By AVA TURNQUEST
Tribune Staff Reporter
aturnquest@tribunemedia.net
NATIONAL Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage yesterday confirmed that the government will review security protocols for high-ranking officials in the wake of acting Prime Minister Philip Davis’ armed robbery.
However, any changes will not include government ministers equipped with firearms, according to Dr Nottage, who maintained that existing legislation on gun licensing was sufficient.
Dr Nottage was again tight-lipped over the current police shift system, adding that it would be unwise to reveal police strategies.
Speaking to the media yesterday, Dr Nottage said: “I think the law provides for citizens who can show that there is a need for security. They can apply for a weapon, and in the appropriate cases, the licensing authority provides them with an answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ depending on what the circumstances are.
He added: “I don’t think there should be a special provision for cabinet ministers.”
Mr Davis and his wife were held at gunpoint shortly after 7am by three masked gun men inside their Westridge home.
The incident prompted widespread security concerns from the public, many of whom questioned the level of security provided the deputy prime minister.
At a press conference yesterday, Dr Nottage explained that law enforcement agencies were doing everything they could to ensure the security of all citizens.
Referring to the controversial 12-hour shift system, Dr Nottage said: “There are a lot of statements being made about what was discontinued and what is being continued. Let me put it to you this way, we are seeking at all times to provide the level of policing to ensure that the country is kept safe and that our citizens can go about their business without fear.
“Whenever there are changes in policy, the changes are brought about by conditions that we are confronted with, and that will continue to be the case.
He added: “I do not think it’s wise for us at this stage to be revealing all of the strategies that we’re using in fighting crime.”
Comments
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 4 months ago
Review protocols for high ranking officials? How about protocols for the general public?
A gun would not have helped in this instance because this was unexpected. I doubt Mr Davis would have been walking around his house holding a gun in his hand. That man jumped out the car with a gun in his hand Is Mr Davis Jessie James? Why don't they think before they speak. I am so tired of "busy work" from these politicians. A gun at the front gate where someone is trained to expect trouble is a different matter.
12hr shifts would not have stopped this robbery. The video tape was far more effective than 100 policemen driving around the island. It says to me that these people need to stop the brute force crap and start thinking strategically.
blackcat 10 years, 4 months ago
I agree, protocols need to be reviewed for the public in general. There is always a high level of ppanic when something of this nature happens to a high ranking official. While I understand why that might be, it doesn't change the fact that everyday civilians are suffering everyday.
They can talk until they're blue in the face; if they don't stop the corruption and criminals already in charge, there's no way crime will cease for the rest of us. If they're not criminials themselves, they were put in power by criminals that the bribed. This is not difficult to understand-- they have to protect their own first. No point bringing out strict and stringent law enforcement because then all the dirty laundry comes out. Maybe not all are crooked but unfortunately the innocent suffer in this case.
Don't expect crime to change unless the whole moral fabric of society is improved and criminals are weeded out of high ranking positions. Sad but true.....
banker 10 years, 4 months ago
It gets better. He is a gynecologist.
john33xyz 10 years, 4 months ago
I worked with Dr. Nottage in the CDR and I believe he has the best for the Bahamas at heart. People need to realize too that politicians have MANY restrictions in what they can do and say. One glaring example, that I bet a lot of people do not realize, is that they SELDOM get Sundays and/or Saturdays off to rest. Somebody is always getting buried in their constituency and they are expected to show up to pay their respects. This takes away from their rest time and their ability to perform at 100%. It also takes away from phone time, e-mail time, and work time. But if they didn't show up - boy they would catch hell. This is just ONE example of how the people WANT one thing from politicians but DEMAND something else.
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