The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN who claimed he was extradited from this country to the United States more than a decade ago after a conviction yesterday criticised Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade for saying he was not happy about the early release of Bahamian convicts from Cuba.

At the age of 22, the man, who has requested that he only be referred to as “Glenn”, was convicted of drug conspiracy, which he said led to a six-week stay at the Bahamas Department of Corrections, formerly Her Majesty’s Prison, and then a six-year prison sentence in the US.

Glenn told The Tribune that while he spent a part of his life behind bars in the US, he is not ashamed but has decided to use his experience for good.

This is why Glenn said he was shocked at Mr Greenslade’s recent comments.

He said rather than condemn those who have already served time for wrongdoings, law enforcement should put former criminal minds to use to aid in the fight against crime.

He pointed out that none of the nine newly freed Bahamians from Cuba had anything to do with this year’s murder count, which was 110 up to press time.

“I listened to the remarks made by our commissioner of police regarding the pardon release of nine Bahamians from Cuba’s prison,” Glenn said. “I was shocked to hear how he described those men.

“As of Tuesday, September 22, the murder count is at 110 classified (murders). Those men had nothing to do with that. In life we all make mistakes, I am sure those men regret what they did and the pain their loved ones had to endure.

“As chief of police, he had the perfect opportunity to greet those men, address them with the concerns and problems we are having. Those men could have been his best asset in the fight against crime, by being his ears and eyes on the street.”

He added: “As a Christian country, we only forgive based on who the persons are or the role their families play in our society. That is why we are faced with these growing problems today.

“Most countries use criminal minds to educate their security forces or use them to fight crime. One example is the US’ Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), they use criminals to arrest criminals.”

He said crimes like murder, rape and armed robbery are the three areas that The Bahamas needs to focus more on. He further suggested that bail terms be made harsher.

“We also need to look at the make up of our security forces in this country. We need to question whether they love their job or they just show up to work.

“As a Bahamian, I would like to say to all that hold authority, find the time to come together on a monthly basis and put their ideas into action. A person who has completed his or her conviction is the best messenger for those in trouble areas.”

On Monday, the commissioner said he is not happy about the early release of nine Bahamian prisoners who were incarcerated in Cuba, adding that he was not sure the former inmates would stay out of trouble.

He said that some other prisoners who were locked up internationally would be back in the country “very soon” to “add salt” to an open wound.

But National Security Minister Dr Bernard Nottage said because the prisoners are Bahamians, “we have a responsibility” to allow them to come home.

Despite the commissioner’s concern, Dr Nottage said the government will meet with the released Bahamians and “try to get” them to stay away from crime.

The comments followed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ announcement last week that nine Bahamians were freed after Cuba made public pardons for more than 3,500 prisoners to mark the four-day visit of the Pope.

The Bahamas’ ambassador to Cuba, Alma Adams, bade farewell in Havana to the nine former inmates last Wednesday as they boarded the 1.15pm Bahamasair flight to Nassau. It is unclear what crimes were committed and Commissioner Greenslade said it was not his place to reveal the alleged infractions.