A West Bay man has been arrested in connection with the homophobic attack on two men earlier this month, which left one victim with a broken nose.
The man, who has since been released on bail with conditions, was arrested Thursday by police.
The 33-year-old, police said in a statement on Friday, was arrested on suspicion of assault GBH following the incident, which took place at The Strand complex on West Bay Road on Monday 3 Jan.
According a previous police report, the violent incident occurred shortly before 12:20am on 3 Jan.
Police said two men, who were in a vehicle at the carpark at the time, were approached by two other men who made homophobic remarks towards them, and then assaulted them, kicking and punching them repeatedly.
Both of the victims were transported to hospital by emergency services, where they were treated for their injuries and later released.
Since the attack, a local unnamed philanthropist pledged a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the people behind the attack.
The incident has spurred local LGBTQ groups to actively campaign for a local hate crime law.
Noel Cayasso-Smith of the LGBTQ Foundation and Billie Bryan of Colours Caribbean, along with representatives of both organisations, have been meeting with local leaders, including Premier Wayne Panton, Governor Martyn Roper and Police Commissioner Derek Byrne, in a concerted push for anti-discrimination legislation to tackle hate crimes.
Police, in a statement to the Compass this month following the meeting, said two representatives from the RCIPS had met with members of the LGBTQ+ community to discuss their concerns.
“In what was a constructive initial meeting, it was agreed that this type of collaborative and consultative process will continue, with the aim of establishing an Advisory Group comprising of stakeholder representatives of the full range of communities who are vulnerable to hate crime. It is anticipated the advisory group will help shape policy, training and education in these matters and lobby for any necessary legislative reform,” the emailed statement said.
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