Published On:Wednesday, March 10, 2010

AT LAST Harbour Island -- the tiny jewel in the Bahamas' archipelago - is receiving the law enforcement attention that it should have had years ago.

Once a peaceful hideaway -- at one time known as a delightful spot of England in the semi-tropics-- residents say that over the past several years there has been a complete break-down in law and order. From a harmonious little settlement of pastel coloured homes and beautiful gardens, local politics spilled over from Nassau and eventually poisoned the atmosphere. Then there were the illegal immigrants, the current drug dealing, noisy nightclubs and increasing burglaries. Harbour Island, experiencing a breakdown in law and order over the years, is no longer considered safe by its residents, both foreign and local. As one visitor said: "People are now scared."

Residents say that a general sense of apathy held the island in its grip as criminals broke the law, and local administration turned a blind eye. There was little response from the law, and so the criminal element not only grew bolder, but prospered.

Drug dealers almost operate in the open, said one local, and drug abuse -- both drugs and alcohol -- is a major problem. It is rumoured that at least one well known citizen is involved in the trade.

'Brilanders had been petitioning Nassau for more of a police presence until the burglaries got so bad that an experienced officer was dispatched to the island to take up residence about two weeks ago.

In the early hours of the morning after Chief Inspector Roston Moss' arrival, crime at Harbour Island escalated to a new level. For the first time there was not only a burglary, but a burglary with violence. This time it was against a tourist in his hotel room -- another first for the island. The island's very economy was now under direct attack.

Edward Bryant of Stamford, Connecticut, and a male friend had just returned to their room at Tingum Village at about 2am on February 25 when there was a knock at the door and two men burst in. One aimed a machete at Bryant's face. He instinctively raised his left hand as a shield. The machete sliced through his hand, from his thumb to his index finger. Bryant's twin brother, Douglas, who had flown to Fort Lauderdale to be at his side, told Governor's Harbour MP Alvin Smith, that his brother had almost lost his hand.

He said it was a good thing he instinctively raised his left hand because he is right-handed and would indeed have been handicapped if he had lost that hand. His brother believed that his assailant intended to kill him, because he had aimed his lethal blade at his face.

Douglas Bryant said that his brother's wound was infected and he was there to give blood for transfusions. He said his brother was having nightmares and asked him to stay in his hospital room with him.

Two Harbour Islanders are now in police custody.

What made the attack even more harrowing was that the island was experiencing one of its frequent blackouts. The electrical supply had shut down --another major complaint with 'Brilanders.

This incident now has the full attention of the authorities. "We have had petty theft, but never with violence -- is this incident an indication of where we are now headed?" residents were asking each other.

On Monday two senior police officers, Assistant Commissioner Willard Cunningham, in charge of the Family Islands, and Supt Stephen Dean, newly appointed Director of National Crime Prevention, with two senior officers from the Ministry of Tourism, arrived on the island to assess the situation.

For years 'Brilanders have not only been begging for more police officers, but for officers who would have longer tours of duty - "who stay long enough to get to know who are the good guys, but especially the bad guys."

At last they are to get their wish. Chief Inspector Moss is there to stay. He took up residence on February 25 and has been busy getting to know the people, the island and the problems.

"Chief Inspector Moss will do an excellent job," Mr Smith, the island's MP, predicted. "Not only is he experienced, but he is hardworking, serious and organised."

Not only will there be better management of manpower -- only one policeman, for example, was put on the night shift, the shift when most crimes are committed -- but they should also get a proper police vehicle.

"All they have," said Mr Smith, "is a golf cart and a dilapidated little wagon."

Imagine fighting crime in a golf wagon! No wonder the criminals were laughing.

But now that Chief Inspector Moss is resident there with the promise of a strong team behind him and transport to do the job, 'Brilanders might yet have the last laugh.

HM Prison, Fox Hill, can now prepare for new guests from Harbour Island -- hopefully without bail.