By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has criticised what he described as weak enforcement of the country's laws, arguing that failures to enforce laws relating to immigration, animal control and aviation are putting lives at risk.

Dr Minnis made the frank comments in an opinion piece sent to The Tribune yesterday.

He said his concern is not with the country's legislative framework, but with the government's failure to enforce the laws already on the books.

Addressing the issue of dangerous dogs, Dr Minnis pointed to several widely reported attacks, claiming The Bahamas has a stray dog problem.

The latest incident involved a nine-year-old American boy who was seriously injured after being mauled by a pack of dogs. The dog's owner was later sentenced to one year in prison in connection with the attack.

Dr Minnis said animals should not be allowed to roam freely, noting that existing laws give authorities the power to address the problem.

He said stray dogs should be removed by the relevant agencies, while pet dogs found roaming unrestrained should also be captured.

"We are shocked when there is another dog attack. We shouldn't be. As long as we do not enforce the laws, there will be more."

Turning to aviation, Dr Minnis said Bahamians and visitors deserve safe air travel, but warned that the country “would not reach the goal” while "air hackers" continue to operate unchecked.

Air hackers are unlicensed operators who transport passengers by plane, often to Family Islands not served by commercial airlines.

"This is a dangerous practice. Some of these planes have crashed in the past leading to lives being lost. The Bahamas has allowed this practice to exist or far too long. "

"There should be a massive crackdown on air hacking. Only licensed and approved air providers should transport people via air in The Bahamas. We are putting the lives of Bahamians and visitors  at risk by allowing this dangerous practice to occur."

On immigration, the former prime minister said the problem “significantly results from a similar lack of law enforcement.”

He pointed to what he described as illegal practices of hiring undocumented migrants and the construction of structures on private property without proper permits or unauthorised electricity connections.

“Yet, over the decades we have inadequately enforced the laws when it comes to shantytowns. We have also not consistently gone after people and businesses who hire illegal immigrants.”

“Not pursuing enforcement of these laws has made it easier for illegal immigrants to stay in The Bahamas. It has also attracted more to come here.”

He urged the government to redouble efforts to prosecute people who hire undocumented immigrants, saying the tougher measure could help deter illegal migration to The Bahamas.

He also called for increased police patrols and greater focus on traffic violations, saying lives could be saved through stricter enforcement of speed limits and the use of breathalyser tests to identify impaired drivers.