Monday, December 7, 2009

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C.B. Moss predicts more than 80 murders in '09 By KRYSTEL ROLLE ~ Guardian Staff Reporter ~ krystel@nasguard.com: The Bahamas will record more than 80 murders, predicted Bahamas Against Crime Executive Director Rev. C. B. Moss, who yesterday criticized the government and the Bahamian people for not taking the issue of crime and criminality serious enough. "Perhaps after more robberies, rapes, slaughters, and murders - perhaps they will then say enough is enough," he said during a rally at Rawson Square yesterday which was attended by only about 30 people. "It is obvious that they have not reached that state yet." Moss said the rally was an opportunity for Bahamians to come out in large numbers to demonstrate their seriousness. "If the Bahamian people are not yet ready to say to the criminals of this country, 'we're not going to allow you to destroy this country' - if they're not ready to say that yet, then I guess the criminals will continue to do what they are doing. If the Bahamian people are not yet ready to say to their leaders that we must have immediate and forceful action, then I guess the leaders will dither as they are dithering now," he added. His address comes amid rising crime statistics. Statistics up to November 24 show that armed robberies and robberies have increased by a shocking 17 and 25 percent, respectively, as compared to the same period last year. Additionally, murders have increased by 10 percent. Armed robberies up to November 24 stood at 786, up from the 670 recorded for the same period last year. And 283 robberies have been reported up to November 24, compared to 226 in 2008. Currently there are 78 murders -- which matches the highest number ever recorded in 2007. Moss said if Bahamians would only show some concern then more would be done. "It's as simple as that, you know," Moss said. "Whether the political leaders are around the building now peeping, or they have their people here to report to them, they're going to know that the people are not serious so they're going to continue to do nothing," Moss said. "If the square was jammed with people, I assure you that beginning tomorrow the political directorate would be thinking along different lines," he continued, adding that the leaders ought to be doing much more. He said The Bahamas is in the position of having one of the highest per capita crime rates in the world. "The homicide rate is horrific. The international bench mark for homicides in a country is five per 100,000 residents. That means that we should be having roughly 18 homicides per year. This year The Bahamas will almost certainly record more than 80 homicides compared to the roughly 18 we should be having. And it doesn't look like anything is going to change," he added. Moss compared the response thus far to being in a building that is on fire, where everyone is looking as if they are comfortable and content. He said the national response has been slow for various reasons. He said in his opinion crime in the country is "big business." "So many persons are benefiting from crime that they really don't want crime to stop. I get the impression in The Bahamas that they want to have a magic bullet to stop murders and reduce it somewhat, and leave the other crimes in place because so many others are benefiting from it they don't want to upset it. Additionally, he said crime has been underestimated until recently. He said the relevant authorities did not realize the magnitude of the problem until recently. "Until recently crime was for the most part confined to the inner city community," he said. However, now crime is being recorded in every community. He added that the recent crime surge has proven one thing: "No matter how high tech your security system or how high you build your walls, crime will penetrate your area." BAC Chairman Dr. William Thompson announced that in January 2010, BAC will host a private sector conclave. At which time, he said an action plan will be formulated and presented to the government to be integrated into the national plan. He said now is the time to take action. "Make no mistake about it my brothels and sisters, crime and violence is creating a major security threat to The Bahamas. Our once peaceful way of life is being shattered, families are being devastated and dark clouds loom over our economic landscape," Thompson said. He encouraged all Bahamians to take a stand against violence. Monday, November 30, 2009