The Tribune

By DANA SMITH

dsmith@tribunemedia.net

PLP SENATOR Alex Storr has praised the government's proposed crime fighting agenda, revealing he has been a victim of crime in the past.

Making his contribution in the Senate on Monday on the Speech from the Throne, Mr Storr said the government has "set out hard at work" on the two most pressing issues affecting the country - crime and the "need to build and repair" the economy.

Mr Storr also named "deepening" Bahamian ownership as a pressing issue, claming it would produce a higher standard of living for all Bahamians.

"We have all been touched by crime either directly or indirectly," he said. "I myself have been the victim of crime including two armed robberies, one at my residence and the other at my place of business, so I know first-hand not only the mental and physical effects of crime, but also the lasting psychological effects."

Because of his personal experience with crime, Mr Storr said, he applauds the "speedy and long overdue return" of Urban Renewal 2.0 as a means to combat crime.

In addition, it will replace "the watered down, ineffective, shadow of its former self imitation that was implemented by the previous administration in a desperate and failed attempt to gain control of crime that had spiraled out of control under their regime," he claimed.

"This is the first step in a well thought-out, comprehensive plan that seeks to gain control of our country and ease the level of violence that screams out from the headlines of our daily papers," Mr Storr said. "It will take the concerted effort of every sector of society working along with the government before we truly see relief from this current scourge that threatens our very existence. It will not be accomplished overnight, simply upon the election of the PLP, as some of our detractors seem to suggest via newspaper, social media and talk shows."

In addition to crime, the senator also commented on other government initiatives, such as the proposed mortgage relief programme.

"The dream of owning a home is one that transcends all social, economic, and racial divides," he said. "I therefore applaud the government for taking steps to protect those that have already achieved their dream by pushing for the development of a financially sustainable mortgage relief programme.

"Too often we have seen families pushed out on to the streets because they have fallen victim to circumstances that are totally beyond their control, having faithfully executed their financial responsibilities for years and even decades up until their current misfortune."

A PLP government also "signals a return" of affordable housing for lower income Bahamians, Mr Storr said.

"The PLP's record in the provision of affordable housing is unmatched and will continue under the current administration," he said. "This also has the side effect of stimulating the economy and providing jobs."

The government's plan to lower the cost of electricity was also given praise by Mr Storr, who claimed his electric bill has "doubled" under the FNM government.

"Over the last five years my bill, like everyone, has more than doubled despite my conservation efforts, such as the using of CFL and LED light bulbs, while service became upsettingly unreliable," he said.

"This was due to a lack of proper government funding to provide required maintenance and the pursuit of more reliable and renewable energy sources.

"Under the current administration, as has happened before, I believe that we will see astronomical light bills become a thing of the past through implementation of the described methods."

The development of a National Water Policy was "welcomed" by the senator, who stated: "All communities over the entire length and breadth of these islands deserve access to good quality water."

Mr Storr also commented on the introduction of legislation to "limit and govern" the awarding of contracts just before elections.

"I saw for myself where contracts and jobs were issued as if the Public Treasury was a bottomless pit, all in an attempt to influence the outcome of an election," he said. "Not only was the Treasury used as a personal campaign fund, but persons in respected positions of authority, who should be seen to remain neutral, used their position to intimidate and influence the free will choice of voters."

The senator said he would not offer any more information on the subject for the moment, but would speak again "when the time is right".