The protesters were adorned in white and black T-shirts which read ‘Freedom March- Justice and Equality for all’ on the front, while the back read ‘Extradition, do we have any rights?’ They chanted “Free 90,” “Free the General.”
Despite predominantly asking for Mr. Knowles to be given freedom the protesters said they want a “second chance” and were to partner with the Government in the growing fight against crime.
The demonstration which commenced at 12.30 p.m. yesterday was given the green light by the Commissioner of Police on Tuesday night, said group leader Quinton ‘Barabas’ Woods. The police permitted the freedom marchers to demonstrate for one hour in the square.
Fighting crime
According to Barabas the demonstration in the square was not only about extradition. “It’s all about justice. Right down from the young kid who is being thrown in the street out of school, to under the dilly tree playing domino, from there all you could do is grow up to be a criminal. Half of these guys you see in this circle now, their records are stained. They can’t get jobs, raising their frustrations,” he said. “We just put this together last night at seven o’clock,” he said referring to the demonstration. “I called up all the people after I got the okay from the Commissioner to be here. There are so many people in this country in the position like them. Freedom for all, justice for all, we need to take a look at our laws again. This country only 21 x 7, and its too small to have so many criminals and so much criminal activity.”
He noted that the nations’ own were robbing them and if a solution for crime is not arrived at soon, all who want to help, will simply go into a corner and hide.
“My friend just said, Mr. Christie say this a second chance government and a lot of us need second chances.” He asked employers to look past the mistakes of former offenders, even venturing to add that someone should look after them like a ‘big brother’. For instance, he said, someone should be willing to say, “I know this young man, I could recommend him, he made a mistake, but he is willing to change.”
Nonetheless, Woods said he will continue his fight for change and take his message to Parliament. “I don’t have to be out here, but this is our country and someone have to take a stand. I making a stand to try make a difference for this country.”
Issue of Extradition
Concerning extradition matters, he said, “if the man is innocent or guilty and if he does a crime in The Bahamas, first of all prove it to the public, because they have denied him all of his rights. Every time he come down for bail, they come up with some other excuse. They granted him bail one time ago and they lost his passport, just to play with his brain. It’s not justice.”
He also questioned whether the bail act should not be looked at if murders and rapists can get bail, and Mr. Knowles is simply remanded on “hearsay allegations.”
He reiterated that the group was supporting Knowles and that they were simply looking for justice and equality for all Bahamians.
“If you are wrong, yes, you get the penalty, but if you are right, then you are innocent until proven guilty. We deserve a fair shake in this country,” he said making reference to US Judge Greg Matthis who was just recently given an award for community efforts, as he was a former gang leader.
Rioters incited
However the peaceful rioters were incited when Ortland Bodie Jr. called for Knowles extradition. “90 Knowles should be extradited. The first case has already been ruled upon by the Privy Council. The first case has already been ruled against Knowles. He has no further avenue of appeal under our law. Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs should have signed the extradition order two weeks ago. This PLP administration misled 90 Knowles, before the elections of 2002. They milked that man dry financially with the false hope that he would not have been extradited. This government before it became the government, knew that the US government had solid evidence on Mr. Knowles and that he was in fact going to be extradited. He must go. It is better that one man be extradited than the whole nation be blacklisted by the United States Government.” Those comments halted the demonstration, with protesters lashing out at Mr. Bodie, with police subsequently asking him to leave the square.
By Jimenita Swain, The Nassau Guardian
