Nottage: We are still assessing over crime

Dr Bernard Nottage

As of Thursday, November 20, 2014

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

NEARLY three weeks after the National Security Council met to discuss new crime fighting initiatives, Royal Bahamas Police Force executives and the government are still in a “state of reassessment” over crime, said Bain and Grants Town MP Dr Bernard Nottage.

Dr Nottage, the national security minister, yesterday further admitted to reporters that he was concerned about the general feeling by Bahamians that they were not safe because of rates of violent crime.

Dr Nottage declined to reveal the new crime fighting initiatives saying it was still the government’s position not to enlighten criminals on the measures that were proposed.

This comes following a week plagued with crime that saw three murders in a 12-hour period. The killings pushed the country’s murder count to 106. There was also a high-speed car chase that resulted in a shoot-out involving the police and two teenage suspected armed robbers on Tuesday night.

“I am concerned about the public’s perception that they may not be safe,” Dr Nottage told reporters during the House of Assembly’s morning recess.

“I am in constant dialogue with the police as they are seeking to overcome the challenges which are caused by the violent crimes in our communities.

“I was in a meeting this morning (Wednesday) with members of the executive team, the Commissioner (of Police Ellison Greenslade) specifically. We have discussed the matter and are in a state of reassessment. The police are working extremely hard and they are doing some very good work. I am satisfied that our discussions would perhaps provide other strategies that we could engage in our fight against a very serious problem.”

On October 30, Dr Nottage told reporters there was no room for vigilante justice as he announced new crime fighting strategies.

He said the National Security Council, chaired by Prime Minister Perry Christie, agreed to new initiatives aimed at curbing the spike in certain types of criminal activity, but officials remained tight-lipped over the details of these plans.

At the time Dr Nottage said: “It would be foolhardy in the extreme to disclose details of these new measures as to do so would be tipping the hand of law enforcement to the very persons we are determined to catch and put behind bars.

“We are confident, however, that these new measures will achieve satisfying results within a very short period of time and that the perpetrators of violent crime will be brought to justice and made to feel the full weight of the law.”

Dr Nottage told reporters yesterday that he expected to, in the next few days, give a very full account on the crime situation.

Sickened 9 years, 5 months ago

What we need is new and competent leadership!

TalRussell 9 years, 5 months ago

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afficianado 9 years, 5 months ago

Dr. Nottage you don't know what you are doing.. It's ok-the transition from practicing gynecology to practicing law can be tough especially when you're not cut out for it. It's happens to the best of us shrugs shoulders

asiseeit 9 years, 5 months ago

This bonehead is just realizing that the public does not feel safe! Out of touch is an understatement. Incompetence at it's finest! Please let 2017 come soon so we can be rid of these self absorbed, kleptocratic, fools.

Arrow 9 years, 5 months ago

Please!please! Let 2017 come as a matter of fact call a bye election so these jokers can be gone. At this rate of incompetence we may not have a Bahamaland to call home. Simply Incompetent!

duppyVAT 9 years, 5 months ago

BJ GATTA GO ...................... RESIGN, RETIRE AND PERFORM MORE ABORTIONS

B_I_D___ 9 years, 5 months ago

This entire government is an abortion...

TheMadHatter 9 years, 5 months ago

Dr. Nottage has been in and around Government a very long time. I worked with him briefly to advance the CDR years ago, and was always impressed with his knowledge and vision.

That is why it puzzles me greatly as to why he is here focusing on crime fighting efforts. He ought to know that the problem is NOT in crime fighting. The police are doing an excellent job in that respect.

Has he not heard the police leaders say over and over that they are tired of picking up the same people over and over again - out on bail?

WHERE THE HELL ARE THE NEW COURTS? I was in Nassau the other day and saw construction signs in Saffrey Square. What the hell is that? Weren't they supposed to be completed at the end of APRIL ???????????????????

There is the damned problem Dr. Nottage. Get those courts open yesterday!!! Of course that would do not good either because you don't have enough judges, stenographers and other support staff to run them - not to mention that you would have to fire everybody at the court registry and hire a whole new staff over there in order to get any cases assigned to be heard. You can't fire Govt workers - so that means we the public just have to keep getting killed and robbed.

But go ahead and make a new speech next week, the cruise ships will leave soon.

TheMadHatter

No matter how you slice it.....Face it....... Both PLP and FNM.....FAILED!

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