National

Residents React: Crime is Out of Hand

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The crime issue top of mind for Bahamians we spoke to today, with residents telling us they’re concerned with the way things are headed.

Published

3 months ago

January 15, 2024

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The crime issue top of mind for Bahamians we spoke to today, with residents telling us they’re concerned with the way things are headed.

Prime Minister Philip Davis laid out a plan to tackle rising crime trends and curb gang violence in The Bahamas.

In his national address, the prime minister revealed there would be intrusive policing by law enforcement officers advising Bahamians they would be impacted by roadblocks and other methods to stop gang violence.

We asked residents for their take on this method.

So far this year, there has been 11 murders in 14 days.

The rise in homicides sparked the conversation on capital punishment. Last week PLP Cabinet Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin said it’s unlikely we will see executions any time soon.

We put this poll on the Our News Facebook page asking if you are in favor of capital punishment. 90% of respondents said ‘Yes’ while nine percent said ‘No’.

When asked if they feel confident in the judicial system in helping to fix the crime problem, four percent said ‘Yes’, while 95% said ‘No’.

Asked if they are confident in the police force’s ability to address the current crime problem 19% said ‘Yes’ while 80% said ‘No’.