Citizens for Justice in the Bahamas Fights Crime

Tips for reducing crime and illegal behavior

Crime, murder, lawlessness, corruption and poverty are the major issues facing the Bahamas today. Here are some strategic suggestions that may address some of these thorny issues:

1. Identify and address poverty issues.
Develop an action plan to address social issues. We have talked for too long that crime has reached epidemic proportions in The Bahamas. Poverty is the number one cause of crime. We must study the social impacts and causes of poverty and address them. Involve the Church, NGOs, government agencies and special interest groups that focus on the needs of the poor.

2. Enforce the death penalty and corporal punishment laws.
Existing laws must be enforced and not ignored for the sake of global political correctness. We should immediately impose the death penalty and corporal punishment on repeat offenders of violent crime. Fear should be instilled in criminals. We must strengthen the law and ensure that the Privy Council cannot overturn the death penalty for murder. It is time for MPs to take bold and courageous steps to end the carnage in our streets. The responsibility ultimately rests with them. We are asking for action, not excuses.

3. Imprison gun criminals for long periods of time.
The law was amended to provide for a minimum sentence of ten years hard labour for the first offence of illegal firearm possession and twenty years hard labour for the second offence.

4. Zero tolerance for rape and sexual assault, especially against underage victims.
Those convicted of rape or sexual assault of a minor should be given the maximum penalty, with longer sentences and heavier corporal punishment. We recommend a 20-year prison sentence for rapists.

5. Fighting corruption and bribery
The culture of corruption among politicians and public officials should be dealt with by the Independent Anti-Corruption Commission, which will make recommendations for prosecution. Clearly, this has not been a priority for successive governments. When politicians and public officials blatantly commit corruption and bribery with impunity, we develop a culture of corruption across the country, which has already happened.

6. Provide economic assistance to Bahamians.
* We reiterate our call on the Government to provide one acre of Crown land to every Bahamian over the age of 18 and install the appropriate infrastructure. Land is wealth. When this is done, we will still have over 3 million acres of land left for future generations and further development.
* Provide food security to the country.
* The people of the Bahamas have the right to live in a safe country, free from crime and lawlessness. I urge the Bahamian Government to make this a reality.
* Providing low-cost housing and financing to impoverished Bahamians who are unable to obtain loans.
* Provide tax exemptions for the poor and provide homeless shelters and hurricane shelters for Bahamians in need.
* Develop the main Family Islands to provide jobs and opportunities so that the population can move from the overpopulated New Providence to the Family Islands.
* Exploring the natural resources throughout The Bahamas and ensuring that they are subsidized to benefit every Bahamian, not just certain families or special interest groups.

7. Land Reform
Create a land register for every piece of land in the country. Regularize properties known as common land or generational property and give families the power to develop such properties. The government can grant title deeds to these families and allow them to monetize or develop these properties.

Please send these suggestions to your members of Congress, pastors, and senior government officials for review and action.

The Bahamas needs some serious changes. If we don’t address these issues immediately, we will risk future unrest or revolution or even civil war. Let’s address this now and stop playing with the future of our people.

Bishop Walter Hanchel
President
Bahamas Citizens of Justice
May 3, 2022

“With God nothing is impossible.” Luke 1:37