Shanendon Cartwright blasts government for being ‘soft’ on crime

Following a brazen early morning shooting that left a man dead in front of his wife and children, the Free National Movement Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright blasted the government for its “soft” approach to crime as the nation grapples with 86 murders for the year.

“The government is soft on crime with no plan and our nation and our people are suffering because of it,” he said.

Why it matters

Concerns are growing as the murder rate increases.

Eighty-six murders have occurred for the year, with seemingly daily occurrences of gun violence.

State of play

The year opened with a spiraling number of murders. Within seven days of 2024, eight murders had already occurred. The US State Department issued a level 2 advisory for its travelers to the Bahamas, concerned that its citizens could become victims of violence in the country.

Police say most murders are a result of gang violence and retaliation.

What Shanendon Cartwright says

Shanendon Cartwright believes that the government should lead and collaborate with stakeholders to assist in fixing the vexing crime problem.

He added that the FNM had presented numerous recommendations to the government “that included both immediate and long-term strategies” to stem the tide of crime and gun violence.

“The government has been slow to bring real legislative tools or impactful policies to stem the tide of violence that has raged unabated over the course of this administration.

“The Bahamian people are left dismayed and disheartened that the government remained incapable of articulating a comprehensive, immediate and long-term anti-crime plan.

“They have failed at their most sacred duty of protecting the Bahamian people,” he said.