The Tribune

THE DNA last night said The Bahamas was “paralysed by fear” after the party’s Nassau Village chairperson, Wendy McIntosh, was shot multiple times.

It was the second of two separate shootings within hours. The latest left Ms McIntosh in hospital, and the prior incident saw a man taken to hospital.

Ms McIntosh was reportedly standing in front of her home in Matthew Street, Nassau Village, with two other women shortly after 9am.

Two men in a grey Honda Accord, armed with firearms, pulled up and shot the victim before speeding off, police said.

She was rushed to hospital where she remains in critical condition.

Police had not confirmed the victim’s identity, but a statement by the DNA lamented the “gruesome attack”.

DNA leader Branville McCartney said: “It is deeply disturbing that at a time when many of us in the country are focused on rebuilding and restoration efforts, the criminal element in this country has chosen to exploit the vulnerabilities of a country in transition. Sadly, this is a clear indicator of how far we have strayed away from the core Christian values of brotherly love that once guided us.

“It also proves that now more than ever, the Government of the Bahamas must take drastic steps in addressing crime and the fear of crime in this country. Over the past few years, we have watched an emboldened criminal element in The Bahamas attack politicians, pastors, teachers and students alike.”

He called for a new plan to tackle crime, adding: “Without such an intervention, we will continue to live in Paradise but be paralysed by fear.

“Our prayers and thoughts are with Wendy McIntosh, her family and friends. We pray for Wendy’s recovery and for our strength and peace of mind during this difficult time.”

Hours earlier, shortly after 10pm on Wednesday, a man was standing in front of his home located at Southern Breeze Estates off Golden Isles Road, when the occupants of a grey CRV vehicle armed with firearms pulled up and shot him before speeding off.

The man was taken to hospital where he remains in stable condition.

Police also reported that officers from the Selective Enforcement Team seized an illegal firearm and arrested three adult males following a car chase on Thursday.

Around 4.30pm, officers from the Selective Enforcement Team were on routine patrol on Sunset Park off Carmichael Road, when they saw three suspicious men riding in a white Honda vehicle.

The men sped off after seeing police. The officers gave chase and one of the men threw a handgun out of the vehicle.

The chase ended when the men ditched their vehicle on Pampono Court before fleeing on foot. After a short foot chase, the officers arrested the three men. The handgun was recovered and found to be a .40 pistol with seven rounds of ammunition, police said.

Investigations into these incidents continue.