Introductory Remarks by Hon. Dr. Bernard Nottage, M.P. Minister of National Security Given at CRIME FORUM FOR PASTORS Salem Baptist Church, Taylor Street Thursday, October 10 th, 2013 At 11:00 a.m. 1
The Mission statement of the Ministry of National Security is To defend, protect and guard the national and territorial sovereignty and integrity of The Bahamas and its citizens" I am not a preacher or pastor, but I believe in God for my health, strength and direction. I also believe that he has a lot to say about my purpose in life and that He has put me in the position that I hold today. I remember my campaign workers telling me that they did not want me to take the post of Minister of National Security because it would pose a conflict for me as MP for the Bains and Grants Town Constituency as many of my constituents have had brushes with the law. However, shortly after being elected in May of last year, the Prime Minister informed me that he needed me to serve as Minister of National Security. I had no other choice but accept. While I knew very little about issues of national security, but since my father served as a senior police officer, this appointment resonated with me. So, I believe that my call to serve my country in this way is no 2
accident, but I have been put into this position for a reason and a purpose. I intend to do my best to carry out our ministry s mission. During my childhood, the presence of the church was real in my life and the life of virtually everyone that I knew. The church was seen as the focal point of the community and as beacon of hope for all. It was a place where families and neighbours worshipped; where community development was fostered, regardless of denomination; and where children were not only engaged in Sunday School, but were involved in activities such as brownies, scouts, girls and boys brigade, choirs and band. In some cases, efforts were made to encourage people to save consistently from their meagre income in order to build decent homes for their families. In many respects the church was concerned with the development of the whole man and their work demonstrated their commitment to such. The Church was truly an inspiration to many and gave them hope that with hard work, perseverance and faith in the Almighty, they would have a better tomorrow. 3
The church still continues to provide hope and help to many people. Today, many churches are involved in noteworthy work and have effective programs which enhance worship such as dance groups, praise and worship teams, choirs, Sunday school and bible study. In additions, some churches make commendable efforts to provide food and clothing for the unfortunate, organise and sponsor homework assistance and mentorship programmes and sporting, music and youth oriented activities to keep young men and women busy and focused on positive character development. While the church continues to play an instrumental role in the lives of many, there are many others persons who seem to need the Church s help as their lives appear void of the church s positive influence. As I drive around, particularly on weekends, I observe hoards of youth walking around seemingly lost and directionless. Too many young men and a growing number of young women have turned to drugs and alcohol use, are sexually promiscuous and engaged in gambling and other unhealthy and risky behaviours. Even small children roam the 4
streets unsupervised leaving them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Additionally, the physical state of many communities, especially in the inner parts of New Providence is deplorable and reflects poorly on us and the way we care for our environment. Given this scenario, small wonder, that crime and criminal activity is at an unacceptable level. Violent crime, drug trafficking, arm robberies have seemingly besieged our society and have instilled fear (perceived and real) in many Bahamians. Most troubling is the fact that many young men, between the ages of 15 and 25 years, feature prominently as perpetrators of these crimes. These young men are our sons who ought to be contributing to the development of our country not its destruction. For me, this is a picture of pain, suffering, neglect, despair and deprivation. For me, this is a sign of community decay. Do you, the leaders of the Christian Community in The Bahamas, see what I see? 5
If you do, are you equally as perplexed as I am? If you are troubled by what you see, then what can or should you do to change this situation? As I said earlier, I am not a pastor, but I feel that you as pastors might see this current sad reality as an opportunity for you to help others. I believe that many of you may see this as a chance to extend the work of your church beyond the four walls and to go into the highways and byways to affect positive change. If you do feel that this is your mission to minister to the community, I believe you might agree that your work could lead to the transformation of our community: not only its physical transformation, but also the transformation of the lives of its people. I look forward to listening to your ideas as we chart a course to a new day! THANK YOU! 6