Bahamas ‘hunting down any criminal element’

NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC – Bahamas Prime Minister Phillip Davis has reiterated his government’s commitment to  “hunting down any criminal element that seeks to disrupt the peace and harmony” of the country as he commented on the latest murder there on Thursday.

“There will be zero safe havens in our country for those who choose a path of crime and violence. Every necessary resource will be mobilized, and every legal measure will be enforced to protect our citizens and uphold the rule of law,” Davis said as he expressed “deepest condolences” to the family.

Police said they are questioning a 27-year-old man in connection with the shooting incident on Thursday that has left a 56-year-old woman dead and her two-year-old grandson in critical condition in hospital.

The child was in a car with three women, when a man reportedly emerged from bushes and opened fire on the vehicle. The driver drove to the Quakoo St Police Station and one of the women and the toddler were taken to hospital. Police said the woman succumbed to her injuries at hospital.

The suspect was arrested soon afterwards and the police said they are “aggressively” investigating this incident and are appealing to members of the public to find alternative ways to resolve their conflicts.

Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings told reporters “something is wrong with that and I’m calling on all right thinking male and females to step up. We cannot allow a few males who lack home training to continue this scourge on our country.”

In a statement, Prime MInister Davis commended the police “for their swift and effective response in apprehending a suspect,” saying “this quick action reflects our law enforcement agencies’ dedication and commitment to ensuring every single Bahamian’s safety and security.

“In light of this tragedy, the Government reaffirms its commitment to a cross-government and whole-of-society approach to combating crime. We are dedicated to hunting down any criminal element that seeks to disrupt the peace and harmony of The Bahamas,” Davis said.

Last year, the country reported more than 110 murders and earlier this week, Prime Minister Davis said that seven days into the new year, the country had already registered eight murders.

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