The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

IS IT going to hurt us to have input from an expert in the field of fighting crime from overseas? Someone who has a proven track record of success in crime-ridden cities? It does not matter where Mr Bratton is from or how he got here. All of these are distractions stirred up by people with narrow agendas. He successfully fought crime and we want to learn from him so that we can decisively and successfully continue to prevent and fight crime as well.

What needs to be emphasised is that the advice from Mr Bratton is in addition to the many efforts already being undertaken. The notion that inviting Mr Bratton is an affront to local police and the suggestion that the Police Commissioner should resign, are nonsensical, downright malicious and foolish. Clearly the RBPF is in charge and the Commissioner is the one running the programme. Mr Bratton was invited to provide advice on what we're already doing.

In my view, it reflects our maturity as a nation that in addition to helping ourselves, we are not afraid to ask for input from experts from around the world. This has already been done in countries in our region, such as Trinidad and Jamaica. There are a few loudmouths who oppose what the government is doing for their own selfish reasons.

Their type of divisive rhetoric in the face of a common problem disgusts the majority of us who choose to think and choose right from wrong using our own minds.

Let's stay focused on the real issue, which is not political or partisan, or foreign versus Bahamian. The issue is effective policing, education, prevention. The fight against crime is a social issue which affects all of us. We need to continue to fight together in order to be successful in this fight.

AVS

Nassau,

March, 2012.