KEMP’S BAY, South Andros – Do not emulate the drug dealers, gun smugglers and other criminals in Nassau. This message came in Police Commissioner Paul Farquharson’s visit to South Andros High School Friday, the first by any Commissioner of The Bahamas.
“I wish to tell you to please stay away from the sinful and dangerous substance called drugs,” said Mr. Farquharson. “You can see the zombies (drug users) all over New Providence. They come out at night time, preying on the innocent.”
Other Royal Bahamas Police Force officers, including those from the Canine Unit and the Drug Enforcement Unit, accompanied the commissioner.
In addition to South Andros, the team also traveled to Mangrove Cay, where they visited Mangrove Cay High School.
The visit aimed to educate youngsters about crime in The Bahamas, drugs and ways they can contribute in the “war against evil.”
Before his address, students of High Rock Primary School performed a comedic skit, illustrating the police role to protect citizens from crime, while working with the justice system.
“There is a lot of crime in New Providence and Grand Bahama. We have a problem in the country with a problem called drugs. This is evil business. It’s fast money and we don’t want youngsters to use those people as role models,” said Mr. Farquharson.
In addition to drugs, he also stressed that youngsters should be aware of the danger of guns, and steer clear of them.
In almost every incident reported in New Providence, he noted, guns were reported to have played a role. Of the 74 murders recorded in 2000, drugs were also said to have played a role.
“You’ve heard of the rapes occurring in New Providence. Some of these youngsters are strung out on drugs and they have no respect for anyone. Not only will they break into your house, rape your wife, sister or mother, they turn around now and shoot you, which is a very disturbing trend in this country,” Mr. Farquharson said.
The Bahamas seems to be emulating Jamaica, in terms of crime, he said.
“We seem to want to adopt the attitude of those persons, not picking on Jamaica, but Jamaica is going through a big cycle of violence and we seem to be patterning ourselves in that element,” he said. “That same pattern seems to be coming through The Bahamas. We don’t want that to happen.”
Mr. Farquharson assured that as long as he holds the post of Commissioner in the country, and “if it’s one man left on deck,” the fight against crime will continue.
He added that the fight should not only be the police’s concern, but the entire country’s as well.
Speaking directly to the youngsters in his audience, Mr. Farquharson implored them to report crimes whenever they see them happen.
Guns and drugs kill people. It’s reeking great havoc in our communities, and I extend the hand of friendship to you. If you see any guns you are supposed to report that to the police, very quietly,” he said.
Corporal Peters of the RBPF also spoke with the students, highlighting the importance of having dreams and listing their life goals.
After their presentation, the Drug Enforcement Unit’s Sargeant Timothy Bailey implored the students not to “mess around with drugs.”
With samples of ecstasy, marijuana and cocaine in his hands, Sergeant Bailey warned the students that if they were found with the drugs in the future, he and his team would hunt them down until they were caught.
“I will, I will get you!” he exclaimed.
Finally, Officers Dames and Miller conducted their familiar demonstration with their canine, Bob, on how a police dog would go about searching for and indicating drugs at the airport.
This part of the Force’s presentation was the most well-received, based on the students’ reaction.
By Khashan Poitier, The Nassau Guardian
