The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

OPPOSITION Leader Perry Christie said the PLP is prepared to tackle the nation’s most critical issues, including crime.

He stressed that crime has skyrocketed under the FNM government, resulting in great costs and tragedy to Bahamians.

Mr Christie said  the FNM cancelled PLP programmes that were working such as Urban Renewal, Swift Justice, School Policing and Witness Protection.  

Nothing effective was put in their place, he said. 

“This toxic combination – cancelling or severely downgrading programmes that were working, plus indifference to creating new policies – has resulted in predictably terrible consequences.

“The explosion in crime has imposed great costs along with great tragedy– in stolen goods, security spending, pain and suffering, and, of course, lost lives,” he said.

Mr Christie said the PLP has put together innovative proposals and initiatives for fighting crime and reducing violence.

Stressing that the FNM has failed to keep Bahamians first, he said the PLP will introduce Project Safe Bahamas, a comprehensive plan to reduce violence by proposing tougher sentences for illegal weapons possession, and returning police to schools.

Mr Christie said there will be Saturation Patrols in crime hotspots so that areas experiencing the worst crime are flooded with well-trained police.

“We need Swift Justice, so fewer people are out on bail, and we need increased surveillance of those who are out on bail,” he added.

He also stated that under “Operation Cease Fire”, they will recruit and train outreach workers in conflict mediation, so disputes don’t turn deadly.

Mr Christie said the PLP will continue to share its ideas and we will unveil new solutions in the coming weeks.

He said the government has also failed to reduce energy costs, and to investigate very serious charges of over-billing on Grand Bahama.  

In terms of education and training, he said the PLP is proposing to double the nation’s investment in this area.

“We’re proposing more and better educational opportunities for all Bahamians – from our smallest pre-schoolers to graduate students to workers who need re-training to update their skills,” he said.

The PLP leader stressed that they are committed to a public-private partnership to construct 21st century classrooms.

He also indicated the Career Path Academies will expand technical and vocational training and apprenticeship opportunities for 15,000 young people annually.

Mr Christie said that a Worker Retraining Initiative will dramatically expand access to retraining programmes and work opportunities.