The Free National Movement (FNM), the principal opposition party in The Bahamas, is demanding the resignation or dismissal of National Security Minister Wayne Munroe due to escalating concerns over the nation’s crime rates, which could surpass last year’s total of 145 murders.
FNM chairman Dr. Duane Sands expressed dissatisfaction with Munroe’s leadership, stating, “It is clear that Minister Munroe is overwhelmed and lacks effective strategies. The time has come for him to either step down or for the Prime Minister to appoint someone more capable of guiding us through this crisis.”
Sands’ remarks came in the wake of a recent tragic incident where four individuals were murdered, bringing the total number of homicides this year to 94. He criticized the government’s apparent inaction, suggesting that Prime Minister Phillip Davis’s comments about needing to ‘reset’ the mindset of the youth reflect a lack of concrete solutions to the ongoing violence.
“It’s unacceptable. Our attempts to tackle this rampant crime must be more than just rhetoric. Young people must be engaged in constructive activities, rather than being idle,” Sands emphasized. He echoed the Prime Minister’s concerns about youth engagement, referring to the troubling effects of “idle hands” and emphasizing the need for active involvement from the community.
In response to the opposition’s criticism, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell defended the government’s actions in Parliament, urging the opposition to provide suggestions for further measures. “We share your concerns about crime; it is no laughing matter. I would like to know what more you expect us to do,” he stated.
However, the FNM countered that both Davis and Mitchell’s responses reveal a government that seems to have given up in the face of rising crime, stating, “It’s no wonder we find ourselves in such a precarious situation.”
The opposition party also highlighted a growing lack of public trust in the police force, pointing to serious allegations of corruption that have further undermined confidence in law enforcement. They have reiterated their call for a commission of inquiry to investigate these claims thoroughly.
Sands proposed the establishment of an advisory panel of experts to formulate a comprehensive plan addressing social interventions for at-risk youth. “Our current efforts are disorganized and inadequate; we need a more robust approach. The Prime Minister must take responsibility for allocating the necessary resources and providing the strong leadership essential for our safety and security. Every day, our streets are filled with violence,” Sands lamented.
