Minister of National Security Marvin Dames. Photo: Terrel W. Carey Sr/Tribune Staff
By RICARDO WELLS
Tribune Staff Reporter
rwells@tribunemedia.net
DESPITE recent high profile crimes, National Security Minister Marvin Dames was yesterday resolute in his view that the country is “in a much better place” when compared with two years ago.
His comments came on the sidelines of a Caribbean Financial Action Task Force ceremony at Police Headquarters, where he told reporters Bahamians and tourists alike feel safer.
He was responding to concerns raised over the recent sex assault on a tourist at a Paradise Island beach, and the brazen ‘smash and grab’ robbery at the Baha Mar location of John Bull on Sunday.
“They’re incidents, we are investigating them. And you know, crime is — we are in a much better place today than we were two years ago, by far,” he told reporters. “But after having said that, we have to continue pushing and these are the things that every [person], each and every one of us have a vested responsibility to ensure that we safeguard this country.”
Addressing the Baha Mar incident directly, Mr Dames said police were advancing in their investigations and he hoped the matter would be brought to a closure soon. Referring to the occurrence as unfortunate, he said: “The thing is here, this incident took place on a property, in the Baha Mar itself, you know, you’re not going to prevent all of these things.”
He added: “Listen, never said we were going to do away completely with crime. There is no country that can boast about not having any incidents reported. But the point I am making here is, we are headed in the right direction.
“All of the signs show that we are, and we will continue to do what we need to do to ensure that we keep Bahamians and visitors alike, safe.”
On the alleged sexual assault, he further stated: “I was also updated by the police, I believe someone is in custody and assisting the police. We continue to work on these matters.”
These incidents came after a Cuban-American businessman was shot dead at his Bimini home on Sunday, April 28.
Notwithstanding its best efforts, the Bahamas has long grappled with unflattering travel advisories due to incidents involving tourists.
After a US State Department crime advisory was issued earlier this year, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis during a multilateral meeting with US President Donald Trump in March, raised issue about the warnings.
Dr Minnis at the time insisted the advisories should be used to raise awareness and not initiate fear. He also said he had concerns that the advisories sometimes contained recycled and out of date information.
When asked yesterday what negatives could arise from the two most recent cases, Mr Dames said while he expected some type of reaction, he was more focused on ensuring the overall safety of the general public.
He said: “Well listen, we’re concerned about every crime, all right. When a crime takes place someone is impacted. We’re concerned with crimes against Bahamians and visitors alike. So we don’t separate. Every crime is a concern to us.”
On overall safety, he added: “Well, I mean, you know, I hear it a lot when we walk the streets. Remember now, there was a time when it was almost everyday and you would come in and say, ‘Well gee, I wonder what’s going on, minister what is being done?’
“…Now the questions are being reshaped, they are changing. They’re now, ‘What is it now?’ We have these long quiet periods and you have these few incidents. So even in the questions you are asking, it is changing, all right. So that’s a reflection in of itself, that some positive things are happening.
“Are we there yet? No, I would be the first to tell you, and other members of our government will be the first to tell you that we’re not. While we feel that we are headed in the right direction and all of the indicators in every sector is pointing to that fact, we recognise that we still have a ways to go,” Mr Dames contended.
Comments
Well_mudda_take_sic 5 years, 7 months ago
LMAO
birdiestrachan 5 years, 7 months ago
No Games Tourist and Bahamians feel safer. You are making things up. This is not true.
TalRussell 5 years, 7 months ago
Yes, yes makes sense that comrade minister Marvin be so easily saying poor choice words of condolence bestowed upon families many murdered "They is in a better place."
If you needs me 'calls up' my colleague health minister Dr. Duane - to arrange easy payment plan to pay the new $700 fee get your loved-one's body released from PMH's morgue, just let me know, okay?
bogart 5 years, 7 months ago
DA......."WE"........NEEDIN TO BE DEFINED.....I.E. DOUBTFUL ....DA QUEENS REPRESENTATIVE.....WE GOVERNOR GENERAL..TOPMOST OFFICE IN DA COUNTRY........WOULD DEFINITELY....HAVE CONCERNS.....OVER DA VISCIOUS.....MURDERS OF HER STAFF.....ONE GETS SHOOT IN DA HEAD.....AN ANOTHER....GETS RIGHT DERE ON DUTY IN DA ...GOVERNOR OFFICIAL RESIDENCE......GUARDING ......
ohdrap4 5 years, 7 months ago
So is my dead uncle
John 5 years, 7 months ago
Dames would better off if he purged the force of corrupt officers rather than on the grounds of political affiliations. At least the PLP ’s have consciousness and compassion these FNM ‘s doesn’t just want blood. They want ya heart
John 5 years, 7 months ago
Yes we are in a better place.. maybe. But why do elected officials turn so hostile towards local Bahamians once they become elected Answer me that
John 5 years, 7 months ago
When the the magistrate and the prosecutor are reading the transcript from another court to prosecute you ‘and Jesus said NOT a word. But the sins of the father fall on the chirren
ashley14 5 years, 7 months ago
As a tourist with years of spending time in the Bahamas, things are worse. I mean no offense you know I love you all, but tourists feel vulnerable. I hope more Bahamians have gainful employment, but the crime is awful.
Giordano 5 years, 7 months ago
Ok. It is improving a little bit in some aspects but is not enough. Justice performances are a mess,only 20% get convicted and the other,remaining 80% of criminals are free,outhere on the streets. We need a plan to be bolded in tackling corruption,we still need to know where the VAT-money went during the past administration and where is it going during this current one,upon this administration taking office,they collected from the outgoing PLP-led group, a lot of evidence of big time corruption which were made obvious by several newly elected Officials including Mr. Dames who seems to be also a demagogue in most of his theories. A lot of money is from the public pulse still vanishing today by the sticky fingers of corrupt politicians who are teaming up as "A Gang" now still in power & opposition. We really need somebody on the right side of history in this Bahamas land.
ashley14 5 years, 7 months ago
Just saw the new royal baby. He’s beautiful! Although I don’t believe in royalty, we’re all the same. King and Queens by birthright is ridiculous. It wonderful celebrating a new life.
DDK 5 years, 7 months ago
COMEDY CENTRAL!
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