EDITOR, The Tribune.

The Bahamas has become unsafe for women and girls. Recent appalling acts of rape, particularly against the elderly and children, have deeply shocked our community. I extend prayers, empathy and support to the victims and their families during this incredibly difficult time. There is no way that a child should be incapable of playing outdoors in our neighbourhoods or an elderly person unable to relax at home, without facing extreme danger.

As a country, we must condemn such acts and take collective action to prevent similar atrocities from happening in the future. I call on law enforcement and the justice system to investigate these cases thoroughly and ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice and punished to the fullest extent of the law. Stop slapping these monsters on their wrists. They do not show mercy to their victims, do not show mercy to them. Repeat offenders and paedophiles are especially dangerous and place society at greater risk. Bail should not be an option for these reprobates.

In June, Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe reported that, according to official statistics released by the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), rape reports on New Providence were up by a concerning 64 percent in the first five months of 2023, compared to the same period in the previous year.

Yet the government appears to be ignoring local grassroots organisations and women’s rights groups who have united to call for immediate action, recently opposing the decision to advance the Protection Against Violence Bill, 2023, instead of the Gender-Based Violence Bill which advocates worked on for more than a decade, across party lines.

In a joint statement last week, representatives from various local women’s groups pointed out that the new bill lacks key provisions to help protect women and girls from violence, as were in the Gender-Based Violence Bill.

One of the duties of governance is to listen to its citizens. This administration has a distressing tendency to inadequately consult the experts, whether that is retailers, pharmacists, contractors, business persons, the Chamber, realtors, insurers, fishermen, or in this instance, champions of women’s rights.

Rape is an abhorrent crime that inflicts severe physical, emotional, and psychological trauma on survivors. It is a grave violation of human rights and an attack on the dignity and autonomy of individuals.

We have to be our sister’s keeper. For those who have family members with criminal tendencies, do not ignore your observations or concerns. If you believe that a crime has been committed or is imminent, it is essential to report it to the appropriate authorities. Your responsibility to society and others’ safety outweighs any concerns about breaking family trust in such situations. Your vigilance can make a significant difference in safeguarding the vulnerable, like the elderly and children. We must all do our part to stand against sexual violence and work towards a society where every individual can live free from fear and harm, and where children can safely thrive to reach their full potential.

If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual violence and needs support, please call The Bahamas Crisis Centre’s 24-hour hotline at (242) 328-0922 for confidential assistance.

FNM SENATOR MAXINE SEYMOUR

Nassau

July 30, 2023