The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – Elder Paul Joseph is calling on all stakeholders to get involved and help identify workable solutions to the culture of crime and gun violence that is gripping the country.

Mr Joseph, who produces and distributes ‘Stop the Violence’ posters, believes successive governments have failed to tackle the crime problem.

He stressed that injecting politics into the war on crime has negatively impacted the effectiveness of all government’s efforts in this area.

“There is no politics in crime, and a bullet fired from a gun knows nobody’s name,” he said.

“People will continue to be murdered and maimed by gun toting criminals who have no fear of the consequences of the law, especially since hanging is no longer a real possibility.”

Mr Joseph keeps meticulous records of the number of murders committed every year, and his posters usually highlight the victims of senseless killings.

According to his records, from January to March 2013, some 25 murders were committed, compared to the 29 in the same period in 2012.

He noted that in 2012, the Bahamas recorded a national murder count of 111.

“Crime is the Achilles Heel of the nation, and regardless of one’s position or social status, anyone can become a potential victim at any time in our present culture,” he said.

Mr Joseph said the 39th and 40th murders for this year took place in New Providence on Mother’s Day.

The 40th victim was American Kyle Bruner, 34. The Chicago sailor was shot and killed in New Providence while trying to assist a woman who was being robbed by two armed men.

Mr Joseph noted that police officers are also being gunned down by criminals.

“The attempted murder of Supt Clayton Fernander and the wounding of a police constable on April 10 speaks volumes of the uphill battle our nation faces in the ware on crime.

“A death threat was issued on the life of the Minister of State for National Security, Senator the Hon Keith Bell and yet there was no national outrage against 
those persons responsible for committing these acts,” Elder Joseph said.

He thinks the population of New Providence and Grand Bahama produces a significant challenge for members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

Despite the challenges, he said the RBPF continues to function as a professional organisation, serving the public interest without fear or favour.

He stressed that public trust and partnership are needed to ensure success in the war against crime.

Mr Joseph said the recent travel advisories issued by cruise ships and the US Embassy are cause for serious concern for the tourism industry.

He believes that more must be done to stop the illegal gun smuggling into the Bahamas.

He stressed that too many lives have been lost to gun violence on the streets, particularly in New Providence, Grand Bahama and Abaco.