FNM Leader Hubert Minnis
By KHRISNA VIRGIL
Tribune Staff Reporter
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
FREE National Leader Dr Hubert Minnis has branded National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage’s national address on crime as “inconsiderate, lacking depth and eons too late".
Dr Minnis said he had little faith in the government’s ability to execute the proposed plans because, historically, the Progressive Liberal Party was great at announcements but lacked the ability to execute and deliver.
The criticism followed Dr Nottage’s hour-long crime address on ZNS television on Thursday night, which revealed little new strategy to tackle the country’s festering crime problem.
It was the first time the Bains and Grants Town MP had spoken about crime since July 8, when he announced that the Christie administration had received a $20m loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to aid in the fight against crime
In a statement, Dr Minnis said: “The Minister of National Security, in a surprising turn of events, finally found his voice and addressed the nation in a 'snap address' in the midst of the entire country preparing for a direct hit by tropical storm Erika. How untimely! How insensitive! How late! The minister has once again insulted the Bahamian people.
“He has not given the vexing and heart-wrenching crime problem the priority it needs, especially since the last time we heard from him was in early July, and even then it was another announcement.”
During his televised presentation, Dr Nottage said the government intends to bring a Parental Responsibility Bill that would compel parents with minors to either engage in effective parenting or face criminal prosecution.
However Dr Minnis said he strongly doubted this government would bring the legislation in a timely fashion, or at all.
“The minister further added insult to injury by stating that ‘indeed many of them simply don’t know how to be a parent,’ as he implied that the reason for the high rate in crime is directly related to single parent homes.
“He sadly went further in saying ‘certainly, good parenting seems to be a lost art.’ I contend that certainly good governance under the PLP seems to be a paradox. I further submit that engaging the Office of the Attorney General to commence drafting a "Parental Responsibility Bill" will take months based on the PLP's record and does not address the immediate challenges facing the country.”
Dr Minnis went on to echo one of his previously announced crime strategies which involves removing guns from the streets of the country.
“The public will note that on August 15, 2015, in my comments to residents of Englerston, Centreville, and Bain and Grants Town, pertaining to crime, I stated that “we must have a community revolution with the direct involvement of the churches, and the assistance of all of their programs, together with a ‘Get the Guns Back’ campaign in an effort to address the crime situation.”
“It is rather interesting that 13 days after my comments, the minister admits during his address, that my party and I have again given them steps to address crime that they are going to utilise by commencing our suggested walkabouts, starting in September.”
Dr Nottage contended on Thursday night that the government is “up to the challenge” as the nation continues to grapple with startling crime statistics. He vowed that the government has moved to tackle the “unhealthy levels of lawlessness” that presently exist in the country.
He said this effort would involve, beginning next month, community walkabouts on a “regular” basis while urging interested persons to accompany him.
He stressed that while overall crime has continued its downward trend, law enforcement continues to battle a rise in homicides and a spate of gun related offences.
Dr Nottage went on to lament the near 25 per cent increase in homicides so far in 2015 compared to the same period last year.
To date, the country has recorded 97 murders for the year against 77 up to the same point in 2014. He added that a closer study of murders over the last few years have yielded clear patterns.
Of those patterns, he said six out of every 10 murders occur in inner-city communities.
Records also indicate that 56 per cent of murder victims had prior criminal records; seven per cent of whom were previously charged with murder. As for the suspects, nearly 80 per cent of them had prior criminal records, 15 per cent of whom were previously charged with murder.
Dr Nottage's address came on the same day that the British and Canadian governments issued safety warnings to their citizens travelling to the Bahamas because crime was on the rise.
Canadians, a growing sector of the Bahamas tourist market, were warned to exercise a high degree of caution in New Providence where "there has been an increase in armed robberies targeting tourists in Nassau".
They were cautioned that incidents take place in both populated and isolated areas and in daylight. "Avoid deserted beaches and do not walk alone, particularly after dark," the Canadian government website advised. "Sexual assaults are on the rise in Nassau."
The government specifically picked out water sports rental operators, which it described as a "poorly regulated industry", saying tourists had reportedly suffered sexual assaults by operators and serious injuries.
The British government told its citizens that robberies and break-ins reported to the High Commission were on the rise and warned of incidences of violent crime in residential and tourist areas in New Providence and Grand Bahama. It also made reference to the water sports industry. "Every year people are killed or seriously injured using jet skis and other watercraft carelessly, or by the reckless behaviour of others," it said.
Comments
birdiestrachan 9 years, 2 months ago
Doctor Minnis it is true that most of the crime is a result of what happens in the homes. and there are many who do not know what it is to be a good parent. they seem to believe if they buy every thing their children want it is good. that is not insulting any one. Dr: Nottage was gracious to you. Now let me tell you something turning in guns is not the answer as you seem to believe, It is most important to find the source where are the guns coming from and good strong parents who teach their children about The God of heaven and earth, and parents who live good upstanding lives. and tell their children when they are wrong and praise and encourage them when they do well. also the blame game will not do. and your party did not and does not have the answer, to crime.. it is plain to see by your response.
Cobalt 9 years, 2 months ago
For once, I agree with you.
