The Free National Movement (FNM), the main opposition party in The Bahamas, has ramped up its calls for the resignation or removal of National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, as the country faces alarming crime rates and the possibility of surpassing its highest annual murder count of 145.
FNM Chairman Dr. Duane Sands voiced the party’s concerns, stating that Munroe is failing to effectively address the crime situation and that stronger leadership is urgently needed. “It is clear that Minister Munroe is overwhelmed and out of touch with the gravity of the crisis. Either he needs to step down, or the prime minister must act and appoint someone with the capability to lead on security issues,” Sands said.
The FNM’s demands come after a particularly violent week in which four murders were reported, pushing the murder toll to 94 for the year. The opposition blames the escalating violence on the government’s inadequate response, arguing that Prime Minister Phillip Davis has not demonstrated a proactive approach to curbing crime.
Prime Minister Davis, addressing reporters last week, pointed to deeper societal issues as contributing factors, particularly among the nation’s youth. “We are facing senseless killings. What we need is a reset of the mindset of our young people. There’s so much potential, but they’re engaging in destructive behaviors,” Davis said, suggesting that idle hands and lack of engagement are driving the crime wave. He emphasized that the government is working to create opportunities for young people to keep them from falling into dangerous patterns, but acknowledged the challenge of reversing the trend.
Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell also spoke out, defending the government’s efforts to combat crime while questioning what additional steps the opposition expected the government to take. “We’re all concerned about crime, and we’re not treating this lightly. I’ve even asked privately what more could be done, but there’s no easy answer,” Mitchell said during a recent session in Parliament.
Despite these assurances, the FNM remains unsatisfied, accusing the government of being reactive rather than proactive. “It feels as though the current administration has simply given up. They’re out of ideas, and it shows in their inability to stop the violence that’s spreading across our streets,” Sands remarked.
The FNM has also raised concerns over growing mistrust in law enforcement, pointing to ongoing allegations of corruption within the police force. The opposition party has renewed its call for an independent commission of inquiry to investigate these claims, suggesting that the lack of transparency and accountability is eroding public confidence in the police.
In addition to the removal of Munroe, the FNM is urging the government to establish a task force of experts to develop comprehensive intervention programs aimed at reducing crime. “We need a focused, strategic approach to address at-risk youth and prevent them from becoming involved in criminal activities. What we’re doing now is not enough,” Sands said, underscoring the need for greater investment in social programs and community engagement initiatives.
Sands further criticized Prime Minister Davis for failing to allocate sufficient resources to tackle the root causes of crime and provide the leadership necessary to ensure the safety of Bahamian citizens. “Our communities are suffering. Blood is being spilled on our streets, and yet the prime minister has not taken the decisive actions needed to protect us,” Sands concluded.
As the crime situation worsens, the FNM continues to push for swift changes in the government’s approach, warning that without immediate and effective intervention, the country risks reaching a new and devastating murder record.
