The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

It is hoped that the contents of this letter will encourage action from residents and increase sup­port for the police.

Murder is not a preventable crime, but efficient and effective investigations resulting in early ar­rests and prosecutions, that result in the appropriate punish­ment could result in its reduction.

In addition, those potential victims, who are aware of the threat, eg, the gang members and drug traffickers must honestly collaborate with the police to seek protection with information that could lead to the arrest of their would-be killers.

Such persons must also be alert to their surroundings and take evasive action to protect themselves. Sitting in parked vehicles, playing games outdoors and other ex­posures, that make them easy targets must be avoided.

Those per­sons accused in the Courts of murder should accept incarceration pending trial. Bail is a death trap. This advice applies to our Caribbean region where the murder rates in some countries have in­creased immensely.

I have observed that Human Resources Rights enthusiasts in the USA and The Bahamas appear to be silent in their attacks on the police. The prolific murders and crimes of violence have silenced them at this time.

Violent crimes with guns of war on unarmed victims in the USA and cer­tain countries in the Caribbean have risen immensely. Trinidad & Tobago recorded in excess of 300 murders thus far for 2022.

Jamaica recorded an increase and we have also recorded a huge in­crease.

The motives for most of our murders are gang related, revenge killings, domestic violence and drug wars.

We have ex­ceeded our previous record. Public reaction to the violence must be - enough is enough.

Public response must be full support of the police aggressive policing targeting the gangs, the drug traf­fickers and the gun suppliers/importers.

The public must be in constant liaison with the police and be prepared to: “Notify - Identify and Testify”.

Public participation in exposing the crimi­nals/terrorists in our country is absolutely necessary. We have an efficient Police service, that needs the help.

The Constitu­tion of The Bahamas recognises and protects fundamental human rights and freedoms such as the right to the individual to life, liberty, security of the person and enjoyment of property and the right not to be deprived thereof except by due process of law.

The Constitution recognises the existence of the right of the in­dividual to equality before the law and the protection of the law.

It is the duty of the State to protect, promote and fulfil the above-mentioned human rights and freedoms.

There has been a rapid growth of criminal gangs and activity in The Bahamas, that infringes on the rights and freedoms of individuals.

The right of every person to be protected from fear, intimidation and phy­sical harm caused by criminal activity of violent gang and criminals/terrorists must be protected and guarded.

Such activities presents a danger to public order and safety and to economic stability, and has the potential to inflict social damage.

It is ab­solutely necessary, and expedient, that we, the people, and the govern­ment and associates provide our law enforcement with the support needed to eradicate crime in our beloved country.

PAUL THOMPSON

Nassau,

June 16, 2022.