Pastor Emeritus of New Covenant Baptist Church Bishop Simeon Hall is calling on the Minister of National Security Dr. Bernard Nottage to send a tougher and more clear-cut message to potential criminals.

In a recent interview with The Bahama Journal, Bishop Hall shed light on the increase of crime in the country and said criminals should fear law enforcement officials.

“I don’t think Minister Nottage is sending a direct and strong unequivocal message to would-be criminals. Right now, I don’t think they take the authorities seriously,” Bishop Hall said.

He added, “People need to know that if they go and take a life they will be taken out of society for the rest of their natural life. I think we need something that would put fear in the hearts of would-be criminals; and the fear in their hearts should be stronger than that which is in your and my heart as law abiding citizens. I call on Minister Nottage to send a strong message to would-be criminals so that they shiver when they hear his voice.”

Bishop Hall, who ultimately commended Dr. Nottage’s efforts, in addition to that of the police force, said he believes the public has lost hope in the judicial system and began taking matters into their own hands because of what occur in the courts.

“It’s unfortunate that people are now taking crime and the response to crime in their own hands. Vigilantism is not the correct way, but people are despairing because of the courts and what the courts do,” Bishop Hall said.

“I’m still wrestling with what is ‘the worst of the worst.’ When learned judges say that was not the worst of the worst and the little girl was raped, robbed, ravaged, run-over by a car, then burn up and they say it’s not the worst of the worst, so I’m not sure what is the worst of the worst,” he added.

Last week the murder count rose to 35 as a young mother was killed in front of her son.

Also last week a prominent Australian podiatrist, Dr. Phillip Vasyli, was found stabbed to death in his home.

The week before, two separate shooting incidents, that occurred less than 48 hours a part, claimed the lives of two young men.

Bishop Hall said he supports the police and they should be applauded for their work in the community.