The Tribune

As we begin the festive season, our hopes and desires for a joyous holiday bring with them a heightened sense of fear of the lurking criminal element. The last 30 years of progress and development have also brought many social changes, which threaten to disrupt our civil and peaceful existence. Decent, law abiding consumers find great difficulty moving about to shop for the goods they desire during the season, and producers have even greater challenges ensuring a safe environment in which to sell their wares.

The small minority of Bahamian vagabonds are so bent on unsettling our economic progress that they have seemingly devised strategies for their sinister schemes, and find creative ways to evade the authorities. The struggle for the Bahamian business owner is real, particularly at Christmas time, and many simply brace themselves to be ‘hit’ by would-be robbers.

While it is necessary to provide safety tips for what some feel is the inevitable, it is also sensible that some attempts be made by the business community to address the underlying root causes of our dire situation. The following, then, are some preventative measures for our vexing crime problem.

Even without a degree in psychology, we can determine the ‘roots’ of our dilemma. Most agree that the lack of parental guidance and care, particularly the absence of the father, is at the core of our issues. Research the world over bears out this truth. When a responsible male is at home, the chance of social dysfunction in children and youth is reduced by 85 per cent.

Where are the business-driven programmes for young men, encouraging them to be responsible husbands and fathers, and ensuring that they live up to their commitments and responsibilities? Father-Daughter Day and Father- Son Day in the workplace, annual male seminars, workplace family retreats and other similar initiatives will only strengthen both family and the economy.

A secondary cause for our rapidly deteriorating state of affairs is a shifting value system, where we are less concerned for each other and more concerned with acquiring material things and wealth.

Somehow, industry has to lend assistance in teaching responsible capitalism. Strong social corporate responsibility programmes, youth development schemes, educational grants and other similar initiatives funnel resources back into the community, and help stem the tide of crime and violence in our inner cities.

Perhaps another incentive for the criminal element among us is the slow pace we have taken in embracing technology to conduct business. Businesses that are serious about the safety and well-being of their patrons and employees must explore cashless transactions, smart deposit systems, an armed security/police presence, proper lighting in and outside their facilities, and security-surveillance camera systems that are visible to the would-be criminals.

What a wonderful season for business this would be, if it were incident free. God grant it…Have a safe and enjoyable season.

• NB: Ian R. Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.