Opposition Leader Philip Davis said Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis’ call for a curfew in Abaco seems like a “knee jerk reaction” and his sudden concern for the island’s security demonstrates that he is once again “late to the table.”
“For weeks since the storm passed, the PLP has warned the prime minister about the security situation. The prime minister buried his head in the sand. The communities of the Abaco Cays and Marsh Harbour cried out for help. The prime minister ignored them,” Davis said yesterday.
“We told the prime minister how the marines and police officers sent there were being ill treated and under fed and that their command instructions were confused.
“Now the prime minister rushes in with cameras in tow with half baked solutions. Where was this zeal when the experts advised the prime minister to evacuate the population to avoid the loss of life?
“We think the prime minister should think carefully before restricting civil liberties. There should be consultations with the population of Abaco before any such drastic solution is implemented.”
Last week, the prime minister said Cabinet will discuss whether a curfew would be implemented as a result over concerns of looting in Abaco.
Dr. Minnis also expressed concerns over the level of security on the island and the law enforcement officers sent there.
However, Davis said, Dr. Minnis “should ensure that the security and other personnel sent to Abaco are properly resourced and not left to fend for themselves.”
Davis is expected to travel to Abaco today.