Leader of the Opposition Dr. Hubert Minnis amongst a long list of other violence reform tactics proposed hanging as punishment for those who disobey the law during his budget contribution in the House of Assembly Monday morning.

Dr. Minnis said the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) during their tenure failed to keep Bahamian citizens safe with a record breaking murder count of 146 in 2015.

“Our economy will not grow until we solve the issue of crime, and as you know Mr. Speaker, crime is a multi-faceted issue which requires multi-faceted approaches. The family, the church, civil society, and the government must all join forces to combat this societal menace,” he said.

“Just last week a grandfather was murdered at an ATM banking machine. We must hang these criminals. An FNM government led by Minnis will do all to ensure that these murderous scumbags are hang until they are Dead, Dead, Dead.”

He said the Free National Movement had done it before, and they will do it again.

Dr. Minnis attributed the prevalence of violence and crime in the country to a pressing issue in society which he sees as children in the country growing up not being able to decipher right from wrong.

“They live in a culture that glorifies violence, disrespects authority and are concerned only about their rights but not about their responsibilities,” Dr. Minnis said.

“We will develop a modern, efficient crime fighting machine properly manned, trained and equipped to prevent crime where possible, detect crime when it occurs and bring those responsible to account before the courts of law. Foster various kinds of cadet progammes and troupes such as dance, music and other wholesome activities that promote personal, family, group and national pride and build skills and leadership in our people.”

The Member of Parliament for Killarney said his government would aim to eliminate habitats where criminals and criminal activity flourish.

He also intends to deploy intelligence officers throughout the inner city to monitor criminal activity and diffuse possible threats to society along with the use of state of the art technology as well as a modernize prison facility.

Dr. Minnis commended the Royal Bahamas Police and Defense Force personnel who she says place their lives on the line every day to keep the community safe and assures them and the country that FNM once given the opportunity will support and provide them with the resources necessary to help rid the menace from society.