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Bahamas: Nation Security’s Crime-Fighting Initiatives to Focus on Causes of Criminality Rather Than Symptoms

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9 years ago

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#Bahamas, November 13, 2017 – Nassau – Undersecretary at the Ministry of National Security Eugene Poitier said, on November 9, 2017, that although The Bahamas is noticing decreases in certain offenses, the murder count continues to be of particular concern, and the levels of violent crimes remain at levels far too high for “such a small nation as ours.”

“The fear of crime remains high, has the potential to stifle economic and social productivity, and impacts the quality of life of far too many Bahamians, residents and visitors,” Mr. Poitier said, as he spoke on behalf of Minister of National Security the Hon. Marvin Dames, at “A Symposium Connecting the Dots: Child Abuse, Trauma and Violence”, held under the theme “Working Together to Prevent Violence,” at the Paul Farquharson Conference Centre.

Mr. Poitier noted that the level of violence has not gone unnoticed by the international community. For example, he said, in a 2016 report by the Inter-American Development Bank, its researchers noted that in The Bahamas, “…high levels of crime and violence have consistently risen during the past decade.”

“There is the realization that if we are going to have any measure of success and positively impact crime, our programmes must be designed to aggressively address the root causes and risk factors,” Mr. Poitier said.   “These factors include educational attainment, poverty, poor parenting and mental disorders, which are all having a profound impact on the socialization of our children.  This results in many of them turning to a life of crime.”

Mr. Poitier said that that Ministry of National Security will create multi-agency and multi-disciplinary crime fighting initiatives to address The Bahamas’ crime challenges and bring a greater focus to the causes or risk factors versus the symptoms.

“The Government has established an inter-ministerial group made up of the Ministries of National Security, Education, Youth Sports & Culture, Social Services, Public Works and Labour,” he said.

He added that the ministry is also expected to introduce shortly a holistic social initiative – national in scope – free from silos, that cut across ministerial boundaries and seek to “address those risk factors that are leading our young people to crime.”

“The ministry is expanding this multi-disciplinary approach to members of civil society to lend their expertise and experience to the crime fight at the national level,” Mr. Poitier said.

He noted that he had the opportunity to join Minister Dames in meeting with Dr. Sandra Dean Patterson of the Crisis Center, who shared details about the many programmes they have in addressing intimate partner violence and child abuse by encouraging victims to “stand up and not to just stand by.”

“Given the significant number of domestic related murders, we have decided to partner with Dr. Patterson’s team and others in a meaningful and more tangible way to lower the number of domestic violence cases in our country, thereby reducing the number of domestic-related murders,” Mr. Poitier said.

Ministry officials, he noted, had also had a series of meetings with Dr. David Allen and his team of experts, of the ‘People Helping People’ programme.

“We discussed one of his explanations on the causes of violence, which he described as the Social Fragmentation Process,” Mr. Poitier said.   This process, according to Dr. Allen, is manifested through revenge, which results in the disintegration of the family, the development of youth gangs and subsequently violence.”

“Since nearly 50 percent of murders involve conflicts and revenge killings, the Ministry will partner with Dr. Allen and other similar programmes that seek to intervene in the lives of troublesome males at a young age, with a view to preventing them from becoming socially fragmented from society,” he added.

Ministry officials also held discussions with researchers at the University of The Bahamas and explored ways in which UB can assist the Ministry in finding more evidence-based strategies to combat crime,” Mr. Poitier revealed.   They also expressed a willingness to assist us with evaluating anti-crime programmes to determine what impact they are having on crime and safety indicators, he added.

“The ministry is also establishing a Crime Advisory Group which will be made up of the business community, civil society, the religious community and other community partners, which will provide input and ideas on crime at the national level,” Mr. Poitier said.   “A Technical Advisory Group will also be formed where independent members of the public with special skills, will be able to provide advice directly to the Ministry on cost effective and innovative crime fighting technology.”

Mr. Poitier said that the on-going Citizen Security and Justice Programme will also be instrumental in seeking to address the level of violence in the nation.   The programme, he noted, is made up of the four following components: Crime and Violence Prevention in Targeted Communities; Youth Employability and Employment — increasing employability and employment of at risk youths between the ages of 15-25 years; Strengthening Prosecution Capacity; and Crime and Violence Prevention in Targeted Communities — reducing the recidivism rate which involves the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders, so that, upon their release from prison, they are equipped to lead crime free lives.

Finally, Mr. Poitier said, the Ministry was on the verge of launching a new programme that also sought to address the level of violence in the nation.

