The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

A LOCAL activist group is calling for the return of corporal punishment for serious offenders after the killing of a two-year-old infant and another weekend marred by violence.

Last week Friday, a 30-year-old man was arrested in connection with the death of the toddler, whose body was found at a home on Allan Drive off Carmichael Road.

And, over the weekend, a man died in an exchange of gunfire with police while nine persons were arrested for possession of unlicensed firearms and ammunition.

According to Citizens For Justice, these incidents are evidence that despite their best efforts, the police are still struggling to control crime and violence.

“Per capita, the Bahamas is fast becoming one of the most violent nations on earth and we must find ways to reverse this trend,” said the group in a press release.

“We again call on the church and civil society to join in the fight against crime, violence and poverty that have wreaked havoc on our society. We cannot and will not ignore the anti-social destructive behaviours that have left so many in fear as young men continue to terrorise both locals and tourists with their criminal actions.”

“Citizens for Justice is calling for the return of corporal punishment for violent offenders and capital punishment for convicted murders as laid out in the laws of the Bahamas.

“Longer sentences with hard labour is recommended. The business community, civic organisations and non-governmental agencies are expected to provide the necessary resources for the funding of current programmes and new initiatives.

“The government should cause sufficient funds to be allocated for social programmes that deal with rehabilitation, poverty, housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, financial empowerment, job creation and youth programmes.”

The group also requested that the Bail Act be amended to ensure that persons charged with murder, rape, armed robberies and the sexual abuse of minors be denied bail.

“Cases must be tried quickly and without the normal long delays that victims see as injustices that allow accused persons to walk the streets. Lawyers manipulate the system to get bail, thus causing their clients to commit more crime and intimidate witnesses.

“Laws should be passed to see that restitution is made by convicted offenders to the children and families of murder victims.

“We believe in restorative justice and the education and rehabilitation of criminal offenders.

“We appeal to the government of the Bahamas to take whatever measures are necessary to restore law, order and the good name of the Bahamas.”