By CHESTER ROBARDS

Tribune Senior Reporter

crobards@tribunemedia.net

AT LEAST two downtown merchants believe they need a handgun to protect themselves and their businesses against criminals in New Providence.

One of those merchants has already applied for a permit to carry a concealed handgun.

That merchant, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the nature of his business, said business people need to constantly protect themselves as violent crime spirals out of control. He said he is fearful.

The public learned this week that Ministers of National Security Keith Bell and Dr Bernard Nottage were approved to carry handguns, sparking a debate on whether the average citizen should also be allowed to carry concealed weapons.

"Hell, yes," said the downtown merchant when asked if business owners should be given licenses to carry handguns.

"If things continue the way they are going, we will have to hire bodyguards and they will need guns."

He added that New Providence has to get back to the state it was in when Basil Dean was an officer on the police force, as he regularly "struck fear in the hearts of criminals."

And he insisted the Bahamas' crime rate could begin to fall, like Jamaica's has over the years, if police directly focus their efforts in areas where they know pockets of criminals live and operate.

Chinarae Pratt, Owner of United Colours of Benetton on Bay Street, said she has considered applying for a gun license, and would prefer a weapon she could control in a crisis situation - like a small handgun.

She said being a shop owner and a woman, she would feel safer with a gun. She contended that women are often seen as easier targets by criminals.

Ms Pratt said she knows a female business owner who travels with a shotgun to and from her establishment.

She said she thinks the licensing process for a concealed handgun should be different for women than it is for men.

She said the process should be easier and almost guaranteed, as women are more vulnerable.