My wife and I had the privilege of attending the induction ceremony of Mr. Reginald Ferguson as the new Commmissioner of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.
It was an impressive ceremony but I was even more impressed with the eloquent speech of Commissioner Ferguson.
I am sure that the Press will be reporting his speech in its entirety and, knowing the Commissioner as a man of integrity and as the Prime Minister said "A man of impeccable credentials", I am sure that the Commissioner will do everything in his power to see that he honors the promises that he has made.
I am concerned however, as to what point his efforts will be hindered by the Government because they may be lax in passing or changing the laws to allow the courts to punish those individuals who are committing the crimes.
He promised that there will be "zero tolerance" even for the so-called "minor" crimes.
If the jitney companies were told that there would be a stiff penalty for any bus stopping at other than a designated stop instead of stopping every time someone waves their hands, word would get around. This blogger experienced a bus stopping six times from Church street to Collins Avenue then twice more before reaching the Tribune, in rush hour traffic.
If a driver is caught speeding, parking in an illegal zone, running a red light, etc. and received a very stiff fine, word would get around.
The Commissioner also promised that no favouritism will be shown and that the police officers will be disciplined, if necessary.
While standing on Bay Street one day I watched a car dash across the street from Prince George dock to Parliament Street with tyres screeching and the policeman on the corner waved to him. Another time while walking on Bay Street a hatchback with two big speakers playing "music" that could be heard several blocks away. At the next corner a policeman waved to the driver and shouted out "sounds good".
While in Bermuda a couple of years ago, I commented to the driver of the taxi on the way to the airport that I had noticed that no one parked illegally, there was no speeding or running traffic lights and all joggers were wearing luminescent vests. His comment was "In Bermuda we obey the laws."
What a novel idea. Perhaps our new Commissioner will be able to get Bahamians to think so.
If they can minimize these minor crimes that would be a good start.
