th Anniversary
Anti-Crime Activist To Lead 1,000 Man March
By Karissma Robinson:
Local anti-crime activist Rodney Moncur is seeking to lead the country back to a place where everyday citizens ultimately "chose peace above crime."
Mr. Moncur plans to host a 1,000 man anti-crime march throughout the streets of New Providence as The Bahamas celebrates its 37th anniversary this Saturday.
He is hoping to send a strong message to the criminal element.
At this point, 48 murders have already been recorded for the year, six of them in just one week.
Mr. Moncur said the issue of crime still sits front and centre in the minds of Bahamians.
"Bahamians are still trying to process what is happening. It is getting out of control," Mr. Moncur said.
He insists that The Bahamas cannot afford to celebrate its independence in this state.
"Pregnant women are now being shot for whatever reason. When is the government going to get it? There is a lot of fear in the society, particularly the fear of being killed. Every witness in a murder case is in peril. The reality is no one seems to be sounding the alarm that witnesses in The Bahamas are being assassinated," said Mr. Moncur.
It is for that reason Mr. Moncur is appealing to Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and other government officials to step up to the plate in the fight against crime.
He said the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) "cannot and should not tackle the problem alone."
Earlier this week, Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said police officials have devised new policing strategies.
The police force plans to conduct more walkabouts throughout New Providence and the Family Islands to become more familiar with the residents.
However, Mr. Moncur insists that it should be the Members of Parliament conducting walkabouts in their constituencies.
"It is time for the government to step up. It is now time to issue a state of emergency. We now have to pull other military forces together, such as the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBPF) to intervene. Law enforcement should be dispatched at every corner. This has to happen before it is too late," said Mr. Moncur.
Mr. Moncur asserted that the solution to the problem is very simple.
"First, the prime minister needs to stop granting murderers bail. Secondly, he needs to hang all murderers. This is where the problem ends. If these two things are done there will be a drastic reduction in criminal activity," said Mr. Moncur.
He admitted it would not be easy, but believes it is highly possible to reduce the country’s crippling crime problem.
Mr. Moncur stressed the significance of hosting such a march during the country’s 37th birthday.
"This is the time when all patriotic Bahamians should come out in full force. Independence is the time for Bahamians to unite. Bahamians should take this time to send a strong message to the government that they are not safe," he said.
Mr. Moncur said he intends to continue to march until change comes.
He is calling on Bahamians from every fabric of society to join him at the R.M. Bailey High School at 9:00 a.m. this Saturday.
He wants participants to wear paraphernalia that would best represent The Bahamas.
July 8th, 2010
jonesbahamas
By Karissma Robinson:
Local anti-crime activist Rodney Moncur is seeking to lead the country back to a place where everyday citizens ultimately "chose peace above crime."
Mr. Moncur plans to host a 1,000 man anti-crime march throughout the streets of New Providence as The Bahamas celebrates its 37th anniversary this Saturday.
He is hoping to send a strong message to the criminal element.
At this point, 48 murders have already been recorded for the year, six of them in just one week.
Mr. Moncur said the issue of crime still sits front and centre in the minds of Bahamians.
"Bahamians are still trying to process what is happening. It is getting out of control," Mr. Moncur said.
He insists that The Bahamas cannot afford to celebrate its independence in this state.
"Pregnant women are now being shot for whatever reason. When is the government going to get it? There is a lot of fear in the society, particularly the fear of being killed. Every witness in a murder case is in peril. The reality is no one seems to be sounding the alarm that witnesses in The Bahamas are being assassinated," said Mr. Moncur.
It is for that reason Mr. Moncur is appealing to Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham and other government officials to step up to the plate in the fight against crime.
He said the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) "cannot and should not tackle the problem alone."
Earlier this week, Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade said police officials have devised new policing strategies.
The police force plans to conduct more walkabouts throughout New Providence and the Family Islands to become more familiar with the residents.
However, Mr. Moncur insists that it should be the Members of Parliament conducting walkabouts in their constituencies.
"It is time for the government to step up. It is now time to issue a state of emergency. We now have to pull other military forces together, such as the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBPF) to intervene. Law enforcement should be dispatched at every corner. This has to happen before it is too late," said Mr. Moncur.
Mr. Moncur asserted that the solution to the problem is very simple.
"First, the prime minister needs to stop granting murderers bail. Secondly, he needs to hang all murderers. This is where the problem ends. If these two things are done there will be a drastic reduction in criminal activity," said Mr. Moncur.
He admitted it would not be easy, but believes it is highly possible to reduce the country’s crippling crime problem.
Mr. Moncur stressed the significance of hosting such a march during the country’s 37th birthday.
"This is the time when all patriotic Bahamians should come out in full force. Independence is the time for Bahamians to unite. Bahamians should take this time to send a strong message to the government that they are not safe," he said.
Mr. Moncur said he intends to continue to march until change comes.
He is calling on Bahamians from every fabric of society to join him at the R.M. Bailey High School at 9:00 a.m. this Saturday.
He wants participants to wear paraphernalia that would best represent The Bahamas.
July 8th, 2010
jonesbahamas
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