With the country still facing increasing levels of crime and violence, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham appealed to Bahamians yesterday to deal with the issues that are plaguing the nation.
“As a people we must face these social problems, among them the prevalence of dangerous drugs and the influence of neighborhood gangs, and must do everything in our power to discourage troubling rites of passage that ruin the prospects and lives of too many, especially young men,” said Ingraham at the official opening ceremony of T.G. Glover Primary School on Horseshoe Drive.
“I speak, particularly, of membership and active participation in gangs, the use of narcotic drugs and the dangerous and often criminal gang activity. Our information has invariably revealed that such street gangs are led and inspired by older persons who, thereby, prey upon and exploit such children by enticing them with the false social security of gang membership.”
Ingraham added that the “sad spectacle of young men in chains and handcuffs on our television screens going to court or prison has become a badge of honor and a rite of passage for some.”
However, he added that there is “no honor in this and the sad result of such a rite of passage is one of wasted lives, blighted hopes, stunted employment prospects and often early deaths.”
In 2011, there were 127 murders, the most recorded in any single year in the country. The previous murder record was 94, which was recorded in 2010.
During both years, a large number of the accused and the victims were young men, according to police. So far this year, eight murders have been recorded.
“For those who believe that possession of a dangerous weapon or the selling of drugs makes them a man, this is a fool’s courage,” the prime minister added. “Trading in dangerous weapons and guns may both have deadly consequences. And, both will lead to the sad ritual of mothers and fathers seeing their sons going to their graves at an unnatural age.”
Ingraham said part of the problem is that in today’s society too many children have responsibilities that should only rest on the shoulders of adults.
“Too many children have to fend for themselves, even from an early age. Too many children, even in our primary schools, are burdened with the responsibility, too early, of helping to rear their younger brothers and sisters,” he said.
“One result of our societal failings is that some children are themselves becoming parents when they should be finishing school or starting a career. Having a child early in life and before the completion of high school is certainly not the proper sequence in this rite of passage.”
Ingraham said it is the shared responsibility of the family, the church, civil society and schools to guide youth and rear them.
“This guidance and growth are essential facilities to these rites of passage in enabling our youth to progress from one level of learning or competency or skill to the next in proper sequence,” he said. Ingraham added that Bahamians must encourage the youth to realize their full potential and discourage them from actions that would destroy their future and cripple the society.
Krystel Rolle
The Nassau Guardian