“Funding in this upcoming Budget will be provided for various neighbourhood safety programmes which will involve community-based partners,” he said.   “The National Neighbourhood Watch Programme will form the basis of bringing the community even closer to the police and to work collectively on matters relating to crime prevention.”

“Such a Unit will set in place guidelines that will govern the operation of the programme,” he added.

Minister Poitier said that it would include CCTV, and citizen patrols and programmes geared toward at risk youths.   “We need all Bahamians to step up to the plate, and support the many initiatives that are ongoing,” he said. “We must all work together to ensure that The Bahamas becomes safer and more secure.”

By: Eric Rose (BIS)

 

 

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Bahamas News

From Hollywood to Parliament

Published

2 days ago

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May 23, 2026

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The Rick Fox Political Timeline

 

“Are You Thinking About Politics?”

Fox publicly acknowledged growing calls for him to enter Bahamian politics, saying he had been hearing from women, youth, business owners and everyday Bahamians who were “ready for something different.”

October 19, 2025

“Then Jump, Man.”

Fox revealed a conversation with NBA legend Michael Jordan, who encouraged him to enter politics after asking whether he believed he could help young Bahamians.

November 24, 2025

“The Bahamas Must Be First”

Fox officially announced his intention to run in the 2026 General Election, promising transparency, affordability, opportunity and a modern Bahamian economy.

February 4, 2026

“Officially Picked”

The Free National Movement formally ratified Fox as its candidate for Garden Hills, instantly making him one of the most talked-about figures in the election cycle.

March 20, 2026

“From Courtside to Campaign Stage”

Fox mounted the national campaign stage for the first time at the FNM’s major campaign launch at Baha Mar Resort in Nassau.

March 30, 2026

“I’m Giving The Salary Back”

Fox announced he would not take a parliamentary salary if elected, saying the funds should instead go back into helping the people of Garden Hills.

April 14, 2026

“Nomination Eve Goes Viral”

A heated confrontation involving Fox and PLP supporters outside the Parliamentary Registration Department exploded across social media after video captured the tense exchange.

April 16, 2026

“Pick Rick” Officially Launches

Nomination Day cemented Fox’s candidacy and formally launched the now-famous “Pick Rick” campaign branding.

April 19, 2026

“Vote and Win”

Jamiah Burrows won a vehicle through Fox’s civic participation challenge, part of a campaign effort encouraging voter engagement and turnout.

April 20, 2026

“The Wealthiest Candidate”

Financial disclosures revealed Fox as the wealthiest candidate in the 2026 election cycle, with reported assets exceeding $469 million, ending speculation about his financial standing.

April 25, 2026

“The Garden Hills Blueprint”

Fox unveiled detailed policy graphics outlining plans for:

  • youth development,
  • healthcare access,
  • infrastructure upgrades,
  • environmental restoration,
  • entrepreneurship,
  • and a proposed $10 million investment fund for Garden Hills.

May 4, 2026

“The Numbers Don’t Lie”

Fox’s campaign highlighted more than:

  • 20 community clean-ups,
  • 16 streets and locations served,
  • and 13 solar lights installed across Garden Hills during the campaign.

May 6, 2026

“Shaq Steps In”

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal publicly endorsed Fox, helping elevate international attention surrounding the campaign.

May 8, 2026

“Buju Backs Rick”

Jamaican reggae icon Buju Banton threw his support behind Fox ahead of Election Day.

May 10, 2026

“Vanessa Williams Endorses”

Fox’s former wife, actress and singer Vanessa Williams publicly endorsed his campaign.

May 11, 2026

“Magic Joins the Campaign”

NBA icon Magic Johnson became the latest major celebrity to endorse Fox just one day before Bahamians went to the polls.

May 12, 2026

“Election Day”

Fox contested the Garden Hills constituency seat against PLP incumbent Mario Bowleg in one of the country’s most closely watched races.

May 13, 2026

“Grace in Defeat”

Fox publicly conceded the race and congratulated Bowleg on his victory in Garden Hills.

May 18, 2026

“We Pick Rick”

Despite losing at the polls, Fox officially entered Parliament after being appointed to the Senate by the FNM — with the party itself declaring:

“We Pick Rick.”

The appointment made Fox one of the most internationally recognized figures ever to serve in the Bahamian Senate.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Bahamas News

First Woman to Lead Tourism Ministry: Glenys Hanna-Martin Takes On Bahamas’ Leading Industry  

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3 days ago

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May 22, 2026

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The Bahamas, May 22, 2026 – Veteran parliamentarian Glenys Hanna-Martin has made history, becoming the first woman to lead the Ministry of Tourism in The Bahamas — assuming responsibility for the country’s most important economic engine 62 years after tourism first gained Cabinet-level representation.

