Speaking at the funeral service of slain prison officer Dion Bowles, the prime minister said he disagrees with persons who are attempting to have the death penalty revoked in the Bahamas.
“Prime ministers don’t go around saying things like that – plenty people don’t agree. As long as I. am prime minister, the brothers and sisters who do believe in it, I am going to fight with them,” said Mr Christie.
He made the statement while paying respects at the full military service held at the Church of God Auditorium for officer Bowles, who was stabbed and killed during last week’s prison break.
Earlier in the service, Bishop Albert Hepburn, overseer of United Christian Churches, said that if capital punishment is on the books it should be enforced.
Mourners clapped in agreement.
“I believe if it is on the book, that if a man takes someone’s life his life should be taken – if you fail to do it, if the government fails to do it, then we would look like a hypocritical nation,” said Bishop Hepburn.
Mr Bowles was stabbed to death during an early morning prison break by four of the inmates at Her Majesty’s prison last week Tuesday. Two other officers were also injured.
Of the four prisoners who escaped, one was killed by ‘police, two were recaptured and one is still~at large.
Corey Douglas Hepburn has been on the run for a week. Police believe he is being sheltered somewhere in the eastern end of the island. They have offered a $10,000 reward for any information that might lead to him being recaptured.
After the prison break questions about the enforcement of capital punishment resurfaced.
It was reported earlier in The Tribune that Police Commissioner Paul Farquharson had said that capital punishment should be enforced as long as it remains on the country’s law books.
Dr Elliston Rahming, superintendent of Her Majesty’s Prison, said that Bowles’ death will not be in vain and “justice must be done.”
The casket of Mr Bowles was centred at the front of the room, draped with the Bahamian flag on top of which was his prison officer’s cap. During the first scripture lesson a mourner cried out. Members of the clergy as well as Philip “Brave” Davis, MP for Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador, gave brief remarks.
Mr Bowles was described as a man of few words who meant whatever he said. He was also a family man.
Persons lined the street as prison officers marched from the Shell service station on Prince Charles Drive to the graveyard at Woodlawn Gardens.
Mr Bowles, who served as a 13-year veteran at the prison, is survived by his wife, Jinette Saunders Bowles, sons, Dion Dewitt, Diondro and Dupri. An adopted daughter, Dorissa Bethel, and his mother Olivia Bowles.
By TIFFANY GRANT Tribune Staff Reporter
