I just saw in this morning's paper that these people's residency status was revoked!

Good. As it should be! :tup:

Good. As it should be! :tup:
But they are still here! The riots were in 2005, this is 2008!!!!

Hey now. Stop making generalizations. If you look at most of the arguments here they only address the illegal immigration situation.

It appears that most times when the topic of illegal immigration comes up, persons tend to immediately speak negatively about Bahamians [/B]

Hole on ta ya britches buddy:hammer:

I'm 100% Bahamian and believe we are among the ppls. with the BIGGEST hearts ... which is often taken advantage of by many non-Bahamians.

At the same time: right along side muddose! Jesus (sadly), Ya ma, nig ger, etc. the term 'Haitian' is used ... thoughtlessly --- habitually by many NOT few

When someone says "ya Haitian sef!" --- what's that? This is THAT of which I speak -- it grieves me to even go on there...

It is NOT necessary to DEMONIZE a whole group of ppl. to sort out our illegal immigration problems.

We, us, The BAHAMIAN ppl. have done a POOR job of managing these issues... and it IS about MANAGEMENT! :hammer::hammer::hammer:

But they are still here! The riots were in 2005, this is 2008!!!!

So, revoke isn't coupled with deport? learn ma chile... :confused:

So, revoke isn't coupled with deport? learn ma chile:...confused:
U just asked the million dollar question...das what I wanna know too!

U think they appealed or we just plain slack??:taped2:

Chile the family on the news saying they een start no riot....say the police targeted them!!!!

SMT...as I still wanna know why they are here if their residency was revoked!

The daughter says she born here and if you cut her she bleeds the same bloo as the reporter!

U just asked the million dollar question...das what I wanna know too!
U think they appealed or we just plain slack??:taped2:

Jes one more example of 'bad MANAGEMENT'....

Revoke and leave ta mash up ya land... nah dat make plenny sense! :confused:

At the same time: right along side muddose! Jesus (sadly), Ya ma, nig ger, etc. the term 'Haitian' is used ... thoughtlessly --- habitually by many NOT few
When someone says "ya Haitian sef!" --- what's that? This is THAT of which I speak -- it grieves me to even go on there...Your words again highlight exactly what I addressed in my response to you - That it seems as if we cannot have an illegal immigration conversation without someone watering it down with "ya'll Bahamians does treat da people bad, so what do ya expect", which is unfair and untrue regarding all Bahamians.

You jumped onto that bandwagon, as did a few others in this thread.


It is NOT necessary to DEMONIZE a whole group of ppl. to sort out our illegal immigration problems. Such "demonizing" came exclusively from your end of things and your end alone...against Bahamians.

The "light of inspection" will have to be placed upon that group of persons due to the sheer numbers of them who blatant circumvent our laws. Pointing out such facts is far from demonizing anyone. It's simply pointing out that the majority of illegal immigrants come from that group. These are facts, not fiction.

Some people don't like to hear the truth and believe that Bahamians are somehow unfairly picking on that group for <insert whatever reason here>. The reality is that a challenging situation has been created and it will involve a lot of persons being quite uncomfortable as it is dealt with. It is our avoidance of that "uncomfortableness" by not speaking out or properly handling the situation that has led us to this point. We have to be able to talk about what is happening and talk about it without fear of being unfairly accused or labeled of having underhanded intentions. You might mention it casually but SOME take what you say to heart.

We, us, The BAHAMIAN ppl. have done a POOR job of managing these issues...That's a naive take on this situation, if I may say so. I suggest that you do a bit of research and find out exactly who was/is behind the top deals in immigration and also try to find out who is who, who knows who, and who pays who.

But they are still here! The riots were in 2005, this is 2008!!!!

The magistrate made an order in 2005, but it was found that her decision was ultra vires. As for the family denying the incident, I don't expect them to do anything else. They should have explained why the area was littered with the rocks and bottles that they had thrown at the police cars.

Excuse me, but what Bahamas do you live in?
Obviously not the false and delusional one you appear to be living in, Thank God... :sarcastic

And Xenophobia? Take your blatant misuse of that word elsewhere! Look at the examples here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xenophobia and tell me if The Bahamas even remotely compares to those places.
IMO, xenophobia is an appropriate term to describe the general negative attitude that Bahamians have toward Haitians and the maltreatment they receive in Bahamian Society.

