The Member of Parliament for Carmichael John Carey is the latest Progressive Liberal Party MP to call for the use of the “Cat-O-Nine tail” for criminals, especially for rapist, who victimise innocent Bahamian women.
Mr. Carey’s comments came during the Wednesday session of the House of Assembly, and followed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security Cynthia Pratt and the Minister of Financial Services and Investments Allyson Maynard-Gibson, who have both (on separate occasions) said that the Cat-O-Nine Tail should be brought back.
However, former Prime Minister and Member of Parliament for North Abaco, Hubert Ingraham reminded members on Wednesday that the Cat was never taken off the books.
So it is really just a matter of the sentence being levied and carried out.
According to demands express by callers on the daily radio talk shows and the word around town, the majority of Bahamians want criminals to be severely punished for their crimes, especially those persons who have caused pain and unbearable suffering to their victims and the victims’ families. And many people have specifically called for the Cat to be the mode of punishment.
It is time for the tide to change, and for law-abiding citizens to not be afraid to leave their homes.
For too long now law enforcement authorities have been encouraging persons to equip their houses with security alarms and bars.
As a result, homes have turned into prisons, and their representation as the last bastion of refuge has been lost. And it is also expensive.
Furthermore, The Bahamas is constantly criticised by visitors for the lack of evening entertainment. But if Bahamian citizens themselves have been reduced to going mostly to the movies for their recreation, then how can one be encouraged to create other activities for visitors?
If the public wants “the Cat,” and if it will act as a deterrent, then it should be utilised. And whatever else can be used should be implemented as well. Prisoners and persons who have committed crimes should be given a chance to redeem themselves, but their rights should never be placed above the rights of the victims or the honest citizens of this country, no matter what organisation comes to The Bahamas and says otherwise.
Editorial, The Nassau Guardian
