The Tribune

BY DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – Community youth leader Dudley Seide is calling on victims of crime and the entire Grand Bahama community to join Reach Out Youth Organisation in a march against crime.

During a press conference at police headquarters, Mr Seide announced that the organisation is holding its third annual Men United/Grand Bahama United March and Family Day on May 20, the Whit Monday holiday.

“We want anyone who has been affected by crime to come out,” he said.

“ We have a lot of unsolved murders here; people are still hurting and this is the time we are asking persons to band together in solidarity - to let criminals know that enough is enough.”

Mr Seide said that this year they are partnering with the Grand Bahama Christian Council, the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and Urban Renewal. He has appealed to businesspersons, pastors, youth groups, and church groups to come out and march with them. The largest group in attendance will receive a prize, he said.

Mr Seide believes that the country needs to send a strong message to the criminals by holding a similar march in New Providence.

“Imagine if the whole Bahamas come together and said enough is enough. We have to make a bold stand to let know (the criminals) know we are here and that we have had enough killings in this Bahamaland.”

He said crime has gotten out of hand, particularly in New Providence. “They are shooting people down (over there) everyday. Innocent people are dying. They are cutting down generations; fathers are being murdered, and there is so much grief,” he said.

The march will start at the Lucaya Cricket Club at 10.30am and will end at Taino Beach, where there will be a fun day. There will activities including volleyball, three on three basketball, flag football, egg and spoon race, flipper race and more.

At 6pm, there will be band performances by the Pathfinders Band, Legends Band, Bahamas Brass Band, and Urban Renewal Youth Band. There will also be a drill performance by the Defence Force Rangers.

A Youth Explosion will start at 7.30pm, with musical performances by Lion of Judah, Monty G, Mighty Mouth, and Message in the Music.

Mr Seide said they are also going to honouring the late Drexel Pinder.

Superintendent David Deveaux commended Mr Seide. He said the police force would support the march.

“On behalf of ACP Emrick Seymour, we want to commend you for this bold initiative,” he said. “We hope that working together a clear message will be sent to those who intend to break the law.”

Supt Deveaux believes that it is important that people unite for such a cause.

Grand Bahama Christian Council president Bishop Arnold Pinder said Christian community is pleased with the work that Mr Seide is doing in the community.

“We have over 200 churches on the island and we are asking men of every church to come out and give their full support to this event on Whit Monday.

“We are standing against crime. It is not a political issue. Crime is destroying our nation, but with God on our side we can make it,” he said.