Teen Shooting Sparks Concern in Englerston

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – A 14-year-old boy shot in broad daylight on Englerston Park shortly after 11AM Monday is sending shockwaves throughout the local community.

Jeffrey Clarke- Resident

“They need to do more, and be better in the area. Cause right now, this area ain’t really that safe. People just could come and gun you down. No, it ain’t supposed to be like that. Cause when we was growing up, we never had this predicament, people getting shoot or whatever.”

Meanwhile, another resident, who asked to remain anonymous, recalled a time when skipping school was handled differently, and warning that problems among young people today are escalating into something far more troubling.

Resident –

“Back in my days we had officers for this type of thing, they find any students or child underage and not in school, they carry them back to school and find out why they ain’t in school…”

Adding to those concerns, Englerston resident Leslie Joseph says violence among children has now become an alarming reality of its own.

Leslie Joseph – Resident

“If it’s young kids that’s, pulling guns on young kids, like, you know, children shooting children…it’s something that we have to do about the kids…”

Others insist the answer lies in stronger community policing, with more officers present to guide and protect children before violence takes place.

Resident –

“The government need to more look into it, in reference of [bringing community policing back]…”

Meanwhile, some are pointing to deeper issues, saying the guidance and life lessons young people need at home and in school are often missing, leaving them without the direction and support they need.

Resident –

“It really starts from principles and morals. It’s not being instilled as much as it used to be. People overlook it. We live in a day and time where it’s just, oh, do what you want to do, we overlook it. We really don’t check. And then when things really hit the fan, it’s like, oh, you can’t really blame nobody but yourself…”