Lamenting the murders of a mother and daughter in his constituency last week, Centreville MP Jomo Campbell yesterday called on residents to speak up and help save lives.

"We are living in a time when we cannot and should not take the gift of another day, of being healthy and strong for granted," Campbell said.

He continued, "I wish to extend sincere condolences to the family of Alison [Thompson] and Trevornika, the mother and daughter who were found murdered in their residence on Ross Corner. This news shook our community last week.

"Violence is never the right answer. As best we can, we must always strive to be our brother's keeper. If we see or hear a crime, or assault being committed, let us reach out to the Royal Bahamas Police Force and other stakeholders to save a life."

Police discovered Thompson and her 15-year-old daughter in their home on Ross Corner above a pet store. Police said the women had lacerations to the upper body and were in the initial stages of decomposition.

Relatives said Thompson was found on her 38th birthday. Police said a concerned citizen called to say a foul odor was emanating from the home.

On Monday, Blake Strachan, 23, of Ross Corner, was charged with the murders.

While attending a CARICOM Summit on Crime in Trinidad and Tobago on Monday, Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander reported there had been 35 murders for the year.

Prior to the discovery of the woman's body, police earlier this week reported that a 36-year-old man was shot to death at a business in Marsh Harbour.

On Friday, police reported that a mother and daughter — Allison Thompson, 38, and Trevornika Thompson, 15 — were found dead with lacerations at their Ross Corner home.

Blake Strachan, 23, of Ross Corner, was charged with the murders.

In 2022, crimes against the person in The Bahamas increased by 23 percent, driven by a rise in murders, sex crimes and armed robberies.

There were 128 murders last year, compared to 119 in 2021, an eight percent increase. Guns were used in the majority of murders and armed robberies, according to police.

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