The Tribune

By NICO SCAVELLA

Tribune Staff Reporter

nscavella@tribunemedia.net

IF re-elected to office, the Progressive Liberal Party plans to establish a “juvenile system and rehabilitation facility” to ensure that juvenile offenders charged with serious crimes are “separated” from adult criminals and other juvenile offenders. As part of its efforts to fight crime, the PLP also plans to establish a new probation and parole programme so that “in all cases, persons are not incarcerated where there is no need for incarceration”.

The party also has plans to “build on current plans” and launch a forensics lab, scientifically specialised in toxicology, ballistics and testing that will “ensure the presentation of quality evidence for trials.”

And, noting that “the job is not finished” in the crime fight, the PLP says it also plans to “expand” and “increase emphasis” on a number of existing crime-fighting initiatives, such as the Rehabilitation of Offenders programme, the usage of the closed-circuit television (CCTV) system, and the launch of the Star Academy, which is currently under construction.

The proposals are contained in the “Protect Our Citizens” section of the PLP’s action plan posted on its website last week. The rationale behind a number of the proposals are not clear, however, PLP Chairman Bradley Roberts told The Tribune that the party would release a more comprehensive manifesto this week.

Other plans the PLP has to combat crime should it be re-elected is an enhanced collaboration between the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) and the new Gang Unit to “amass ground intelligence that will enable faster response by law enforcement to gang-related activities;” expanded coverage of the archipelago by the Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) in a bid to combat illegal migration, gun smuggling and “potential terrorist related activities,” and plans to launch a Drug Treatment Court to ensure persons with drug addiction are directed to treatment, and to “push for preventative measures for first time users/offenders charged with possession of small amounts of illegal drugs.”

The party also has plans to launch a “comprehensive” Arts Rehabilitation Programme at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS) to “support offenders turning away from criminal activity and help them make a positive and productive reintroduction into society.”

“Every Bahamian has the right to feel safe in their home and community,” the PLP’s website said. “Although many types of crime are decreasing, the spike in murders makes it abundantly clear we must do more to stop crimes of violence.”

“The job is not finished,” the party added. “Violence is a complex issue. The answers will come not from the government, but from all parts of society, including churches, communities, and families.”

Ahead of the 2012 general election, the PLP posted billboards throughout New Providence - in areas heavily trafficked by tourists and locals - which said there had been more than 490 killings during the Ingraham administration’s five-year term.

The PLP, then in opposition, campaigned that it had the answer to violent crime while the Ingraham administration did not. It promised that if elected it would get crime under control.

However, the country has recorded over 600 murders since the PLP took office in May 2012, according to The Tribune’s records.