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The Danger of a 16 Hour Work Day!

by Jerome Pinder

At this point there is no need to elaborate on the level of crime in the country.  The record speaks for itself.  As Government attempts to justify the current murder rate by mouthing off on statistics that a majority of murders are related to drugs, gang violence, or domestic problems, the fact remains that one murder is one too many.  And as time goes on more innocent people will be caught in the crossfire.

I was alarmed this week to read an article in the Tribune where are Minister of National Security works 16 hour days.  One has to wonder what the Minister is doing.  Based on National Security in the Country, he might as well not show up to work.

We all know that our crime problem was a seed planted a long time ago and now it is a dangerous vine that is killing everything in the garden.  Yes crime stems from a culture of drugs, corruption, gang violence, teenage pregnancy, breakdown in the family, lack of education, lack of role models in the home, etc.  However, like any uncontrollable vine in the garden, you have to relentlessly attack and weed it out.  Successive Governments have not shown the political will to weed the vine out.  And what we have today is justice on the streets, instead of the courtroom.

The Road to No Where??

by Jerome Pinder

Quite a lot has been said about the New Providence Road Improvement Project.  We have gone from law suits, appeals, protest, loss of business, layoffs, etc.....

I fully understand that the capital works underway are a necessity.  No argument here.  However, there must be a better way to manage this process.  As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.  Below is a picture of current works under way on a commercial roadway in New Providence:

Now please tell me how the Government of the Bahamas expects a Business to stay in operation, pay their taxes, and keep Bahamians employed in what is an already difficult economic environment, when the above is the roadway to their establishment??  And this is only one example. 

I guess it is not possible for us to complete the works on one side of the roadway at a time?  And what about other issues:

Another devastating blow for the Bahamian People

by Jerome Pinder

Mr Dwayne Cartwright, an employee of the Department of Environmental Health has been murdered by senseless thugs that are running wild on our streets.  Just think a direct attack on the Government and one of its civil servants.  The senseless murder of an employee tending to the People’s business!  Three children left without a Father, as the system collapses. 

So I ask the Minister of National Security and the Current Administration:  Was this drug related?  Was it gang related?  Was it domestic violence?  The Government has been quick to shrug off our escalating crime rate by blaming one of the above factors, always promising to present a detailed plan to fight crime sometime in the near future.

The Big Bad Yellow Bus!!!

by Jerome Pinder

On April 27^th2011, Debbie Krukowski, highlighted the dangerous manner in which prisoners are transported back and forth to Court and the risk placed on the travelling public.  Her letter covered a police cruiser colliding with a vehicle driven by a Tourist, after the cruiser failed to slow down at the intersection of the PI Bridge.  Please see her letter here.

On the 17^th March 2011, a friend who was travelling on East Bay Street and stopped at the light by the eastern bridge also saw the approaching lights of a police cruiser followed by the yellow bus.  They pulled over as far as possible, however, the bus still hit and damaged the side of their vehicle.  Neither the bus, nor any of the escorting vehicles stopped at the scene.  As a result, the driver made a report at the Elizabeth Estates Police Station that afternoon.  They were advised by the Police Force that contact would be made when a police report was completed, however, to date no such contact has occurred???

New Straw Market will be a test for The Bahamas Government!

by Jerome Pinder

The new Straw Market is nearing completion and it certainly is an attractive building for the landscape of Down Town, Nassau. 

However, it is a frightening possibility that the products now sold under the tent may be displayed for sale in the new building paid for by the Bahamian taxpayer. Not to mention the deplorable conditions that have existed in the market over the years.

Justice Delayed is Justice Denied, or is it no Justice at all?

by Jerome Pinder

On the 7^thOctober 2007, Agnes Sylvia Cates was found murdered in her bedroom in Rock Sound, Eleuthera.  To date, over three years after her murder, not one single piece of evidence has been presented in Court.  Here is a highlight of the events, subsequent to Mrs Cates’ murder:

• 15^th Oct 2007: 1^st Suspect Charged in Magistrate’s Court, Bank Lane
• 29^th Oct 2007: Case brought up for mention in Magistrate’s Court, Bank Lane
• 12^th Nov 2007: Case brought up for mention in Magistrate’s Court, Bank Lane
• 25^th Feb 2008: 2^nd Suspect arraigned in Magistrate’s Court
• 1^st April 2008: Case brought up for mention in Magistrate’s Court No. 11, Nassau Street.  AG’s office announced that it intended to move the case to the Supreme Court by Voluntary Bill of Indictment, but needed an additional two (2) months to prepare the case.
• 5^th May 2008: Case brought up for mention at Court 11
• 19^th June 2008: Case brought up for mention at Court 11
• 12^th Aug 2008: 2^nd Suspect released on $30,000 bail
• 6^th Oct 2008: Charges against the 1^st suspect discontinued.  Case against the 2^nd suspect to be moved to the Supreme Court by Voluntary Bill of Indictment, Court 11.
• 24^th Nov 2008: 2^nd suspect to be arraigned in the Supreme Court.  No appearance by the 2^nd suspect.
• 28^th Nov 2008: 2^nd suspect arraigned in Supreme Court.
• 28^th Feb 2011: Case to open in Supreme Court.  Suspect did not appear
• 1^st Mar 2011: Case to open in Supreme Court.  Suspect did not appear
• 4^th Mar 2011: Bail hearing in Supreme Court.
• 11^th Mar 2011: Bail hearing in Supreme Court.

