PLP Leader Philip "Brave" Davis.
By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Senior Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Leader Philip “Brave” Davis is disappointed homeless people have been convicted of violating the COVID-19 curfew.
Three men - all reportedly homeless - were convicted in Grand Bahama on Monday of violating the curfew.
The men all pled guilty and received sentences ranging from a year in prison, a $500 fine and a $1,000 fine or three months behind bars.
Assistant commissioner of police with responsibility for Grand Bahama, Samuel Butler said yesterday eight people on his island had been arrested for breaching the curfew.
He said the three homeless men were arrested at different locations.
“Three of them were definitely known in our criminal justice system beyond the curfew and the police’s record reflects that each of them had a specific address and be it they may be persons known to traverse the streets, they have a place or a home that they can go to,” he said.
“I want to emphasise the significance of what our order is seeking to prevent. Persons who may have habits, we may be concerned about that group of individuals even in a greater way who may not be leaning to understanding good governance of themselves and abiding by the health directions. Those types of persons we don’t want traversing the streets and coming in contact with ordinary persons.
“We know there are some persons who may not have the ordinary home address that you and I may share, but if they are in a location and remain in their specific location, police will not act on them. Police will take action if we meet you walking the streets. We will ensure you are not traversing the streets.”
Asked about homeless people with mental issues, ACP Butler said: “If the person has the ability to still be mobile, despite mental state, while we want to be as human as possible, police are resolved to be sensible and forceful.”
Mr Davis, however, called for compassion and understanding as police enforce Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ orders.
“I’m truly disappointed with the way we are treating homeless persons, particularly since thought was not given to this demographic in society and arrangements were not made for them to be taken care of during this time,” he said. “Obviously we need to be able to identify the homeless people, get a message to them and find a place for them to be. We have an obligation to make sure they are taken care of and as a state, we need to address these challenges that these people have. Many of them would be unable to comply with the curfew because they have no place to be.”
Comments
stillwaters 4 years ago
Even if you find a place for them to shelter, we all know these people don't stay in one place for very long.....looking for rum or dope.....come on , Brave, you know this........stop the political posturing.....we see right through you.
moncurcool 4 years ago
Davis needs to find something to try and stay in the news with as the virus has pushed him to the side. I agree that they need to leave homeless people alone, but Davis trying for points. Go the PM and tell him this. Don't need to be running to reporters on it if you really care about the issue.
birdiestrachan 4 years ago
Homeless people are human to. At one of the press conferences held by the Government a report asked about the homeless people.
There was laughter and one of those who laughed was "THE FOX"
TigerB 4 years ago
They will have a home now, 3 squares a day. When I was a police in training we were taught that ignorance is no excuse to the law. That applied across the board, even when you don't know, and break the law, you will be found guilty base on that principal.
bogart 4 years ago
Davis has a point on these homeless persons arrested and charged. Big question is that all these politicians who have put their hand on the Bible and other hand up and saying with their lips moving oaths to do the best for the people and look at the weakest prosecution and perse ution being in the unfortunate set of circumstances.
Many decades there should be better facilities to cater to the Mentally challenged, many facilities to cater to the seniors, more care to the females facing crises, better Fox Hill Prison inhuman conditions, etc. Mr. Davis was in top positions of power for for him and his party for decades to address these glaring glaring glaring society shortcomings.
These persons should not be arrested and financially charged especially in this World disease National crises but made access to all govt rehabilation resources and not be prosecuted, persecuted prejuficed to access services because of race, faith, creed, economic circumstances etcetc
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