I bet you had to look up the meaning, didn’t you? But Wikipedia, had you used a more scholarly publication perhaps you would’ve readily grasped the meaning and we would not be having this absurd conversation. As for the examples offered in Wikipedia, perhaps they are a more extreme; nonetheless, the Bahamas does fits the definition, in regards to the maltreatment of Haitian immigrants... :taped2:

The Bahamas is NOT a xenophobic nation. Whoever started tossing that word around a few years ago in an attempt to describe the Haitian situation here in The Bahamas is an idiot!
You are entitled to your opinion, but stay away from the masked personal attacks, it unbecoming of a “moderator”. :voodoo:

For your edification, the following video from you tube is a MUST SEE, regardless of your view on the subject (BTW, that young Defence Force Officer in the video sounds just like the present commodore, aye? :shhh: ):

6Gi9didOIQ0

Bahamians have allowed Haitians to come here to live for the past few decades largely unhindered. We have fed them, clothed them, educated them, healed them, worked alongside them, let them have their children, and even allowed them to build entire villages outside of our housing laws. Not to mention the fact that at present we have at least three generations deep of Bahamians of Haitian descent. Again I ask, what Bahamas are you living in?
And I say again, obviously not the Bahamas you have been living in. :sarcastic See the video:

9S_wHMrWemw&amp;feature


They are not the "downtrodden" because of Bahamians. They are the "downtrodden" because of their own people who exploit their illegality and their desperation... If they were coming here legally they would be able to demand proper payment for their services. They also would be able to properly rent legal housing as they would not need to hide from law officials. And lastly, if they were going through the proper immigration channels they would not have to make the desperate choice to do the grunt work of this society.
Your sense of reasoning is awfully flawed. In fact, there are many Haitians with bona fide permanent residency, but encounter the same prejudicial treatment from Bahamians as their illegal counterparts. :footmouth

When things are done the RIGHT way, people empower themselves. However, when they choose to do things the underhanded way by sneaking into the country and openly breaking our immigration laws, they open the door for their own misfortune and exploitation!
So, what you are saying is that it’s the Haitian's fault that they are maltreated by us benevolent Bahamians...? :sarcastic Your bizarre and twisted obsession with their plight has apparently given you a warped sense of morality. :dgi: Watch part 2 of the video:

aBjDLWaNflg&amp;feature

Your assertion that Bahamians create ghettos for Haitians is so incorrect... As I said earlier, their illegality is what forces them to be exploited by their own: Firstly, to find thousands of dollars to get here (with a big risk of getting caught). Secondly, having to live in substandard conditions until their papers come through. Thirdly, to be in debt to those within their own society, who openly exploit their desperation. Fourthly, facing relative ambivalence as Bahamians have become frustrated at the constant breaking of our immigration/housing laws and the misuse of our educational/health systems. And finally, subjecting their children to stunted opportunities because of their inability to work until they are regularized, which is not a guaranteed process like most believe it is.
Firstly, you and most Bahamians would be surprised to know that many of the Haitian Sloops are owned by prominent Bahamian citizens. :taped:

Secondly, this is our country, how can illegal immigrants come here and develop a slum unless we and the authorities allow it. :confused:

Thirdly, these illegals may be taken advantage of by some of their own because of their desperation, but this does not exonerate the exploitation they receive from unscrupulous and corrupt Bahamian officials and citizens. :hot:

Fourthly, even the illegal Haitian within our society is entitled to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. :hammer: See part 3 of the video:

kNvmAGyhuCY&amp;feature

Get a clue and get the facts!
As usaual, “your eyes are wide shut”...

I refuted those videos two or three years ago, to the point that the ACTUAL director took them down off of Youtube because they realized that it was a concentrated story that did not tell the entire truth of the matter.

Anyone can make a documentary nowadays, and highlight any situation in a negative light. What's bad in that particular film is that other factors played a role in each of those person's stories and the way that the director portrayed Bahamian society was largely unfair and incorrect. The film does not take into account the immigration laws that relate to application after one becomes eighteen (or is a dependent of a naturalized citizen), as well as the fact that not everyone, regardless of education level, is guaranteed a work permit, residency or citizenship. One or two examples do not an entire country make.

Those examples contain generalizations that do not tell the whole truth for every Haitian or Bahamian of Haitian descent in this nation. The example of the guy going to visit the US involved the US EMBASSY, not ours, by the way. AND in his conversation before, he conveniently leaves out the fact that all of them in the "back there" (legal and illegal) are SQUATTING ILLEGALLY!