Tourism received its first Cabinet minister on January 7, 1964, when Sir Stafford Sands was appointed Minister of Finance and Tourism, helping shape what would become the dominant pillar of the Bahamian economy.

Now, six decades later, Hanna-Martin steps into the role as the nation’s first female Tourism Minister.

The longtime Englerston Member of Parliament moves into the powerful portfolio following years overseeing education and after building one of the most enduring political careers in modern Bahamian history.

Hanna-Martin is widely regarded as the country’s longest-serving female MP, having represented Englerston continuously since 2002.

Her appointment comes at a critical moment for the tourism sector, which continues to drive employment, foreign exchange earnings, hotel development, cruise expansion and airlift growth across the archipelago.

The scale of the industry she now oversees is staggering.

According to tourism and government data, The Bahamas welcomed a record 12.5 million visitors in 2025, including roughly 10.8 million cruise passengers and 1.7 million air arrivals.

Tourism is estimated to generate roughly 70 percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product and employs more than half of the Bahamian workforce either directly or indirectly.

The industry also continues to fuel massive hotel and resort expansion projects across Nassau, Grand Bahama and the Family Islands, while helping sustain airlift partnerships, cruise port investments and vacation rental growth.

The Ministry of Tourism is widely viewed as one of the most influential assignments in any Bahamian Cabinet because of its direct connection to the nation’s economic stability and international image.

And while regional competition intensifies across the Caribbean, The Bahamas remains one of the world’s most recognized island tourism brands.

Hanna-Martin now inherits responsibility for protecting and expanding that position.

Her political career has already included several barrier-breaking milestones, including becoming the first female chairman of a major political party in The Bahamas and the first female Minister of Transport and Aviation.

Now, she adds another first to her legacy.

For many observers, the significance of the moment extends well beyond symbolism.

Tourism is not simply another ministry.

It is the heartbeat of the Bahamian economy.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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Bahamas News

“Politician-1” Frenzy Intensifies After Plane Crash Survivor Allegedly Misses US Court Appearance

Published

3 days ago

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May 22, 2026

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The Bahamas, May 22, 2026 – Questions and speculation intensified across The Bahamas Thursday night after Eyewitness News reported that Jonathan Eric Gardiner — the Election Day plane crash survivor now accused in a major international cocaine trafficking conspiracy — was allegedly a no-show for a scheduled US court appearance.

The latest development adds yet another dramatic twist to a case that has already pushed the country into political and social fever pitch.

Gardiner first appeared in federal court in Orlando on May 15 following his arrest on a New York federal warrant tied to a DEA investigation into alleged cocaine trafficking operations running through The Bahamas into the United States.

But the case exploded nationally after US federal affidavits repeatedly referenced an unnamed Bahamian political figure identified only as:  “Politician-1.”

The filings allege meetings connected to a proposed cocaine shipment and references to political protection for trafficking operations.

No politician has been publicly identified by US prosecutors.

Still, the mystery has consumed the Bahamian public.

Talk shows, social media timelines, Parliament corridors and street corners have erupted with demands for answers, including headlines declaring:  “TELL US WHO IS POLITICIAN 1.”

Public speculation has centered heavily around West End MP Kingsley Smith, who has denied any involvement in drug trafficking or cartel activity.

The controversy became so intense this week that Smith was reportedly heckled inside Parliament while taking his official oath of office.

Adding to the surreal nature of the case are reports carried by The Tribune that some passengers aboard the doomed flight were ordinary Bahamians trying to return home to vote after missing another flight connection on Election Day.

What began as a dramatic survival story involving 11 rescued passengers floating in waters off Florida has now transformed into a sprawling scandal involving alleged drug trafficking, political intrigue, DEA affidavits and mounting national anxiety.

The Tribune has also reported alleged links between Gardiner and construction-related business dealings, while US court documents reportedly describe cash-filled envelopes labeled for “Politician-1” in language investigators viewed as consistent with narcotics payment structures.

For many Bahamians, the story now feels almost unbelievable: an Election Day plane crash, an accused drug kingpin, references to Parliament, public outrage and now questions surrounding an alleged missed US court appearance.

And with official answers still limited, the fever surrounding “Politician-1” appears only to be growing.

Angle by Deandrea Hamilton. Built with ChatGPT (AI). Magnetic Media — CAPTURING LIFE.

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