A breath of fresh air at LPIA!

by Jerome Pinder

The new airport is certainly a breath of fresh air for the Bahamas.  I have been hearing positive comments about the airport ever since renovations were undertaken and new management was provided at the existing US departure terminal.  The recent Grand Opening and Open House for the new terminal at LPIA has caused the positive comments to keep rolling.

 It is no surprise then to see an article in the March 17^th Tribune: “New US departure terminal opens ‘without incident’.”  See the full article here.  This project seems to have gone from one success to another.  Reports during the construction period indicated a project that was completed on time and within budget.  We certainly have developed something that we can all be proud of.  Something that will give our visitors a positive welcome and a positive departure.  With the economy puttering along and scarce tourism dollars, we certainly need all the positives we can get. 

 Most importantly this project has taught us what can be done when the inefficiencies of Government are removed from the picture and we allow private, professional management to take over.  One can only imagine what the headlines would have read if the Government would have tried to pull off the opening of a new airport terminal.  It certainly would not have read “without incident.”  Common sense even prevailed when Management chose to open the facility on a Wednesday, one of the slowest days for the airport.  This is a critical move in a Country where common sense seems to be lacking. 

 As a Bahamian, I am grateful to all that have made this project a success.  As long as Government stays out of the picture, I am sure that the upkeep and maintenance of this facility will not be in doubt.  I trust that Bahamians will treat the terminal as a treasure when passing through. 

 I think it is time we take the same approach with BEC!

We're tex-ting rather than talking!

by Jerome Pinder

Everywhere you go these days from work to church, home to a public venue, even the restroom, you hear the ring or buzz of a cell phone.

In its New Year’s Special, the USA Today had an interesting article entitled “The year we stopped talking.”  Click here to see the full story.

No doubt, we have entered an age of electronic communication. The above article indicates that 93% of Americans use cell phones or electronic devices.  I am sure there is not much difference in the Bahamas.  Seems like everybody has a cell phone, or smart phone that is!

Here are some interesting thoughts that you gain from Sharon Jayson, author of the above-noted article:

The Tragic Loss of a Great Bahamian! RIP Marcquel Bethel

by Jerome Pinder

My family was washed in grief and shock to learn of Marcquel Bethel's sudden death yesterday.  My brother had the joy of attending high school with Marcquel and through their friendship he became known to our family.

The Tribune's Editor had it right when they labeled him an "Eternal Optimist."  His attitude and passion for life did not only start in 2000 when he laboured to clime the steps at the Tribune.  His optimism has been with him ever since I have known him.  He always looked out for me as Jeremy's younger brother. 

While he fought with obesity his entire life, he never allowed that to affect his attitude, his outlook on life, or his love of people.  Each and every encounter over the years with Marcquel was a pleasant one.  You always left his presence feeling positive and overwhelmed by the joy that seemed to bubble up inside of him.  And always more concerned about you and your family, as opposed to himself. 

It was last year when I joined Rotary and would see Marcquel on a more frequent basis that I was able to share in conversations with him regarding the love he held towards his wife and child.  I would always greet him with the questions:  How's the wife?  And how's that baby?  And I always got an ear full (A good ear full at that!)

No doubt Marcquel's weight was a life long struggle.  However, it never affected his outward attitude and outlook on life.  You loved and admired Marcquel for who he was and the character he displayed, therefore, his battle with obesity never became a barrier. 

In recent months, he mentioned to me on several occasions his passion for reaching out and helping others who he knew were fighting obesity.  This passion and desire to overcome challenges in life, can live on in memory of Marcquel. 

I know I speak on behalf of my brother, immediate family, and thousands across this country in expressing a deep sadness over his passing. 

Marcquel's life was a testimony that "True beauty comes from within."

I pray God's blessing on Marcquel's wife, child and entire family.  

Random Thoughts of Nassau!

by Jerome Pinder

The Government and The Criminal:

Our murder count has once again passed a record. In a recent article the Commissioner of Police said "Far too many people get up everyday and do not go to a legitimate job, but rather go to a street corner where they sell illegal drugs. We arrest them, we take them to court, and we soon see them back on the streets again. Well they live in the Bahamas and you can't make them disappear." The PM has also recently commented "at the moment there is a degree of dis-functionality in relation to the legal, judicial system and tackling crime." The Minister of National Security always cries that the Government cannot prevent crime, which I fully agree with. However, they have the ability to implement the laws that will not allow persons easy access to bail. The current administration has been in power three out of the four recent terms and the judicial system has continued to deteriorate. Can or can they not tackle this?  Speaking on Capital Punishment would be a complete waste of time with this crew!

Dr Sweeting's Famous Traffic Light:

Once again the traffic light at Village Road and Shirley Street is out. Is it meant to work or not? If not, take it down and remove the expectation that it should be working. Remember the "Broken Window" syndrome.

If the Government cannot get traffic lights running properly, do you think they can oversee the administration of electronic anklets to be worn by persons on bail?

The Straw Market: