Comment history

IslandWarrior says...

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Title: A Disturbing Pattern of Abuse and Misuse of Power: Demanding Accountability in the Wake of Recent Incidents
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Nassau, Bahamas – [9/6/2023]
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The recent incident involving a high-ranking male police officer allegedly assaulting a woman is not an isolated event but part of a disturbing pattern of abuse and misuse of power within the Royal Bahamas Police Force. Activists, concerned citizens, and organizations are voicing their strong condemnation of such actions and are calling for immediate action to address the deep-rooted issues within the force.

Latique Perpall's courage in coming forward with her story is commendable. Her pursuit of legal action against an assistant superintendent of police who allegedly punched her in the eye has shed light on the urgent need for change within law enforcement. The physical harm inflicted on her has not only left her unable to see through her left eye but has also exposed the dangerous undercurrent of gender-based violence that exists within our society.

Alicia Wallace, Director of Equality Bahamas, rightly identifies this incident as a clear example of gender-based violence. It underscores a disturbing truth - that toxic masculinity can lead individuals in positions of power to use violence as a means to reassert their dominance when their fragile egos are challenged. This incident highlights the urgency of addressing gender-based violence, both within the police force and society at large.

The harassment initiated with a vulgar comment directed at Ms Perpall is inexcusable. No one should be subjected to such degrading behaviour. The subsequent arrest and alleged assault by the senior officer demonstrate an abuse of power and a flagrant disregard for the safety and dignity of citizens.

Jeffrey Butler of Human Rights Bahamas aptly describes these alleged actions as "disgraceful." Objectifying and verbally assaulting someone based on their appearance is reprehensible, but when a person in a position of authority abuses their power in such a manner, it becomes an affront to justice and an abuse of public resources.

Human Rights Bahamas echoes the call for an independent body to investigate all allegations of law enforcement misconduct. It is imperative that the police force be held accountable for the actions of its officers. Trust in the institution can only be restored through transparent and impartial investigations conducted by an independent authority.

The ultimate responsibility for the conduct of the RBPF lies with the leadership of the force and the government. Leaders must not only condemn such actions but take immediate and effective steps to prevent, investigate, and address abuse of power and violence by police.

The Bahamian people deserve a police force that serves and protects them without discrimination, violence, or abuse. It is time for a comprehensive overhaul of the police force, including robust accountability mechanisms and gender sensitivity training.

IslandWarrior says...

***Title: Unveiling a Culture of Abuse and Corruption: Demanding Accountability in the Royal Bahamas Police Force***
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Nassau, Bahamas
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Recent events have once again shone a harsh spotlight on the deeply troubling issues of abuse and corruption within the Royal Bahamas Police Force. The Bahamian people have endured a long history of alleged misconduct by some members of law enforcement, and it is high time that we confront this issue head-on.

From the harrowing accounts of excessive use of force to reports of rampant corruption, the evidence paints a grim picture of a police force that has lost sight of its duty to protect and serve. We, the Bahamian people, deserve better. We deserve a police force that upholds the laws of our nation with integrity, transparency, and accountability.

The list of international reports and organizations that have highlighted the systemic problems within the Royal Bahamas Police Force is extensive. From the 1993 U.S. Department of State Country Report on Human Rights Practices to the Amnesty International Report in 2001 and beyond, the recurring theme is clear: a lack of trust in the police and judicial system, allegations of abuse, and concerns about racial profiling and discrimination.

In 2013, the Bahamas witnessed six tragic deaths reportedly at the hands of the police in disputed circumstances. These incidents cannot be ignored or brushed aside. They demand a thorough and impartial investigation to bring justice to the victims and their families.

It is high time for the Bahamian government and law enforcement authorities to take immediate action. We demand:

Transparency: We call for full transparency in all investigations related to allegations of abuse and corruption within the Royal Bahamas Police Force. The Bahamian people have a right to know the truth.

Accountability: Those found guilty of misconduct must be held accountable for their actions. No one should be above the law, especially those tasked with upholding it.

Reform: We urge the government to implement comprehensive reforms within the police force to address the root causes of these issues. This includes improving training, enhancing oversight mechanisms, and fostering a culture of respect and integrity.

Community Engagement: Law enforcement agencies must actively engage with communities to build trust and foster positive relationships. Policing should be a collaborative effort between the police and the communities they serve.

Justice for Victims: We demand justice for all victims of police abuse and misconduct. Their voices must not be silenced, and their rights must be protected.

