The Bahamas does not need a curfew implemented in high crime areas, attorney Fred Smith, head of the Grand Bahama Human Rights Association, said yesterday. He was responding to Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Chairman Bradley Roberts who said last week the government should give serious consideration to implementing a curfew in crime hot spots.

While acknowledging that The Bahamas is facing a serious crime problem, Smith said the implementation of a curfew would not solve anything.

"A curfew is the first step to taking away the civil liberties that are guaranteed in the fundamental rights and freedoms of our constitution," he said.

"Of course, crime is a huge problem but there are no quick fixes and no band aid solutions.

"I grew up in Haiti where there were curfews, and people were not only restricted but they were shot on sight at times.

"We do not need a curfew in The Bahamas.

"We need the Office of the Prime Minister, the Cabinet and the executive branch of government to lead the way by respecting the laws passed in Parliament instead of operating as if they are a law unto themselves."

Smith said if the government embarks on the "slippery slope" of implementing a curfew, there may be no end to it.

There have been 112 murders for 2015.

The suggestion of a curfew is nothing new.

Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham was against implementing such a measure, saying it would not be enforceable.

Roberts said the government through the police must minimize the opportunities for the commission of serious crimes.

Prime Minister Perry Christie said last week the government has to make inroads in the fight against crime.

Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade last week begged for help in the fight against crime. He warned that if people in power don't provide that support, the police would "continue to pick up dead bodies".

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian