The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – Rev Glenroy Bethel, founder of Families for Justice, believes local pastors were not given enough time to express their views on crime to the Minister of National Security and Commissioner of Police during the Pastors Forum in Grand Bahama.

He said the one hour allotted for the a forum was inadequate and some important issues were neglected.

“Pastors were given a very brief opportunity to speak on the issue of crime,” he said.

“We pastors have a social responsibility to the public to address any social ills that affect our people inside the church and out of the church.”

Rev Bethel said crime is a serious issue and immediate solutions need to be found because many families are hurting.

He is particularly concerned about the issue of bail being granted to persons accused of committing serious crimes, such as murder.

Rev Bethel noted that his 16-year-old son was murdered in 2006. He said his son’s killer is still at large and blamed lax police investigations.

“The day of the forum was the anniversary of my son’s death,” he said.

Last Monday, 20 pastors attended the forum, which lasted slightly over an hour.

At the meeting, they raised some issues concerning the establishment of programmes for young people.

While he supports such programmes, Rev Bethel said he feels more recommendations could have been offered if time had allowed.

“I not trying to embarrass the minister or the commissioner, but we represent families who have been affected by the crime spree in our country.

“We are (all) in this fight and want to see crime brought under control,” he said.

Rev Bethel thinks a representative of the Attorney General’s Office should also have been present at the forum.

“We are of the view that the minister and commissioner of police have a responsibility to protect citizens and to ensure that we live in a safe environment,” he added.