Concerns are mounting over the defacing of the Bahamian flag, which has resulted in the confiscation of scores of flags produced by local entrepreneurs to mark the 30th anniversary of independence.
Police have reported that there are at least three different variations of the Bahamian flag being circulated throughout the island.
According to Reginald Ferguson, assistant commissioner of police with responsibility for crime, the police are taking action in the matter.
He said the penalty for involvement in such an illegal act is a $500 fine or up to six months in prison.
"But I am glad they have begun to sensitize people about this matter because it is an offence," he said. "You just can't deface a national flag."
He suggested that the persons responsible for the desecration are trying to capitalize on nationalism by making money from it.
"How do you make a decision to use the flag to your benefit by putting some writing or some other figure on it?" he questioned.
One customer who said he bought one of the flags from a local gas station said they are on sale for between $12 and $20. He said he purchased the "defaced" flag because he liked the "difference" of the flag.
"I didn't think anything was wrong with the design in the flag," the customer said. "To me it looks more attractive.
I think adding the writing and the coat of arms add more flavour to the flag." Stores such as Home Fabrics and Quality Fabrics that are selling the original flags say their flags and other Independence decorations are going quickly.
Meanwhile, the officials in the Ministry of National Security have issued a statement advising the public that the desecration of the national flag is against the law.
The statement said that use of the flag and other national symbols other than national functions requires written permissions of the Minister of National Security, in accordance with the Flags and the Coat of Arms Act, Chapter 27.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security Mark Wilson said that because the police have confiscated a number flags which had markings, several attorneys have approached the police to say that they acted improperly in seizing the flags.
"I understand that we have been challenged by a number of attorneys and we have referred the matter to the Attorney General's office," Mr. Wilson said. "As far as we are concerned those flags, which bear markings, are not a part of the normal flags."
The Ministry of National Security further advised the public to take careful note of the provisions in the law regarding the national flag and the coat of arms.
The statement further advised the public "to treat our flag and national symbols with great regard and respect."
By Yvette Rolle-Major, The Bahama Journal
