FNM “Proactive” In Addressing Crime, Says Turnquest

The minister was the keynote speaker at the FNM’s 2009 National Convention at the Wyndham Nassau Resort.

As expected by many, Minister Turnquest gave a mid-term report on the Ministry of National Security.

He said while the PLP has sought to place a "political stamp on crime" it is a complex national issue.

"My position on crime, reiterated from the halls of parliament to conversations with the media, from speaking to civic organizations to the man and woman on the street, is that crime is not, and cannot be, a political issue. It does, however, require a common, non-partisan political response," he said.

Minister Turnquest also blasted PLP Leader Perry Christie for his comments relating to crime during the PLP’s convention at the same venue two weeks ago.

He said while the Christie administration was in power, it was "all talk and no action."

"Their leader ranted about being in favour of capital punishment. His zeal naturally sent me back to the records to see what they had done about capital punishment during their five-year administration. The record shows that they did nothing. All talk, no action." Minister Turnquest said.

The minister said that since coming to power in 2007, the FNM Government has made improvements in the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), Her Majesty’s Prison, the National Anti-Drug Secretariat and acted on a number of other anti-crime strategies.

Minister Turnquest said the government acted on electronic monitoring for accused persons, those on bail and those convicted.

He said nine bids for electronic monitoring provisions have been turned into the government and are being reviewed by a technical committee.

He also made mention of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), which was introduced as another measure to fight crime.

"CCTV pilot projects are now being launched in the downtown area and in the Southeastern New Providence Division. As we advance this initiative, we say to criminals, lawbreakers and those that aid and abet them, ‘Smile, you may well be on CCTV. We will tape you, and we will apprehend you’," he said.

Minister Turnquest said the government has also made advancements in improving the RBDF.

"If you go to HMBS Mathew Town in Inagua, you will find a reinforced presence there, working tirelessly to protect our southern border. If you go to Grand Bahama, you will find a new Defence Force base there, protecting our northern border. If you go to Abaco or the Exuma Cays, you will also find a Defence Force presence there," he said.

"From these locations, the Defence Force is working to guide and protect our country, and they have the necessary assets to do so."

The minister said the government made notable structural improvements at Her Majesty’s Prison, including a new Health Diagnostic Unit and accommodations for prison officers.

He said the government has also conducted a school drug survey to ensure that The Bahamas meets its international obligations in drug control. In addition, he added that the RBPF does not get enough credit for its hard work.

"We owe the police force a great debt of gratitude, as they continue to serve in situations of danger and risk. We need to honour and respect the hundreds of hardworking officers who work every day, often at great personal sacrifice, to protect our person, homes, businesses and neighbourhoods," he said.

"I continue to thank our men and women in the uniformed branches for their services to our country. We owe them and their families our gratitude. On behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas, and on my own behalf, I say thank you to our uniformed national security officers and support staff."

Minister Turnquest said although the government is doing its job in fighting crime, the country must also do its part.

"These times call for effective countrywide anti-crime strategies, to which the political leaders, citizens, especially parents, civic organizations, the church and the community, including the business community, must fully subscribe," he said.

"We must not be permissive and compliant when those close to us commit crimes. We must be prepared, in confidence, to tell the police what we know. We must tell the police who has that gun, before it is used to harm or kill somebody. We must tell the police where that drug house is in our neighbourhood. We must join neighbourhood watches. We must become our brother’s and sister’s keepers."

Mr. Turnquest said one of the striking features of The Bahamas’ crime problem is the "anti-social behaviour and criminal acts of some of our young people, particularly our young men, from our schools to our streets."

"We must do our part as a community to counter negative influences in the lives of our children and young people, and to bring those who are marginalized and alienated back into society," he said.