By KHRISNA VIRGIL
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
A NUMBER of senior police officers are alarmed at the appointment of newly sworn in State Minister for National Security Keith Bell and fear operational inter
ference, Opposition Leader Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday.
Dr Minnis made the remarks during his House of Assembly contribution.
The session not only rehashed the previous Ingraham administration's work while in office, but continued with proposals for the 2012/2013 budget.
Speaking of the reform brought to the Royal Bahamas Police Force by the FNM, Dr Minnis said his government had worked hard to revitalise the force from 2007 until the PLP won the general election on May 7.
"As I speak," he said, "a former officer who acted in an extraordinary and partisan political manner during the election campaign is now Minister of State in National Security. I hope we do not see one of the worst periods of politicisation of the police force in its history.
"I understand that a number of senior officers are alarmed at the appointment and fear operational interference."
Dr Minnis pointed out that when in opposition the PLP blamed every criminal incident on former National Security Minister Tommy Turnquest.
But, he said, this was unfair as crime is a societal problem and politicians on both sides are "in this together".
For this reason, Dr Minnis said, the FNM will not blame every criminal act on the new Minister of National Security, Dr Bernard Nottage.
However, he did warn that the Bahamian people will not forget the PLP's promise that Urban Renewal 2.0 will be the cure for all crime.
The public is watching the new government, he said.
"We in the FNM support any crime fighting initiatives that are constructive and curb the senseless bloodshed, but, Mr Speaker, we want accountability. We want to see the logic and tangibles that come with launching such a programme."
From the opposite end of the spectrum, Dr Minnis urged the government to return to the basics of crime fighting on the streets of New Providence.
"We can't talk about zero tolerance when individuals are breaking the traffic laws; when individuals in the west have problems sleeping because of noise pollution, because of licenses given to homes and business that have excessive noise.
"When we close an eye to that we close an eye to the criminals who feel that they have the right to proceed," Dr Minnis said.
Comments
spoitier 12 years, 5 months ago
Nothing can be the cure for all crimes outside of Jesus, so common sense people is looking for a reduction in crime not for it to come to a complete stop.
mynameis 12 years, 5 months ago
What does your comment mean exactly: nothing can be the cure for all crimes outside of Jesus? Are you talking about the Second Coming? If you mean the Second Coming then your comment makes sense, because based on how it is described in the Bible and what its effect will be on earth, then clearly it will be the "final solution" to crime. But if, you're not talking the Second Coming, you can't really believe that outside of the Second Coming, a person declaring Christianity, or that they have a relationship with Jesus will bring an end to crime. Particularly when the Bible talks about all the troubles and travails that this world MUST go through before the Second Coming, and how even those who are viewed as committed Christians, the very elect, shall be deceived during the time of troubles and travails. Surely, some of that trouble and travail must be crime-related. Surely, some of the deception must be related to criminal behaviour. I just don't understand comments like this.
TalRussell 12 years, 5 months ago
Being the number of senior police offices who sided with the FNM regime have no more Papa Hubert to runs to, they turning to Shirley Street's Mamma "Dupuchee" Caron. Too damns late cry now that you've made your own political beds.
http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2012…
242352 12 years, 5 months ago
Lose lips sink ships!
I can bet that is on the minds of all police after what Bell has been saying so far.
It seems that he speaks before really thinking beforehand.
242 12 years, 5 months ago
So imagine him with a gun shoot first....
Bril 12 years, 5 months ago
I knew this issue would arise sooner or later. ConcernedCitizen and I had this discussion a few weeks back when Bell first opened his mouth. I thought the appointment was a bad idea for the very reason the Leader of the Opposition mentioned. Even if there isn't interference by Mr. Bell this thing is all about appearances. Anyway lets hope these folks can all work together to get crime down. That's the most important issue at the moment. Even for me, who doesn't believe he should have been placed in such a role I can overlook it for now as long as they get the job done.
But Bell needs to stay out of the media and focus on the task at hand. Let the results speak for you. I hope they read these discussions. Many of them like to say they don't pay attention to the media but you can often times get the pulse of the people by doing so. Yes there are a few die hard supporters for both major parties that frequent these discussions and their views are bitterly biased. But for those of us that are more balanced and not so dogmatic in our approach you can learn a lot.
tiredofhypocrisy 12 years, 5 months ago
Sppeaking as someone who knows a few policeman and have heard their issues, one of the things they need is someone who can come in and either remove some of the lazy, incompetent senior officers or re-train them in order to revamp the force. You don't stop learning until you're dead, especially in the armed forces and politics. While I don't know if Bell is capable, as he seems a bit immature, I hope he would have a better understanding because he has been there. How could you possibly have a lawyer running the police force? How could you have a banker doing it? That's what we have been faced with over the years and it makes sense to have a former police officer assist in refoming the force as he should have first hand knowledge of the problems. The only real issue is whether he has the ideals and the integrity to do the job objectively. However, none of our politicians seem to have developed any sort of integrity or show that they even know how to spell the word so I don't expect much from the over inflated children who, unfortunately, make state decisions that we will have to pay for.
bookiedread 12 years, 5 months ago
The PM needs to find a someplace else to put Bell. When he was a member of the police force he sought for his own personal agendas to be met and I assure you he will do it again. How could a man who was a subordinate to the Commissioner now tell the C.O.P. what to do. Something is terribly wrong with that. If you leave it to Bell a whole lot of criminals would be right back on these streets.
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