“Make the Sex Offenders Register Public or Put Them on an Island Somewhere Far Away”

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – In the wake of serious sex crimes and shocking cases before the courts, a well-known community advocate is calling for the publication of The Bahamas’ sex offenders registry.

While traffic fatalities have dominated headlines in recent days, sex crimes and the way offenders are punished continue to be a major concern for many residents.

Reports of serious sexual offences have reignited debate over whether The Bahamas should make its sex offenders registry public.

Some disagree, including Bahamas Crisis Centre Executive Director Dr. Sandra Dean-Patterson, who argues the information should only be available to those with a legal obligation or direct responsibility for the care and protection of victims.

However, her position has drawn criticism from some members of the public, including Families of All Murdered Victims President Khandi Gibson, who believes the registry should be made public, especially when it comes to protecting children.

Khandi Gibson – President, Families Of All Murdered Victims

“What fate does a child have? Some of them are babies. What fate does a child have? Come on, man, enough is enough.”

Dean-Patterson believes making the registry public could do more harm than good, but Gibson strongly disagrees.

Khandi Gibson – President, Families Of All Murdered Victims

“So what happens to that child? His identity gets hidden away from the public until he reoffends again, then the system knows he’s a repeat offender? And he can’t be rehabilitated while you destroy that child’s future? It’s enough time now to stop playing with people who refuse to keep their private parts to themselves.”

Children are not the only victims of sexual violence.

Just this week, a 54-year-old man was accused by prosecutors of raping his 91-year-old mother. Gibson says the time for games is over and believes stronger action can no longer be delayed.

Khandi Gibson – President, Families Of All Murdered Victims

“I say publish the sex offenders registry, or designate one Family Island far away from everyone and put them there.”