The Tribune

BAHAMAS Against Crime will be holding an anti crime and violence rally this weekend in view of the “ever deepening crisis” that the country faces.

The event will take place in Rawson Square at 4pm on Sunday, January 19, and all Bahamians and residents are invited to attend.

Rev CB Moss, executive director of BAC, said: “The principal objective of the rally is to demand that the government provide the needed leadership to successfully address this scourge which seriously threatens the social and economic well being of our nation.”

Last month, Rev Moss said leaders in politics and law enforcement are to blame for the high rate of crime and corruption plaguing the country because they have “put a spin” on the severity of the situation.

He said the violence will only get worse until every Bahamian acknowledges that the country is in a state of emergency.

Rev Moss urged the government to see the times for what they are and act accordingly.

The community activist said authorities have allowed crime to flourish while ignoring the fear thriving among Bahamians who are concerned for their safety on a daily basis.

Rev Moss was speaking in the wake of the armed robbery of Deputy Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave” Davis and his wife.

He said: “There has simply been too much talk, and they say the occurrence of crime is improving. Until the Bahamian people realise that we are in a crisis, we won’t get very far.

“Unfortunately, that determination is being held up by those in charge of crime, putting a spin on it.

“BAC operates on the ground and we know what’s going on. We have been warning the nation for the past six years that this situation will get worse until we come to the realisation that this is a state of emergency, a crisis.”

While fighting against crime is every Bahamian’s obligation, Rev Moss said the government must lead the way. So far, he said, the Christie administration has failed.

Every elected official, Rev Moss said, must hold the government accountable.

“The government of the Bahamas has the responsibility to lead. Not just buying more cars or adding more time to the schedule. They need to rally this nation against crime and they must show us that they are serious.

“The government has in many ways permitted crime to flourish. Web shops that are today illegal are still being allowed to stay open. They should not be allowed to act with such impunity. It’s up to the government to stop this kind of behaviour or to legalise it.

“They can’t expect to allow people not to act outside of the law while these kinds of behaviours are condoned,” Rev Moss said.