By KHRISNA RUSSELL

Tribune Chief Reporter

krussell@tribunemedia.net

SENATE President LaShell Adderley has called for stiffer penalties and longer imprisonment terms for gun possession and gun-related crimes as the country looks to curb the scourge of domestic violence.

In the upper chamber yesterday, Ms Adderley made a clarion call to immediately address the issue, with a view to cultivating a culture of zero tolerance legislation and policies.

She highlighted the tragic death of 21-year-old Heavenly Terveus, the young mother who was shot to death in front of her infant child by her fiancé last month.

Ms Adderley said she was pleased State Minister for Social Services Lisa Rahming last week indicated a draft domestic violence bill is in the works.

“The chair submits that there needs to be greater emphasis placed on increasing the number of safe houses throughout The Bahamas to protect the vulnerable and at risk,” Ms Adderley said.

“The government, NGOs, and corporate Bahamas can form a dynamic partnership to raise funding so that victims of abuse can have a temporary safe haven. There needs to be increased numbers of safe houses in the capital and throughout the Family Islands. In doing so, victims who are not comfortable in Nassau can be discreetly transported to another Family Island and vice versa. These safe houses also need adequate funding, security, and all other resources required to provide victims with basic needs.

“As a Christian nation, the Gospel of Matthew, New Living Translation relays to us the direct words of Christ: ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.’ We all need to try harder and move a lot faster.

“There is also the need for greater and quicker access to competent mental/emotional health services, programmes and counselling for victims and perpetrators. The services and counselling assistance should be widely advertised, accessible, and affordable.

“The crime fighting strategy should include a robust operation to track down and remove illegal guns from our streets. Amendment to the current legislation to provide for stiffer penalties and longer imprisonment terms for gun possession and gun related crimes should be considered. The gunman needs to fear the law with the knowledge that there is a huge price to pay for illegal behaviour and actions. We need zero-tolerance now.”

In speaking to domestic violence victims, Ms Adderley said it was her prayer that they would summon the courage to walk away, speak out, seek help and find the means to be financially independent. She was also hopeful victims were able to file complaints with the police and not withdraw them while saying “enough is enough”.

This is not the first time the Senate president has publicly stated her position in relation to domestic and gender-based violence.

In December as she welcomed the Zonta Club, which was ending its 16 days of activism to end gender-based violence, Ms Adderley said the issues must be met with robust, “pragmatic and commonsense holistic legislation” that protects Bahamians.