I begin by expressing profound gratitude.
We are grateful to God, above all, for his abundant blessings.
We are grateful for family and friends, for our freedom, our faith, and our fortitude.
And we are grateful that we are citizens of the world’s most beautiful, most extraordinary nation.
Not for a single moment in my life have I ever wished that I had been born in any other country on earth.
That’s how I feel, and I believe that’s how most Bahamians feel.
We love our country, and we are fiercely proud of our country – and of each other — even when we’re going through difficult times.
And it is true that when the history of these times is written, it will likely record that the opening weeks of the year 2024 were difficult ones indeed, filled with heartbreak and challenge.
Last year, our country made important progress against crime – with significant decreases across major categories of crime, compared to the year prior.
But at the start of 2024, we were painfully reminded that progress does not always march forward in a straight line. Sometimes you take several steps forward, only to take a step back.
We faced tragedy in January – but nothing is going to stop us from getting right back on that road to progress.
We have a comprehensive and detailed plan to fight crime, and we are bringing new tools to bear, including tougher rules on bail, expanded facial recognition CCTV technology, and more resources for our police.
Over the last two years, we have recruited and trained hundreds of new Police and Defence Force officers, and last week, I met with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Special Agent in Charge Christopher Robinson, to discuss strengthening our partnership to stop the guns entering our country from the United States.
The crime that tends to be concentrated in certain neighborhoods in Nassau is not very different from the crime problem in many countries across the world – caused not by one factor, but by many, including: poverty, trauma, addiction, broken homes, untreated mental health challenges, a lack of spiritual grounding, a shortage of opportunities.
These are issues which are deeply intertwined, which is why we are placing so much emphasis on a collaborative approach, coordinating not just with regional partners, and across government ministries, but within our communities, calling upon every business, every church, every neighborhood group — everyone in a position to help, or heal, or mentor.
And let me tell you what gives me hope, and should give you hope, too. The neighborhoods that we’re talking about, the communities in which most of the serious crimes take place – these same communities have produced some of our country’s biggest success stories: our most celebrated athletes, musicians, political leaders, doctors, entrepreneurs. Some people can’t look past problems, to see the possibilities. But let me tell you something—we have every reason to. We owe it to our young men. And we owe it to each other.
If we work together, as one national community, as one family – we will finally achieve enduring progress.
Like today – in Nassau Village, I will be going to communities throughout New Providence to demonstrate my administration’s commitment to building stronger and safer neighborhoods.
As your Prime Minister, my vision is of a Bahamas where everyone feels secure, where everyone is nurtured, and where every individual can thrive. This Community Centre is a small yet significant step in that direction.
This centre will be an urban sanctuary, a bastion of our commitment to safety and security. But our dreams do not limit themselves to these property lines. Our shared vision for Nassau Village extends far beyond. Because we all deserve to live well, in a free state, safe from strife.
As I never tire of reminding anyone and everyone, we have the best people in the world, and the most beautiful country in the world. We are strong, resilient, entrepreneurial, and creative – and we are committed to taking care of each other through whatever storms come our way.
242 pride is real, and it’s justified.
May God Bless You, and May God Bless The Bahamas.
