As The Bahamas prepares to celebrate 35 years as a sovereign nation, it does so in the midst of an ongoing war in which its citizens are plagued daily by criminal activities, perpetrated by individuals who seek to cause chaos and degradation.

At times it seems as if the criminal element of our society is winning the war, as with every story that appears in the daily newspapers, on radio and television, the very young and old are dying needlessly by the hands of those who have no regard for human life.

Therefore, avenues in which concerned citizens can plan strategies to decrease the crime problem ought to be pursued with urgency.

With so much crime taking place in the country, it is always good when caring people unite and endeavor to make a change for the betterment of all.

Grand Bahama has seen an increase of criminal activities in recent years, so much so that a good number of its residents are afraid to leave their homes after dark for fear of being robbed or assaulted.

Hence, it is indeed very good to see that the issue of crime is being taken seriously in Grand Bahama, as seven members of the National Advisory Council on Crime were on the island since yesterday to meet with members of the Grand Bahama Police Force, school teachers, members of the clergy and other community leaders.

The Council, which is comprised of 11 persons from a broad cross-section of Bahamian society, was created in response to escalating crime statistics nationwide (but mainly in New Providence and Grand Bahama), and was charged with conducting studies in an attempt to find answers for the crime situation. Some of the major issues being addressed by the Council include education, immigration and the judiciary.

Bishop Simeon Hall, chairman of the Council, was also on the island in January and visited pastors, lay ministers, community leaders and law enforcement officials. He explained the committee's purpose and proposed plans for Grand Bahama, and allowed persons to voice their opinions and present suggestions related to the crime problem facing the nation.

At the time, Bishop Hall 'hit the nail right on the head' when he said that one of the main reasons there has been an increase in crime is because The Bahamas is presently reaping the harvest of the seeds of neglect, avarice, greed and corruption sown in the late 70's and 80's.

"Obviously Freeport, being the second city, we could not do a commission without including Grand Bahama. With Grand Bahama facing the economic downturn as it is, there are those who might want to fall to the temptation to go into criminal behavior, and we want to discourage that kind of activity."

This move by the Council is a good example for other citizens of this country to follow. For those who claim they are sick and tired of criminals taking over, then they must begin to take a stand to safeguard the livelihood of future generations.

It is time to stop talking and start doing. Those who are leading this fight must not get tired but continue to put measures in place, so that future leaders coming after them will be well armed.

A new breed of criminals are being born, and with them, will come destruction of anything progressive.