The Tribune

In 2008, Elsworth Johnson - then president of the Bahamas Human Rights Association - wrote an article that was published in The Tribune on the issue of hanging. As calls return in the wake of a murder that shocked the nation, Mr Johnson revisits his article. 

By ELSWORTH JOHNSON

Please allow me an opportunity to express my views on what I think is a different albeit familiar consideration to the issue of hanging in The Bahamas.

I have listened to the varied opinions on this issue which are often charged with emotion and devoid of critical, open, honest and frank analysis.

Our fledgling economy, overly dependent on tourism, has roared back from the ill effects of Dorian, the COVID-19 pandemic and is now suffering from what is considered the ill effects of high inflation. Not to mention our growing crime dilemma, the solution to which a large part of our population erroneously thinks is hanging! In 2006, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council unanimously struck down the mandatory death sentence imposed on those convicted of murder in The Bahamas, as being in breach of the Constitution.

The decision caused much debate as proponents of the death penalty seem to think that state sponsored executions is the key to riding our society of the scourge of wanton crime.

To an extent, I agree that a form of execution is the key to solving our crime problem.

I think that few would disagree that hypocrisy and corruption has infected and/or infiltrated the social and moral fabric of our society and have long since executed the conscience of many.

There have been a number of crime reports over the years which have provided cogent solutions for our the social dysfunction call crime.

I make no apologies for my cynicism, in saying that I seriously doubt whether the previous reports on crime were even considered let alone implemented.

It is still safe to say, “that our society is more threatened by a pervasive culture of dishonesty, greed and a casual disregard for social norms and formal regulation, than it is by crime in the narrow since.”

The form of execution of which I spoke is a figurative execution.

So, I posit the question, who will step forward for our first public albeit figurative hanging for the level of hypocrisy and corruption that exist in our society?

Michael Creaton articulated the vision, philosophy and ideology of our first Minister of Education Sir Cecil Wallace Whitfield for the masses. It was to guarantee cutting edge educational facilities and to ensure that the masses were afforded the opportunity of a decent education for Bahamians to their rightful social and economic position in our beloved Bahama Land. 

The present disposition is far removed from the vision, philosophy and ideology of Sir Whitfield.

I say which Minister of Education whether past of present will step forward, accept responsibility and be figuratively hung for our current national educational crisis.

What about our court? Our country would have produced three successive black Prime Ministers all of whom preached a solemn message of commitment for the poor and marginalised. 

Sir Linden encouraged us to step forward to the new frontier; Mr Christie articulated that he would swim in his regurgitation for the people; Mr Ingraham assured us that he would guarantee the safety of the cookie jar. Dr Minnis, “It’s the People’s Time” and Mr Brave Davis “It’s a New Day”.

I would submit that it was under the watch of these five distinguished leaders in their own right and, four of whom are eminent practitioners at The Bar, that the judicial system saw its greatest decline. That august body responsible for protecting the fundamental rights of the least in our society thereby guarantying the rights of the greatest has at times felt it necessary to break with tradition and lament its displeasure at the less than adequate facilities necessary to ensure proper service for member of the public. Tell me which of our darling leader will accept responsibility and step forward for this and I emphasis figurative hanging.

Who among our clergyman will step forward and be first, for the misuse of the confidence of the poor?

You know what I mean. Just consider the messages of prosperity, observe some of their fancy cars and lavish home and look at the condition of many of their members. Not to mention the defining silence on issues of national importance. Do new have any takers?

What about those in our society who prey on our young children, the predators, the ones who hang around our schools lying in wait for our young girls and boys?

You can probably find one in every sector of our society. Do we have any takers?

While I accept that that that lawful penalty for the commission of crime must be meeting out in a manner that fortify confidence in the administration of justice, I must admit that there has been no scientific proof provided that hanging is a deterrent to crime.

This I do know, that is respect for the rights of others, honesty, charity and strong family values and community are effective deterrents.

The way forward to solving our crime problem is communal one and not through political rhetoric, hysteria and emotionally charged rash decisions, but rather by first acknowledging and eradicating the scourge of dishonesty, indiscipline, hypocrisy, intolerance and hate.

Finally, I strongly recommend a read of a piece written by Ms Candis Dames: The Bahamas is facing a crime crisis... but the nation is not in crisis mode: Crime crisis threatens nation - High crime threatens future. Monday, June 3, 2013. Especially the sentiments expressed by Bishop Gomez who puts it: “We have to shock this nation into facing up to reality and coming together to work together for the common good.”

Elsworth Johnson

Former president of The Bahamas Human Rights Association

Amended version of article published December 2008