By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe yesterday said the United States “will have to appreciate” the efforts the Bahamas government is making to help curb crime in the country.
His statements come four days after the US Embassy in Nassau issued an email warning American citizens living and travelling here to be on the alert for crime.
The email cited three incidents within the last year where American visitors were robbed and it referred to last week’s robbery of Deputy Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis as an example of the country’s worrying crime situation.
The warning came despite government reports of an overall decrease in criminal activity this year when compared to last year.
In response, Mr Wilchcombe said: “The Americans will issue the warnings, it’s their choice; they will do what they want and what’s in their interest. We can talk to them. We have to develop our relationships and I think Americans will have to appreciate that we are making efforts and are making a dent in the crime problem.
“We don’t have to worry about (their warnings),” he continued. “We have to fix the problems at home. The Bahamas must address the issues. Our job is we must engage ourselves in a national campaign that calls for leaders in the community to go out there and speak. We could kill all we have built in this country if we don’t move away from the image of being a country that has a lot of crime. Many countries that have sought to strengthen their tourism industry have staggered because of the reputation that they are associated with crime.”
Mr Wilchcombe added that the media must do its part by not making criminals look like heroes.
“We have to get the media involved,” he said. “Why is it that we have to give criminals headlines? I understand the story has to be written but why show their picture? Why are we making them heroes so they could celebrate that they are on TV or in the newspaper?”
He said: “We have to use some voices, some voices like Myles Munroe, Neil Elis, the president of the Christian Council, bishops of the Anglican church. We have a deficit of love in this country. There is a lot of hate; we need some love.”
Comments
Thinker 10 years, 4 months ago
I personally don't care what the stats say, I don't feel safer, and neither does anyone else I know that lives here. The US issues warnings every few months, the same ones, with similar stories of frightening robberies and other violent crimes. The dent that is made in the crime is not worth even mentioning, as it's the same rhetoric spewed each time the US issues a warning to its citizens. Hire properly trained outside forces along with adjustments to the penal system and move on with the growth of an honorable society. Why is Big Gov stalling and averting The peoples' wants and needs over every major issue?
proudloudandfnm 10 years, 4 months ago
This is just stupid....
TalRussell 10 years, 4 months ago
With an all but armed military presence already being seen in the streets of our once peaceful tiny Bahamaland, is this the minister's way of restricting what the United States government can say and not say abut crime. Crime will never be managed .. much less stopped or defeated ... simply by issuing repeated Wars on Crime. It will neither deter the US State Department's responsibility to protect its citizens abroad. or have the government deal with it at home. . Makes for great local political headlines in the Tribune, nothing more.
henny 10 years, 4 months ago
America will have to appreciate that we are making efforts and are making a dent in the crime problem. Really?????
stillwaters 10 years, 4 months ago
Obie is now joining the club of lying liars that tell lies!!!!!
HolandObserver 10 years, 4 months ago
lol
concernedcitizen 10 years, 4 months ago
How is that legal action going against CNN and Larry King Obie ,remember during the J Travolta thingy you were going to sue them Mr Wiclhcombe ,,,,Come on bro our DPM minister has had two armed cirme situations at his home ,an elderly US embassy employee was robbed going to church and you can say w/ a straight face,pun intended ,crime is down ,,
concernedcitizen 10 years, 4 months ago
I always feel assured when a man in lip gloss gives the crime report ,, lmao
crabman 10 years, 4 months ago
If we are talking about crime let us not forget the the largest heist in the Bahamas a few years back. These robbers made of with the life savings of the Bahamian people right under the noses of our government. In case you have forgotten the name of this notorious gang, let me remind you. They were called the "Clico Insurance Company". How long will it take to get the money back? And lastly does anyone believe that everyone lost money or just those who were not "IN THE KNOW"?
realfreethinker 10 years, 4 months ago
Real Clowns
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 4 months ago
I don't disagree that we need voices to speak about relationships, that's a good thing to do, but first we need a voice that should be greater than theirs to speak. We need the Leader of the country and his team to start speaking about their plan to eradicate Crime and CORRUPTION. When the people see you and your colleagues routing out government ministers who are using their position to steal directly from the treasury, direct contracts for their personal gain, hire family members, friends and political supporters to the detriment of the people's corporations, when the people see you LEADING and being serious about all crime and corruption, then we can talk about love. The love you have for this country and it's people. Until then everything you do says you love yourself and only yourself.
I'm also surprised that another media personality appears to be advocating censorship of the press. Well maybe not too surprised. How can we speak about love and advocate for ministers of the gospel to speak out but forget that the truth shall set you free?
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 4 months ago
If we are making a dent, why are they advocating in parliament to increase the level of security around senior officials?
HolandObserver 10 years, 4 months ago
this article is not worthy of a lengthy response. i havve only one question: what is mr wilchcombe smoking?
blackcat 10 years, 4 months ago
lolol.. Excellent comment and it's hard to think of anything else to add. They've twisted the statistics, people are looking over their shoulders everytime they leave the house, barring up their doors and staying in after dark. Corruption reigns up high so no doubt the small man will do what he pleases because he can't be stopped !
TalRussell 10 years, 4 months ago
Must be something positive being released into the Christmas air. Rather pleasing when a debate can be held, without resorting to drawing parallels between this administration and that of the previous government. Personally, Comrades something I have been encouraging for a long time. Hopefully, a sign of a change for the good in the political debate cabin pressure for 2014. If, we are going to make it; 'Really Better In Our Tiny Bahamaland," it will require ALL, citizens and residents. We must work, act and speak as one.
ohdrap4 10 years, 4 months ago
I believe in bahamians.
