Bahamas MP calls for committee to review missing boys case

Friday, October 10, 2003

NASSAU, Bahamas: A Bahamian Member of Parliament is urging for the appointment of a select committee to review the circumstances surrounding the disappearance of five Grand Bahama boys. 

The Nassau Guardian quoted Mr. Lindy Russell as saying the formation of the committee is a matter of urgency to help improve the ability to safeguard the people of the Bahamas.

After five months and five missing boys later, the MP said, Parliament has not caused "one tangible thing to occur that would demonstrate its resolve and commitment to this crisis of national proportion," the Guardian reported.

He said the select committee should also have the power to call upon persons to testify and ultimately make recommendations to deal with future such occurrences.

He said that it was also his hope and expectation that the committee would go about its work in an entirely non-partisan manner, reflecting the concern shared by all concerning the public's welfare. 

"I am convinced that the magnitude of this national crisis that confronts us is such that the normal business of this House should cease, unless and until this select committee is appointed," Mr. Russell said.

Prior to making his contribution to the debate on an Anti-Terrorism Bill, Mr. Russell also urged the government to move swiftly to assist families in socially depressed areas of Grand Bahama that can become catalysts for sexual exploitation of children and adults. 

The first boy to disappear was Jake Grant, who went missing five months ago. In May, three boys - Mackinson Colas, 11, DeAngelo McKenzie, 13, and Junior Reme, 11 - disappeared within 18 days of each other. And last week, Desmond Rolle, 14, never made it home from a supermarket where he packed groceries.

No one has yet been charged and no witnesses have come forward, though rewards for information have risen from the $10,000 advertised on an old billboard to $75,000.

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