Chief Superintendent Clayton Fernander
DESPITE a recent spate of murders and shootings in New Providence and Grand Bahama, officer-in-charge of the Central Detective Unit, Chief Superintendent Clayton Fernander said the country is still a “safe” place.
However, he acknowledged that there is a problem with drug dealers starting “turf wars” in communities over unresolved conflicts and prolific offenders getting bail, which contributes to the crime rate.
Chief Supt. Fernander warned Bahamians to be “aware of their surroundings” and appealed to members of the public to assist the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) with their investigations.
His comments came hours after the country recorded its 98th and 99th murders for the year - according to The Tribune’s records - and six people were hospitalised, including an eight-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy, in separate shooting incidents.
“We are safe, it is still safe but people need to continue to be aware of their surroundings,” Chief Supt. Fernander said.
“Parents should also be talking to their sons and daughters about the company they keep and the people they hang out with. These young girls and boys are hanging with people that are targets because of their criminal activity.
“The police are trying very hard but we arrest these persons and then the next thing we know they are out there offending again. There are a handful of prolific offenders who continue to cause problems for the community, but the police are working to get these people.
“You also have these small time drug peddlers who start these turf wars in communities because they cannot resolve their conflicts. Other times you have people who happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. But these people are hanging with persons who are into bad stuff, these people are not their friends, they are bad company.
“We will not let these people hold the country hostage, we will continue to work and identify these individuals who commit crimes,” he said.
On November 15, Chief Supt. Fernander said the public had “no need to be afraid” after a spate of shootings and murders and messages on social media warning people to stay in their home because a gang war had erupted. He said the only gang that mattered is the RBPF. Since then, there have been ten murders.
Chief Supt. Fernander also appealed to members of the public to continue to assist police in their investigations. “No one is above the law, we want to assure members of the public that the entire country is safe. We are out here, we will make this country safe and its citizens and its tourists. We need the public to continue to assist us,” Chief Supt. Fernander said.
“You know the persons out there who are committing these crimes. They are your brothers and sister and cousins. You know they are involved in criminal activities so please speak to them. This is our country and we cannot let a handful of individuals destroy it.”
Anyone with information on any crime is asked to contact police at 911 or 919, the Central Detective Unit at 502-9991 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 328-TIPS.
Sancheska Dorsett, Tribune Staff Reporter
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