NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Prime Minister Philip Davis yesterday committed to strong leadership, more resources, and new initiatives targeting gangs and guns as he acknowledged the efforts of police officers on the frontline of the crime fight.
The prime minister underscored the responsibility for leading the fight against crime lies with the government, particularly himself, during remarks at the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s annual church service & Parade.
Davis raised concerns over gangs extending recruitment into schools and inside prison walls.
His comments follow the shooting death of two men in separate incidents on Friday, bringing the total number of killings for the year to four.
“The violence in our country is a tragedy, one that tears at our soul,” Davis said.
“Crime has been a very serious and chronic problem for too long – and then a succession of national crises poured gasoline on the fire. Years of trauma, dislocation, lockdowns, and despair have led to the tragedies we see unfolding around us.”
He continued: “Each act of violence has a ripple effect – in our families, in our churches, and in our wider communities.
“Ruined hopes, lives cut short, broken families, and broken hearts – these are the terrible consequences of violence.
“And fear – I talk to parents nearly every day who are afraid — afraid their children will be the victims, or – in some cases — perpetrators, of violence. That kind of fear is corrosive and all-consuming.”
In the first matter, a 34-year-old man from Montell Heights was shot at a bar on Washington Street and Robinson Road around 2:30 am.
Police reported the man was approached by another male, wearing dark clothing, a ski mask, and armed with a gun who shot him multiple times. The assailant escaped on foot into the Montell Heights area.
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) examined the body and determined that there were no vital signs of life.
In a separate incident, a 29-year-old man was shot while at his Nassau Village residence around 1 pm on Friday afternoon.
Police reported that the victim was at his home on Lawson Street when he was approached by two gunmen who came out of a small Japanese-type vehicle and shot him multiple times.
The victim was taken to the hospital by ambulance and later died as a result of his injuries.
Police confirmed that the deceased was also being monitored electronically.
A Nassau Village resident, who is also on bail for murder and being electronically monitored, was taken into custody for questioning.
Yesterday, Davis said police understand more than any other group that there is “no one answer to the crisis”.
“You deserve the resources, manpower, training, and technology you need to enforce the law,” Davis said.
“You deserve a government and a private sector working together to create opportunities and paths out of need and despair. You deserve a health care system that can address mental health breakdowns.”
Davis continued: “You deserve communities in which mentors and role models are plentiful and dedicated. You deserve a legal system that delivers justice and delivers it swiftly. You deserve prisons that rehabilitate, in the truest sense of that word.”
Police conducted an island-wide operation in collaboration with the Royal Bahamas Defense Force on Friday. The operation established checkpoints throughout the island, particularly in the areas of Nassau Village, Montell Heights, East Street south, Western New Providence, Central New Providence, Eastern New Providence, and the Englerston communities.
According to police, 252 people were stopped and searched with 22 people arrested for various offenses including Possession of Dangerous Drugs with Intent to Supply, outstanding Traffic, and Criminal Warrants of Arrest for Immigration purposes. Some 149 traffic citations were issued to drivers.
Davis added: “Progress will come from strong leadership, more resources, and new initiatives targeting gangs and guns. And progress will come from the collaborative, multi-agency approach you’ve (police) already introduced, which is directed at interrupting the cycles of violence that are tearing up our streets and communities.”
Yesterday, Free National Movement Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright renewed criticisms over the government’s crime plan – or lack thereof.
In a statement, Cartwright pointed to an eight percent increase in homicides last year from 119 in 2021 to 128 in 2022.
He questioned when the government will act on calls for major changes to the criminal justice system, particularly concerning bail.
“2023 has brought no assurances to the Bahamian people that solutions are on the way,” Cartwright said.
“A crime crisis remains. Crime continues to shake our communities, threaten our way of life and take Bahamian lives.”
“When will the government act? The government is failing to address the need for institutional change that the men and women of the Royal Bahamas Police Force have been asking for. The government continues to talk but has fallen woefully short in the way of decisive action to deal with the increase in armed robberies, assaults, and gun crimes.”
Cartwright added: “The government is failing at its most sacred duty of keeping the Bahamian people safe and secure. They must lead. They must act.”