Obie is a bahamian.
I believe in Obie.....
proudloudandfnm 10 years, 4 months ago
Well Obie, there you have it. Even Bahamians don't believe we're making a dent in crime.....
hj 10 years, 4 months ago
Sure you do. And you will also soon create 10,000 jobs.
crabman 10 years, 4 months ago
Please be mind full that those 10,000 jobs are just in Freeport the other 12,000 jobs were created in little china, that's the same place that used to be the Crystal Palace
And as one other contributor said and I have to agree, what's up with the lip gloss???????
USAhelp 10 years, 4 months ago
You gotta be kidding. Your efforts is nothing and things getting worse. USA will continue to warn it citizens to be careful of visiting the Bahamas.
TalRussell 10 years, 4 months ago
First of all it takes a really big Comrade to wear strawberry liploss.
ohdrap4 10 years, 4 months ago
For my fashionable friends of the Tribune, i am selling that lipstick at a discounted price.
Ruby Woo by Mac.
It is unisex.
TalRussell 10 years, 4 months ago
Comrade ohdrap there will no further need to offer at discounted prices, after such an excellent Lip Gloss modeling job, courtesy of the Honorouable Minister.
Honestman 10 years, 4 months ago
Obie, I honestly don't think these armed robbers and murderers feel like heroes when they appear in the media shuffling along Bank Lane with head bowed. Expose each and every one of them for the low life that they are. Everyone who possesses an ounce of intelligence knows that government is not making a dent in crime. The situation is no better than when the FNM was in power and everyone I talk to feels like it has gotten worse. Why do you come out with these ridiculous utterances? Do you honestly think the Bahamian public are totally dim witted? Also, the US State department doesn't give a damn about what efforts you say government is making - it is only concerned with what is happening to its citizens whilst on Bahamian territory. It's high time the Prime Minister showed the country that he is serious about crime - that after all was one of the reasons why 40 % of the voters trusted the PLP with their vote.
John 10 years, 4 months ago
Yeah they making a dent on crime.. Every PLP MP is have nightmares about those 'crime billboards' they put up all over the country. And they is be throwing rocks at those billboards in dey sleep, trying to put a dent in crime.
John 10 years, 4 months ago
The judge called the defendant to the stand and reminded him.' Now remember you have sworn to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. So what do you have to say?" the defendant replied ,"Under those conditions, Nothing"
John 10 years, 4 months ago
One is a PLP, One is a FNM and One is a DNA, you figure it out......Three women are about to be executed. One's a brunette, one's a redhead and one's a blonde.
The guard brings the brunette forward and the executioner asks if she has any last requests.
She says no and the executioner shouts, "Ready! Aim!" Suddenly the brunette yells, "Earthquake!" Everyone is startled and throws themselves on the ground while she escapes.
The guard brings the redhead forward and the executioner asks if she has any last requests. She say no and the executioner shouts, "Ready! Aim!" Suddenly the redhead yells, "Tornado!" Everyone is startled and looks around for cover while she escapes.
By now the blonde has it all figured out. The guard brings her forward and the executioner asks if she has any last requests. She says no and the executioner shouts, "Ready! Aim!" and the blonde yells, "Fire!"
TalRussell 10 years, 4 months ago
Interestingly, here are the top 26 Unisex Baby Names for 2013. Honestly, not making this up. Topping the list at Number 1. Harper 2, Quinn 3, Rowan 4. Avery. 5. Sawyer, 6. Rory, 7. Riley . 8. Emerson, 9. Finley, 10. Dylan, 11. Luca, 12. Micah, 13 Sasha, 14. Emery,
15. Nico, 16. Peyton, 17, Remy, 18. Blake, 19. Aubrey, 20. Sage, 21.Parker, 22. Carter, 23. River, 24.Teagan, 25. Cameron, 26. Obie.
John 10 years, 4 months ago
MERRY CHRISTMAS////It was Christmas and the judge was in a merry mood as he asked the prisoner, "What are you charged with?"
"Doing my Christmas shopping early," replied the defendant.
"That's no offense," said the judge. "How early were you doing this shopping?"
"Before the store opened," countered the prisoner.
SP 10 years, 4 months ago
TOURISM Minister Obie Wilchcombe is either out to lunch, his elevator doesn't go all way up to the top floor or he still think WE are stupid enough to believe something just because a PLP Minister said it is so.
"The United States “will have to appreciate” the efforts the Bahamas government is making to help curb crime in the country."
Exactly what "efforts" are Obie referring to?
Would it be putting ankle bracelets on violent criminals and allowing them to roam free to commit numerous murders, rape and serious crimes while throwing non violent youngsters into Fox Hill prison for small personal use marijuana possession with hardened criminals? Even an absolute imbecile would put the bracelet on the non violent person and throw the murderer in prison.
Perhaps Wilchcombe is talking about Government allowing illegal’s to roam the country unchecked or Haitian drug and human smuggling syndicate that the police cannot crack into.
Could he be talking about the dysfunctional judicial system with the automatic high cash flow revolving bail door?
Finally....Obie had to have at least a 3 or 4 piece Kentucky meal to get his lips to "glow" like that!
banker 10 years, 4 months ago
It's vaseline with bird pepper in it.
ThisIsOurs 10 years, 4 months ago
Totally unfortunate statement. If they actually believe this, it means they think their current strategy is effective. They will therefore continue along the same path with the same results. If on the other hand, even they believe it's poppycock but make these bogus statements anyway, they do a disservice to the people and make the criminals bolder, because obviously the dent isn't affecting them.
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