John 9 years, 2 months ago
In DEFENSE of B. J . Nottage: he is from an era where not only did most persons not even see a gun, but they never heard gunshots much less hear of Bahamians killing Bahamians as what is happening today. It is difficult to fathom. But we, as a nation, must question why even those who came before BJ did not take swift and decisive action against thieves and murderers. Our bible says that "thieves and murdeters have come to kill and to destroy and they MUST be taken out of society ". BJ has spent most of his life in public service. I suggest the prime minister give him a less difficult portfolio so the elder statesman can retire in and with dignity. Just don't put Keith bell as his replacement.
banker 9 years, 2 months ago
The only reason that Nottage made his speech was that Bradley Roberts publicly chastised Nottage and said that he was not doing enough to stop crime.
The PLP are going to pin the crime problems on Nottage and make him a scapegoat, just like they did when he ran against Christie when Ping was forced to step down. Since Christie was the rube, unpolished vomit-swimmer and Swindling's choice, and Nottage was the polished, erudite doctor, the Pingdomites started a smear campaign against Nottage, insinuating that he was an abortionist because he is a gynecologist, and even smearing his wife Portia. She was an entertainer, and the Pingdomites insinuated that she offered more than entertainment services to guests. It looks like they are setting up Nottage to take a fall again.
And as for you birdie, and your support for the PLP, I don't think you act stupid, I'm sure it's the real thing. I am waiting for the moment when you realise that voting for the PLP is like masturbation, it's all good and fun until you realize that you are only screwing yourself!
Cobalt 9 years, 2 months ago
lol lol lol!
John 9 years, 2 months ago
They say the most difficult time in a person's life is when they find out there's a hit on their life. They are to afraid to go to the police or even if they go they are usually not taken seriously. They want to tell their family but can't find the right time, and the one or two persons who may know what's going on are too afraid it too helpless to help. Then the media paints them as lawless criminals! May God have mercy on their souls,,,amen.
John 9 years, 2 months ago
Another reason for crime is that there are a lot of angry young men in this society. They may have lost their jobs or cannot find employment. Despite going out and looking for a job unsuccessfully the persons they live with continue to put pressure on them to "find a job and help out with the bills." So not only are they angry at society for not allowing them to make a living, but now they have an ongoing battle with the people they live with. They are hurting inside and feel like an outcast. And so some turn to crime, be it robbery or selling drugs. And it is a fact that when they start to bring money the persons they live with do not question them. They, themselves, are so relieved to have some of the financial burden taken off themselves it doesn't register that their son, or brother or baby daddy is involved with crime. And a lot of times when you see a mother break down in front of the camera after her son has been murdered of arrested for some high profile crime, and hollers "not my good son" that cry is real. It may have been one wrong turn that got him into that situation. Our young men, many of them need help, not more oppression.
John 9 years, 2 months ago
Back in the 80's when cocaine use was an epidemic in these islands, a young woman, who was addicted, called her mother just before taking her life and said, "I have opened the gates to hell and I can't close it back."
Bahamianpride 9 years, 2 months ago
For the life of me I don't understand with crime so high, why this Gynecologist was put in the position as National Security Minister or why he would accept such a task. He would best be served fighting in a war against STD's and out of control baby making.
CatIslandBoy 9 years, 2 months ago
A Gynecologist as Minister of National Security! Typical Christie, and so typical PLP! Just give a man a position of significant influence to pacify him and ensure that his leadership aspirations are stymied. What a bunch of clowns! No wonder the country is in the condition it is in.
John 9 years, 2 months ago
Paul was a murderer (of Christians in particular ). And God put him to write most of the bible. The watchman who watches the city without God, watches in vain.
TruePeople 9 years, 2 months ago
A mark of maturity is taking responsibility. Apparently the first step in rehab is admitting you have a problem. the current Gov't cannot do either of these things. They just want to blame someone else. It's the families fault apparently?! and your are moving to start prosecuting families? what in the flying fcku?! It can't be the gov't fault, they only got a 20 million $ loan earlier in the year and are refusing to pay police overtime. No. it's the families fault. so lets make more "criminals" in this country by blaming and convicting families due to the gov't woeful and complete incompetence. Meanwhile, the whole gov't is infested with corruption and criminal activities. Will they ever be prosecuted? Doubtful.
You want crime to get worse, then keep attacking the poor people.
Sadly, what BJ fails to realise is that while he's busy blaming the parents, he fails to realise the gov't is in a parental relationship with the citizens of this country. If we're to convict persons for bad parenting, why not start of with the national parents????
My bad says BJ, I meant parents of poor families only. ass
Wideawake 9 years, 2 months ago
Nobody doubts that The Bahamas has an enormous crime problem. Already this year our tiny country of 375,000 persons has recorded at least 100 murders; the inhabitants of any small peaceful town of this size would be alarmed if their murder count was 5 per year!!
Obviously crime must become our Nation's top priority, and sufficient funds must be found to put in place all and every measure which can help reduce crime.
There are two parts to crime reduction;
Family values should be taught in the schools and should become, once again, the bedrock of our country. Parents, Grandparents, Uncles and Aunts and all other family members should reach out to their at-risk relatives, and family interventions should become commonplace.
The often talked about, but never implements Youth Service Organization should be implemented and all young adults should give one year of compulsory service to their country.
Government should double or triple their funding of any worthwhile sporting or cultural organization that involves young Bahamians in worthwhile, character building activities.
There should be zero tolerance for crime! The formula is well recognized; stamp out even petty crimes like tinted windows in automobiles, traffic offenses, domestic violence, customs violations, tax evasion.
Most importantly start from the top and prosecute ALL politicians who have engaged in corrupt practices.
In addition to fighting crime in a preventative and corrective manner, the economy MUST be developed in every possible manner, because unemployment always exacerbates criminal activity.
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