if anyone wants to call them, there are currently americans installing security equipment in diamonds international on bay street, so I was informed today ..

WELL ..i tried to call but you just cant get through so i give up!
its a flippin useless situation here .. i may as go work in the US as well..

Well the Dept of Immigration does have its issues and picking up the phone is one of them. When I was applying for citizenship, I had to go an an interview. When that was done the interviewer told me that it would take roughly 6 months to get back to us. Well 6 months in Immigration's terms are actually 2.5 years. So foolish me was calling them to figure out what was the hold up, and that was when I realized that you're punching a brick wall if you want to talk to them. As Rory probably figured out you'd be better off watching paint dry or the grass grow, than sitting with the receiver next to your ears.

By the way,, why does ZNS, and the Minister of Immigration say that you must wait until you're 18 to get your citizenship? In actuality, if your parents are Bahamian citizens you can apply using a different form if you are under the age of 18. Additionally, if you do it this way, the process is cheaper, more convenient and less time consuming. But this only can happen if your parents are citizens.

paint dries quicker! Yep, there's nothing one can do but take it or move somewhere that they appreciate the local work. .. so it seems :(

paint dries quicker! Yep, there's nothing one can do but take it or move somewhere that they appreciate the local work. .. so it seems :(

Rory, this really looks bad when a Bahamian with good experiece in his profession is being faced with this kind of issue. The government/Immigration Dept always say that when Bahamians can do the work, no foreigners would be allowed to come in to do it!

I just don't know what to think now (I recall discussing this on a different thread), but there must be a way to have this thing corrected!

Adressed to Garnelleo:

1. why would you go through this process? is this for people who were born in another country while their parents were on vacation? (example) or does everyone have to go through this? (cause i need to sign some forms then :()

2. i speed read so it took less than 2 seconds tops to read your sig :)

Rory, this really looks bad when a Bahamian with good experiece in his profession is being faced with this kind of issue. The government/Immigration Dept always say that when Bahamians can do the work, no foreigners would be allowed to come in to do it!

I just don't know what to think now (I recall discussing this on a different thread), but there must be a way to have this thing corrected!


Yep, I also thought they had to at least advertise in the news papers, but I would have known about that. Im sure there are special permits, but when it is something can easily be done locally ... then it should be done by locals. We are a small country and need all the work we can get.

Anyway, maybe if one moves to the US one would stand a better chance of getting these jobs in ones own country! ?

Also, a flip side to this is, every day I spend a couple hours consulting US installers/Distributors on CCTV jobs/troubleshooting!

Well k.o.o.l.b.o.n.z.e, this may apply to what you said but this was not the case with me.
My folks were Haitians citizens and had permanent residency when I was born. They later applied for and was granted citizenship, which made them Bahamians, and us not. Since they were now Bahamians, there is a seperate form that allow you to apply for citizenship as a minor under the condition that your parents are Bahamian citizens.

Hope that this answers your question.

Well k.o.o.l.b.o.n.z.e, this may apply to what you said but this was not the case with me.
My folks were Haitians citizens and had permanent residency when I was born. They later applied for and was granted citizenship, which made them Bahamians, and us not. Since they were now Bahamians, there is a seperate form that allow you to apply for citizenship as a minor under the condition that your parents are Bahamian citizens.

Hope that this answers your question.


How did you feel growing up in place that some say have always treated you like an outsider. Do you feel more allegiance to your Haitian culture or Bahamian, and how many people do you think are in the same predicament as you-children born to Haitian parentage in this country?
Do you feel that native Bahamians shouldnt be resistant and so righteous in feelings towards Haitian people who are coming into our country and abusing its resources.
Someone told me to ask a Haitian Bahamian, I know none so im asking you!

thanks man. at least i learned something new.

How did you feel growing up in place that some say have always treated you like an outsider.

Well, my experience may be different than others. Actually growing up persons probably didnt even know that I was a Haitian. It amazed me many times when persons would make comments about Haitians in front of my face and not even know that they were speaking to one, and then would be shocked when I told them. But persons learnt that I was treated me and my family with tons of respect. Enough respect to the point where its not even an issue. Of course there are one or two persons who are ignorant and try to bring others down to thier levels but for the most part I never once felt like an outsider.

Do you feel more allegiance to your Haitian culture or Bahamian, and how many people do you think are in the same predicament as you-children born to Haitian parentage in this country?

