By KHRISNA VIRGIL
Tribune Staff Reporter
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
THE former Minister of National Security Tommy Turnquest’s “paralysis in awakening the nation” to the severity of crime played a role in its escalation, according to Deputy Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis.
The Christie administration has begun its work to reduce crime, and has seen noticeably lower numbers so far, Mr Davis said yesterday.
He was responding to Mr Turnquest’s comments earlier in the week which criticised the PLP and called on the Bahamian public to measure the government by the same standards as the former FNM administration was judged as they tried to tackle crime.
Mr Davis said: “Yes, the former Minister for National Security, I believe, did his best. However, his paralysis in awakening the nation and his failure to engage all stakeholders in the fight against the then-menacing problem proved that to overcome this scourge requires a multifaceted approach with all hands on deck in the fight.
“Since coming to office, we have rolled up our sleeves and have begun the work to reduce the numbers in many categories of crime and we stand resolute in our quest to deliver a crime free Bahamas for every Bahamian.
“The record shows that our efforts are already reaping rewards as crime numbers are trending downwards and are moving in the right direction.”
Police revealed figures showing that from January 1 to May 27 this year overall crime decreased by 11 per cent in comparison to the same period last year. Murder and attempted murder also decreased by 13 per cent and 60 per cent respectively, they said.
After his aide, Sergeant Andrew Sweeting, was shot and hospitalised this week, Mr Davis told reporters that no one was “safe” from the scourge of crime in the country. Yesterday, he said he meant that no ‘social strata’ is immune to crime - any sector can be affected.
Comments
ThisIsOurs 11 years, 4 months ago
"No social strata is immune to crime", hmmm.... well that is exactly what I thought you meant, and I find it very insulting. A few months ago, apparently when you thought only the lower strata were affected, you and your colleagues were grinning in the House at how well Urban Tenewal was working, BJN had a brilliant smile as he gave the crime report. Today, when you realize you are no better than us, we should all be concerned and pitch in. It smacks of a sense of entitlement and privilege that is unbecoming of persons who pledged themselves to serve the people. I await Halkitis' statement regarding no social strata being immune to the rape of the public treasury and rising debt.
ThisIsOurs 11 years, 4 months ago
Urban Renewal..though I guess it wouldn't matter if it were called Tenewal since it does not begin to touch what urban renewal actually means.
Bahamianpride 11 years, 4 months ago
That incident with his body gaurd gave him a reality check, my ass is vunerable too.. He got to taste the fear, pain, worry & frustration the average bahamian deals with daily when it comes to crime.
Tarzan 11 years, 4 months ago
Isn't it long past time for trying to turn this national tragedy into a political issue?
Please Mr. Davis and Please leaders of the loyal opposition.
This scourge threatens to tear our beautiful society to shreds. We are in danger of total social and economic breakdown. Clearly we need to treat this problem on a "wartime" footing. No time for politics. No time for cowardice.
We need to start by enacting whatever laws as are necessary, on a totally bipartisan basis, to get the violent thugs off the streets. Something effective that will stop this surge to violence in its tracks.
If that means taking our court system out of the control of the House of Lords, so be it.
This is a public emergency and it demands emergency measures.
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