NASSAU, The Bahamas — The Government of The Bahamas will continue to intensify its efforts to rid “crime infested” Bahamian communities of criminal activity by taking away the “comfort zones” of criminals, Minister of National Security, Dr. Bernard J. Nottage said.
And that includes the continued demolition of abandoned buildings and removal of derelict vehicles used as “stash houses” for drugs, guns and ammunition by criminal enterprises and any other illegal activities. This will all occur under the auspices of the Urban Renewal Programme.
“We hold fast to the philosophy that we can either prevent it now, or combat it later,” Dr. Nottage said.
Addressing the official launch of the Urban Renewal Commission, at the Paul Farquharson Centre Wednesday, Dr. Nottage said the government-initiated programme has “significantly impacted” the manner in which the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and by extension other government agencies, “police the community by consent.”
(The National Security Minister was one of four Government Ministers to address the launch. Other speakers were Prime Minister, the Rt. Perry G. Christie; Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Urban Development Philip B. Davis and Minister of Social Services and Community Development Melanie S. Griffin).
Dr. Nottage further said there is a correlation between abandoned buildings and criminal enterprise.
“You would note that in most areas where you find criminals or criminal enterprises, there is an abandoned building, derelict vehicles or overgrown bushes that are used by them (criminals) nearby,” Dr. Nottage said.
“These individuals are fully aware that in many crimes where possession is an element, the prosecution must prove custody and control. Where they are not found in possession of the illegal contraband makes the case more challenging for the police.
“Our objective therefore, is to take away their hiding spaces as well as enhance the environment at the same time.”
Dr. Nottage said persons questioning the value in the tactics of demolishing abandoned buildings, removing derelict vehicles and the clearing of overgrown properties, can look to a recent discovery as proof of that value.
“In clearing a property opposite Grace Community Church a couple of weeks ago, police found, among other things, two magazines for an AK47 Rifle and whoever hid them there must be in possession of what these are used to serve,” Dr. Nottage said.
“In Bain Town last week, Police found a stash of marijuana in an abandoned building that has since been demolished (along with four others similarly used); guns have been found and so when people criticise us saying that all we are doing is taking down abandoned buildings, we don’t understand what they are seeking to do.
“These abandoned buildings are being used for illegal enterprises; these derelict vehicles that people are leaving on the streets are creating an environment for crime, and for people to be able to hide their crimes, and for people to be able to prey upon innocent people in our community.
“Any person(s) who abandon houses, who leaves these derelict vehicles in the road are helping criminals to destabilise our communities,” Dr. Nottage added.
By Matt Maura
Bahamas Information Services