For the most part since I was born in the Bahamas, and grew up mostly around Bahamians, I'm alot more attached to the Bahamian culture. Its wierd I always considered myself both a Bahamian and a Haitian as well. And again I can only speak for myself

Do you feel that native Bahamians shouldnt be resistant and so righteous in feelings towards Haitian people who are coming into our country and abusing its resources.

Well its a very touchy issue. Naturally, I sympathise with Haitians who are in search of a better life. So I can see why one wouldn't hesitate in to spend over $2000 and risk your life, to get out of poverty and try to get a better life. However the economist and realist side of me realize andfeel that the Bahamas just can't absorb it. We're being a small country itself can use the money elsewhere and by law if you are here illegally, then you should be sent back.

The only problems that I have with some Bahamians, is the attitudes and mindsets of Bahamians towards Haitians as a whole. People should realize that Haitians are also here legally, and many are also hard working individuals. Not lesser persons who should be insulted and treated as if they are lower than any other Bahamian. My dad is a hard worker who sends 3 kids to college, and one to St. Andrews, but yet when he and his co-wokers who are going to work (all of whom are either citizens or have permanent residency) they must be stopped by Immigration officers and harrased. One of them didnt have their certificate on them (no one ever said you must carry it at all times BTW) and was carried on the "bus".

I have alot more to say but, I gotta finish the Visual Basic project right now.

that's suffice, thanks...on the visual basic, I hate programming.

Well, my experience may be different than others. Actually growing up persons probably didnt even know that I was a Haitian. It amazed me many times when persons would make comments about Haitians in front of my face and not even know that they were speaking to one, and then would be shocked when I told them. But persons learnt that I was treated me and my family with tons of respect. Enough respect to the point where its not even an issue. Of course there are one or two persons who are ignorant and try to bring others down to thier levels but for the most part I never once felt like an outsider.



For the most part since I was born in the Bahamas, and grew up mostly around Bahamians, I'm alot more attached to the Bahamian culture. Its wierd I always considered myself both a Bahamian and a Haitian as well. And again I can only speak for myself



Well its a very touchy issue. Naturally, I sympathise with Haitians who are in search of a better life. So I can see why one wouldn't hesitate in to spend over $2000 and risk your life, to get out of poverty and try to get a better life. However the economist and realist side of me realize andfeel that the Bahamas just can't absorb it. We're being a small country itself can use the money elsewhere and by law if you are here illegally, then you should be sent back.

The only problems that I have with some Bahamians, is the attitudes and mindsets of Bahamians towards Haitians as a whole. People should realize that Haitians are also here legally, and many are also hard working individuals. Not lesser persons who should be insulted and treated as if they are lower than any other Bahamian. My dad is a hard worker who sends 3 kids to college, and one to St. Andrews, but yet when he and his co-wokers who are going to work (all of whom are either citizens or have permanent residency) they must be stopped by Immigration officers and harrased. One of them didnt have their certificate on them (no one ever said you must carry it at all times BTW) and was carried on the "bus".

I have alot more to say but, I gotta finish the Visual Basic project right now.

The only problems that I have with some Bahamians, is the attitudes and mindsets of Bahamians towards Haitians as a whole. People should realize that Haitians are also here legally, and many are also hard working individuals. Not lesser persons who should be insulted and treated as if they are lower than any other Bahamian.


I agree with you. I think in the crush of things the "baby got thrown out with the bath water"

That young girl on t.v. just got every one boiling. I think that some of the Hatian Leaders need to come out and make a statment to the public.

My neighbours are Hatian, you never even know that they are there and they keep a clean yard and house.

But , then again you have some immigrants that are arrogant and rude and biggity and trust me Bahamians are just as arrogant and therefore we have a problem.

Those that are building on properties that they did not purchase needs to move and go now.

The only thing that would stop this out cry is for them to go and do things properly Pay their way and bills. Go through the front door and regularise themselves. But in all honesty there are too many here in comparison to the number of Bahamians here. Our country is too small.

Tell them to hail us on their way to Miami or go vist Cuba and give us a break.
Give us a break. Its like a bunch of people moving in your house with out your permission and eating your food and burning your light. If you can't afford it , it does not mean that you hate them, you just can't afford to entertain them at this time.


so in the words of my parent's " tell your friends its time to go home, you have home work to do".

To those that are here legally, stop encouraging your comrades to come there is no more space. Tell them the truth, things are hard here too.

Love

Mel

Tell them the truth, things are hard here too.

Love

Mel


Thats right, things are tough here also for most ...

God make this earth for us to use and no one have a country, and if we are not carefully about how we treat our brothers and sister God have something waiting for us,if we cannot love who we see how can we love God

that my five cent