The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net FREEPORT - A community activist is accusing the Grand Bahama Port Authority of failing to live up to its obligation to protect citizens in the face of a sustained crime wave. Rev Glenroy Bethel said high unemployment has been driving the high rate at which people turn to crime for some time now, but authorities in Freeport have been slow to respond. According to recently released statistics, unemployment is now at 21.2 per cent on Grand Bahama. Rev Bethel said the GBPA is obliged by the Hawksbill Creek Agreement to create employment and provide a safe and healthy environment. He said: "For several years our communities have been affected by crime; our homes, business places have been particularly affected through housebreaking and stealing. These areas of crime have increased over the years tremendously. "The Grand Bahama Port Authority, which is the city manager here in Freeport, cannot remain unresponsive to the crime that has affected the Freeport community." Despite these claims, the Port Authority has purchased Segway vehicles for the police force in an effort to improve the mobility of officers and allow for a greater police presence. The GBPA has also constructed a facility for the police in the downtown area and implemented several initiatives to stimulate the economy - including waiving licence fees for new businesses in the International Bazaar for the first year, and working to convince more cruise ships to call at Port Lucaya. But Rev Bethel is calling on the Port Authority to outline a short term strategy to create hundreds of jobs, particularly for young men. "We believe once this goal have been achieved, then the community of Freeport can see a major decrease in the crime rate," he said.