The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT -  The Grand Bahama Christian Council has expressed concerns over the recent murders in the past few days in Grand Bahama, especially the shooting death of a 15-year-old girl in Eight Mile Rock.

Father Harry Bain, of Pro-Cathedral of Christ the King, said a young girl being shot dead outside a club sets a “bad tone” for our country. 

“I (also) see it as being really a sad day in the history of Grand Bahama,” said the Anglican clergyman.

“Our kids are doing what they feel like and some parents are even aiding and abetting that by not disciplining their kids and enforcing rules to govern the kids.”

Alexis Aliea Smith, of Holmes Rock, was shot and killed around 3am by a 35-year-old man outside the Platinum Lounge in Kings Subdivision, EMR, last Sunday.

Fr Bain believes it is an issue on which the country has to focus its attention.

He said that the parents and business owners who allow minors in their establishments should be held accountable by the law. 

“With respect to where she was tragically killed, I think that those persons who have a license for these places ought to be accountable for all who enter their premises and whether persons qualify.” 

He stressed that young persons should be required to produce proper identification to establish their age. 

Fr Bain said that law enforcement agencies should also be more vigilant in their monitoring of such establishments in the country.

He also pointed out that certain laws are not being enforced.

“There is too much slackness in the country. We have all kinds of laws on the books, but enforcing the law is where we lack the muscle and guts to do it.”

“And I think that is the problem across the board in the country. In some situations, we apply the law and in others we do not, we look the other way.”

Fr Bain said that the police, parents, and club owners have a serious responsibility when it comes to the welfare and protection of minors. 

He stressed that someone should be held accountable for allowing a 15-year-old to be out at 2 o’clock in the morning at such a place.

He said it is against the law for a minor to be in a club at such hours.

Bishop Sobig Kemp said the council has been speaking out against such social issues over the years, but the message is not getting through to the community.  

“We have been saying this for many years with a measure of frustration because it appears that the community is not listening, and what has been bought to light is really nothing new.

“I have had the opportunity to serve on the Juvenile Panel and I have witnessed numerous cases of children who are rendered uncontrollable by parents.

“We do have a problem in this country,” said Rev Kemp. “We need to apply the laws that are related to these special issues. When you enforce laws, it needs to be enforced for all.”

Bishop Leslie Woodside extended condolences to the family of the young girl. He said parents need to understand their responsibility in the rearing of their children.

“Parents must recognise that they have a sacred responsibility because children are a gift from God and they must care for them, protect them, and raise them in the fear of righteousness.”

Bishop Woodside also extended sympathies to the families of the two  young men who were murdered in the ghetto on Monday.

He said the country is losing too many of its young men to violence.

“We need our young men… they are precious to us,” he said. 

Bishop Woodside is urging young men to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner. 

Bishop Ricardo Grant  spokesman for the GBCC,  extended thanks to the police and Social Services for what they are doing in the community.

“We want to tell ACP Emrick Seymour and those at Social Services that we are thankful for the work they have been doing in GB,” he said.