After returning from a few days away on business, the newspapers are filled with what was a week of mayhem. Stories of murder, attempted murder, robbery, police beatings, rumours of statutory rape and other crimes steal the headlines.
Shocking to say the least.
I have more questions than answers that's for sure.
What has happened to our once tranquil isle?
My biggest fear is how many more of our liberties will be taken away to bring back a sense of law and order?
What are the root causes of this wave?
Who can we blame?
Mr. Robert James Bidinotto wrote about the "Root Causes" of Crime in the US for the Foundation for Economic Education. He said:
My view—spelled out in Criminal Justice?—is that crime has increased because of a systematic erosion in recent decades of both external and internal constraints on behavior. Deterrence has been weakened, while conscience has been deadened. [More...]
Sound familiar? Sure seems to echo what we see about us every day here on New Providence doesn't it?
Here's an example from my personal experience.
Once in a while I'll ask a new staff member what they would do if they witnessed another member of staff stealing. Almost to a man, or woman, I'm told they will speak to the individual about their behaviour. Seldom, if ever, does anyone respond that they will report the incident to management.
I've even been told that they are not pimps for their employer!
In other words, criminality is an accepted practice among many Bahamians.
As Mr. Bidinotto notes:
Restoring moral direction is not a job we dare delegate to politicians. Rather, if our culture is to survive, we ourselves must begin to uphold, fight for, and inculcate the values and standards upon which any civilization rests.
God knows I hope we can.
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