The time for change is now. We stand united as Bahamians, calling for an end to the culture of abuse and corruption within our police force. Our country deserves a police force that reflects the values of justice, fairness, and respect for all its citizens. Together, we can work towards a safer and more just Bahamas.

IslandWarrior says...

The ongoing history of abuse and police killings of innocent people in the Bahamas is not just disappointing; it's infuriating and absolutely unacceptable. It is an outrage that those entrusted with protecting our communities have, in some cases, become perpetrators of violence and injustice.

These heinous acts stain the reputation of law enforcement, erode trust in our institutions, and cause immeasurable pain and suffering to the victims and their families. We will not stand idly by while innocent lives are taken, and justice is denied.

It is high time for a radical transformation within our law enforcement agencies. The culture of impunity that has allowed these abuses to persist must be obliterated. We demand a thorough and unrelenting investigation into every case of abuse and killing by the police.

> Those responsible must face not only
> the full weight of the law but also
> the wrath of a society fed up with
> brutality and injustice.

We, the people of the Bahamas, will not be silenced. We will rally for justice, transparency, and accountability. We will fight to ensure that every citizen, regardless of their background or beliefs, can live without fear of police violence. This is not just disappointment; this is a fire that will burn until justice is served and the rights and dignity of every Bahamian are safeguarded.

IslandWarrior says...

And therein is the problem: unlike wild animals, we were given the gift of free will. This includes instructions on how to interact with each other. However, disregarding these instructions, such as telling someone to "put your bible down," has led to confusion and a departure from our natural state. This has led to the rise of deviant inventions, which are now called relationships, causing issues in global society.

IslandWarrior says...

Rex is correct; women in bad marriages expect the courts to settle their failed marriages in their favour while asking the government to arm them with the 'marital rape spiteful gun.' Women in the Bahamas are much too venomous liars and poorly reared to be wives in the first place.

IslandWarrior says...

It is important to hold any government officials accountable if they betray the trust of the Bahamian people. They must be exposed and held responsible for their actions. If any damages were incurred, they should be required to repay them or serve time in prison for their breach of trust.

In line with this, I agree with the recent statement from the US State Department. They accused the Government of stalling the implementation of anti-corruption legislation that promotes transparency and good governance, including the Freedom of Information Act. This is a concerning issue that needs to be addressed to maintain the people's trust in their government.

IslandWarrior says...

Finding a courageous legal team to fight against the corrupt and intimidating system in The Bahamas might be a challenge. However, it is a cause that I wholeheartedly endorse.

IslandWarrior says...

A significant and concerning issue lies in the burden placed on Bahamian taxpayers who are shouldering the costs of an expansive employment warehouse filled with unproductive and unqualified individuals. These individuals seem to be stuck in dead-end positions, benefiting from 'Government Employment' for over 30 years, complete with pensions, but with not even a trace of accomplishment to show for their time in these roles. Unfortunately, this system has allowed thousands of politically connected individuals to secure positions, serving as a supposed solution to unemployment, but, in reality, most of them are unfit for productive work, all at the expense of hardworking taxpayers. This costly mistake has been ongoing for the past 50 years and has cost the Bahamian people billions.

The situation becomes even more disheartening when one considers that these individuals fail to offer any tangible value or service to the public and demand tips for their services when their counterparts in government services provide the same service without such extra costs.

Addressing this issue is crucial to create a more efficient, productive, and fair system for the Bahamian taxpayers. Redirecting resources towards competent and qualified individuals, promoting merit-based employment, and ensuring public servants genuinely contribute to the betterment of society are essential steps in rectifying this costly and long-standing problem. Only by making these necessary changes can the Bahamian citizens be relieved from the burden of funding unproductive and unqualified individuals and pave the way for a more prosperous and accountable future.

IslandWarrior says...

#20 years too late ...

IslandWarrior says...

Unfortunately, Bahamians are being mistreated (as second-class) in their own country and left to feel that they are here to clean up after others who are given preferential treatment. It would be unwise for Bahamians to support Shake Shack. Furthermore, this statement adds salt to the insult “Shake Shack Atlantis... Guests will enjoy Shake Shack’s classic menu items.

> "Flavours and customs of The Bahamas,”

If there is discrimination against Bahamians, at any time and for any reason, then it is inappropriate to associate the word "Bahamian" with a 'Shake Shack' location.

#ShakeShack's (Atlantis) discrimination against Bahamians is not welcome.

On Shake Shack for guests only until 5pm

Posted 26 July 2023, 9:28 a.m. Suggest removal