The Tribune

VIOLENT crime is still the most critical problem facing the Bahamas, according to Citizens for Justice.

The anti-crime advocacy group said despite the slight decline compared to last year, the murder rate remains unacceptably high and must be addressed immediately.

“Teenagers have had their lives snuffed out. Pregnant mothers have died at the hands of callous hit-men. Revenge killings and the murder of key witnesses in a number of cases have left law-abiding citizens reeling in fear for their own safety,” said the group in a statement.

Citizens for Justice said domestic violence has also escalated to levels never before seen – and the situation seems to be worsening daily.

Issuing a call for immediate action, the group said: “Anger, greed, immoral behaviour and the inability to resolve conflict have dealt a blow on our national security. Complicity throughout the nation must end.”

Chairman Bishop Walter Hanchell said: “The crime situation and in particular violent crime such as murder, attempted murder and assault, must be reduced by at least 50 per cent in order to make any serious dent in crime.

“Our once peaceful Bahamas has evolved into a nation where serious crime has become so prevalent that people appear to have been desensitized to the horrific affects of murder.”

He noted that according to recent statistics, a murder is committed on average every three days.

“This is unacceptable and must be dealt with expeditiously in order to maintain the peace and safety of both citizens and residents. Murder-for-hire and gang-related killings have escalated and are threatening the national security of the Bahamas.”

Members of Citizens For Justice called on all stakeholders in the war against crime to come together and make recommendations on the way forward.

“Attempted murder has increased considerably and armed robbery has increased by a shocking 125 per cent despite the valiant efforts of our overworked officers of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, who put their lives on the line daily against blood-thirsty criminals who have no value for human life,” said the group.

“Murderers believe that they can take innocent lives and beat the system through legal wrangling. They are able to secure bail easier than persons charged with lesser charges.

“Too many accused murderers are walking the streets and even though they are being monitored with anklet bracelets, some convicted murderers are still able to evade police and commit additional crimes, including murder.”

CFJ said these criminals have benefitted from decisions by the Lords of the Privy Council in London – who have clearly demonstrated that they have “no clue” how to deal with murder appeal cases.

The group believes the Privy Council will never recommend that the death penalty be carried out on any convicted murderer, as capital punishment has been abolished in the UK and most European nations.

“These law lords simply ignore the constitution of the Bahamas, which allows state killings.

“Citizens For Justice is calling for constitutional amendments that will remove the Privy Council as our final court of appeal and recommend that the Bahamas Court of Appeal be relegated to that position,” the group said.

CFJ also called for tougher laws that will have immediate and long-lasting effect, and told politicians to “stop slapping criminals on the wrist” with light sentences, just to secure votes.

“We need leaders who will make the tough decisions and have the courage and will to take the necessary steps that will bring an end to the reign of terror by criminals over this nation.

“Additionally, the judiciary must deal with murder cases in a timely manner to eliminate the perception that the system is being manipulated for the benefit of persons charged with murder.”

CFJ also renewed its calls for bail to be denied to those charged with murder and said bail should be revoked for accused murderers out on bail now.

The organisation also recommended that corporal punishment be administered to repeat violent offenders.

CFJ went on to call for some form of restitution to the relatives of murder victims.

“Convicted murderers who have had their sentences commuted to life imprisonment should work hard labour to raise money for the children of their victims,” the group said.

CFJ added that both the government and church needs to do more to help those left behind.

“Because so many people are hurting, we are recommending that the government render financial assistance to agencies that assist in grief counselling and ministry to the bereaved families,” said the group.