The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE National Development Plan makes a number of recommendations for fighting crime and increasing respect for the rule of law.

The draft version of the NDP, released on the weekend, endorses making the Department of Public Prosecutions independent to boost trust in the independence of law enforcement.

The NDP also calls for legislation that would end the practice of allowing police officers to prosecute cases in the Magistrate’s Court.

Trained lawyers alone should be used, the plan says, allowing for reduced opportunities for conflicts of interest since police won’t be both investigator and prosecutors in cases.

At the moment, police prosecutors can appear on behalf of the Office of the Attorney General in any case before the Magistrate’s Court.

The NDP said there should be an increase in the ration of “frontline, community-based officers” and detectives so police are stationed in areas susceptible to crime.

The NDP also calls for increased independent oversight over investigations of police conduct.

An independent body comprised of a Citizens Review Board should be established to review complaints, the NDP says.

The NDP Secretariat will host a conclave Thursday at SuperClubs Breezes that will involve panel discussions on improving governance in the Bahamas, proposing strategies to strengthen human capital, the environment and the economy.

The Christie administration hopes the NDP will prove to be a groundbreaking work that plays a central role in influencing policy decisions for the future.

Unlike other reports or plans, which have appeared in the past and in some instances propose similar recommendations, the NDP is expected to be accompanied with accountability mechanisms, including legislation.

The University of the Bahamas will play a key role in assessing progress made towards realising the plan’s visions.