The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

My heart, mind and prayers go out to the parents who have lost loves ones in the year 2013, many Bahamians are angry, frustrated, scared and want the Government to quickly reduce crime and murders. This is why I strongly recommend the need to address repeat offender criminals to be remove off the streets in the Bahamas and to better rehabilitate first time prisoners.

If it is a known fact that repeat criminal offenders are responsible for 60-80 per cent of robberies and murders, when out on bail then it is time now for the Government to pass a repeat offenders criminal law that you would not be given bail and will go to jail and serve time for the crime. It is time for persons caught with a gun to serve 10-15 years and convicted murderers must be hanged.

The law must be enforced and it is time to make criminals think twice before taking a person’s life and committing crime.

The next problem that needs to be addressed: Is the prison a place to rehabilitate prisoners and reduce repeat criminal offenders? This question needs to be investigated by the Government with a committee to monitor the rehabilitation process and find out the number of repeat criminal offenders re-entering prison for the same crimes.

There is a need for prisoners to get a high school diploma, learn how to be a mechanic, electrician, cook and other trades to be able to successfully re-enter the workforce and become an honest, productive citizen. With the help of the Government, churches and business owners to give prisoners a second chance to be better citizens.

To my brother who has lost his son, my mother, grandson and our family nephew, he will never be forgotten and may he rest in peace.

I am available to the PLP Government for consultation to share ideas, plan and proven strategy to reduce crime and disrupt gangs with new, proven strategy that has already been implemented with successful outcome in reducing crime and disrupting gangs.

Happy New Year 2014 to the Bahamian people and the Bahamas, who will always remain in my thoughts and prayers. If one day it is the people’s will and God’s will to serve in politics to help make a safer and better Bahamas, then I will return to be your humble servant.

PEDRO SMITH

Nassau,

January 2, 2014.