CAPTAIN’S CORNER : They Do Not Care About the Citizen’s Health

TDT | Manama

Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

The Public Prosecution acted with full responsibility in naming the company involved — not out of vengeance, but out of duty to alert the public and prevent further harm. This was not an attack on a business — it was a defense of society.

So why, then, the noise? Why the shouting from a minority intent on creating division?

The recent discovery of large quantities of expired food products in Bahrain — some dating back more than three years — has rightfully sparked outrage. While this is not the first such incident, what sets it apart is the alarming uncertainty over how much of these products actually reached consumers. This is not just a matter of regulatory failure — it’s a public health threat, and it demands national attention.

Unfortunately, rather than standing united in the face of such a serious violation, some have chosen to twist the issue into a sectarian or political narrative. This deliberate diversion is not only misleading — it is dangerous.

Those attempting to shield the guilty are not defending a simple mistake. They are defending a crime — one that continues to unfold as tainted products spread across stores and cold storage units in the Kingdom.

This is a crime with real consequences. It shook the confidence of traders and suppliers across the country, many of whom scrambled to re-examine their own stock in fear of similar contamination.

Yet, despite the gravity of the situation, some have begun questioning the very institutions that acted swiftly to contain the damage and protect public health.

Let us be clear: Bahrain’s justice and regulatory institutions, including the Ministry of Interior, the Public Prosecution, and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, have acted within the framework of the law. Their goal is the safety of every citizen and resident — not political point-scoring.

Attempts to undermine these efforts are not only irresponsible but deeply disrespectful to the sacrifices made by those on the frontlines of consumer protection.

One must ask: if a loved one of these critics had fallen ill because of the contaminated products — God forbid — would they still attack those working to prevent further harm? Or is their criticism fueled only by personal detachment and ulterior motives?

Many of these dissenting voices appear to come from beyond Bahrain’s borders or from individuals serving agendas that seek to destabilize the country. These are not people concerned about citizen health — they are people seeking to poison the nation itself in pursuit of their own lowly ambitions.

Their arguments are hollow. Their efforts are doomed. And time and again, they have shown that they are not motivated by reason or national interest.

If they were, they would have understood that this is not a winning argument — this is a national red line.

Under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Bahrain has solidified itself as a nation governed by institutions and the rule of law.

The country’s legislative safeguards are designed to protect every segment of society equally, and enforcement bodies like the Ministry of Industry and Commerce continue to carry out their mission to ensure that the market remains fair, transparent, and safe.

The Public Prosecution acted with full responsibility in naming the company involved — not out of vengeance, but out of duty to alert the public and prevent further harm. This was not an attack on a business — it was a defense of society.

So why, then, the noise? Why the shouting from a minority intent on creating division?

The answer is simple: they failed before, and they will fail again. The people of Bahrain are more aware than ever. They stand united, confident in their leadership and trusting in the actions taken to protect them.

To those who seek to divide us, I say this: your time is over. Bahrain is stronger, wiser, and more united than you think.

(Captain Mahmood Al Mahmood is the Editor-in-Chief of The Daily Tribune and the President of the Arab-African Unity Organisation for Relief, Human Rights and Counterterrorism)