Bahamas: 8 murders in the first week of 2024 shakes country

A wave of eight murders in the first week of January 2024 has shocked everybody in the Bahamas. On Saturday, the tragic killing of a teenage girl marked the 8th murder of 2024.

As per reports, a 16-year-old girl was shot dead at her residence in Lawton Avenue, Bahamas. The victim has been identified as Davinique Gray, an 11th grader at RM Bailey High School and she was among the three people killed over the weekend.

According to the information available, the girl was charging her mobile at her home when armed assailants started firing gunshots into the residence, which resulted in the teen girl being fatally shot.

The police officials said that they have launched an investigation into the incident to find the cause and curb the increasing violence. Notably, the officials also said that on Saturday morning, another murder took place where a man was found with several gunshot wounds at the base of a stairwell around East Street North.

Police added that they received information that the evidence related to this murder could be hidden at a nearby property, following which an investigation was made, leading to the discovery of a firearm and ammunition.

Prime Minister Phillip Davis warns criminals

Following the surge in crime, the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, on Sunday, warned the criminals that the government is strengthening measures to catch them.

He was speaking during the annual Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) Annual Service of Thanksgiving. PM Phillip Davis also stated that seven days into the new year, the nation has already registered eight murders.

While addressing the issue, he said that although crime has been a long-standing issue in the country, recently, the murder rate has spiked and gone to a horrifying new level of brutality.

[caption id="attachment_66047" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] PM Phillip Davis at the annual Thanksgiving of Royal Bahamas Police Force[/caption]

He announced that the government has now strengthened control of the border, along with their partnership with the US and others in the region, to lessen the flow of illegal trafficking of firearms and people.

According to the PM, the government has also started a strategic initiative to execute a 'Whole Government Response' to tackle gang crime.

He also encouraged the young men not to engage with such gangs because of their personal issues and assured them their problems would be looked at and the government would work to generate more employment.

While addressing the criminals, PM Davis said, "We are coming for you. You cannot win."

Notably, the country registered over 110 murders last year and witnessed the number in the first week; this number is anticipated to increase, which makes an urgent call to the government to curb the crime.