The concentrated misperceptions in those videos have caused some serious anger against Bahamians. You may not have been here to see when the last occurrence took place on this board, but the next time I'll just let the persons ramble on so that you can see for yourself the amount of venom spewed against The Bahamas. I'll be sure to point them directly in your direction and let you get cussed stink and labeled worse than Nazis or KKK members. I'll let them threaten your life privately, maybe then you will see what you are defending blindly.

Illegal immigration is why those who on the surface appear to be disenfranchised remain thus so. Other LEGAL immigrants rent apartments and tend to mix with the populous to a certain degree, but many illegal immigrants hide in the back of the bush because they don't have any papers, can't speak the language and sometimes even are held there to do subservient tasks by their own people - in particular younger girls thrust into prostitution and young men into gang activity.

Truth, you don't have the truth of the matter at all and you're just a pawn pushing propaganda for what is slowing congealing into an organized movement to flood this country with Haitians and Bahamians of Haitian descent. You hide behind your flag of human rights, but are guilty of ignoring the FLAG OF THE BAHAMAS and the rights of Bahamians to not be accused of being something that we do not represent and the right of our people to not have our border penetrated by foreign entities who have the potential to cause long term damage to this nation.

A similar scenario happened to help flush out the white leadership of this country years ago, when Sir Lynden Pindling and his associates advised the Bahamian community to have "plenty chirren" so as to increase our numbers. Now the cycle is repeating itself - not with Bahamians, but with immigrants. This country, unless we do something about it really soon, will never be the same.

As for your xenophobia accusation, you absolutely are incorrect to label my nation, my country, my people as xenophobic when we have done more than you ever dare to realize for the Haitian people. You dare to castigate the ENTIRE populous for a select FEW who truly do not like Haitians due to their own misunderstanding. You need to do better and realize who your people are. We are not as you portray us to be.

As for my examples that I gave you in my first response (despite their coming from Wikipedia), common sense should tell you that those examples are clear representations of xenophobia and The Bahamas' situation with Haitians is no where near any of those points. Your assertions are completely and utterly incorrect and do a great disservice to Bahamians on the whole. You are helping to fuel a misperception that can potentially lead to violence in this nation. Right now we have documented instances of persons within the borders of this nation who are latching onto every negative example they possibly could find to excuse their antisocial behavior! <sarcasm>Thank you very much for your patriotic addition to their cause.</sarcasm>

I honestly believe that you and others who share your view are so caught up in your "human rights" stances that you have lost all ability to see the negative long-term effect that illegal immigration by Haitians in particular is having on this country. You are the type who expects Bahamians to just roll over and take this blatant invasion of our country. No small BLACK nation that is aware of the examples of immigration nightmares within other small Black nations in Africa and even right here in the Caribbean, would continue to allow this to happen. Such refusal to learn from history is one reason why black nations and people often find it difficult to flourish. Instead of doing things the right way and respecting the laws of others, SOME persons always look out for themselves first and never look at the long term repercussions of their actions. Then on top of that they tend to find some "scapegoat" for the misfortune they face, instead of looking at their initial breach of the rules or laws.

Immigration laws are there for a purpose. Borders were created for a purpose. If Bahamians do not speak out in strict terms of what needs to happen, disaster will strike - Not from those Haitians and Bahamians of Haitian descent who appreciate this nation and what has been done for them, but from the persons who willingly have latched onto the generalizations and mistruths being spouted in this day and age about Bahamians and our treatment of Haitians.

You, "truth hurts", are guilty of incorrectly demonizing your own people! Your treasonous behavior is despicable and you will find that you will get little or no appreciation for your "efforts" in the long run by those who seek to undermine this Bahamian culture.

I refuted those videos two or three years ago, to the point that the ACTUAL director took them down off of YouTube because they realized that it was a concentrated story that did not tell the entire truth of the matter.
Even in your arrogance, at least you conceded that there was some degree of truth in the content of these videos. I cannot prove or disprove what you did three years ago, but I know for a fact that these videos are “alive and well” on YouTube and their content are as relevant to Bahamian Society today as it was three years ago.

In fact, they present a mirror image of Bahamian Society, offering a true reflection of the “Haitian Dilemma”. Unfortunately, those of us who harbour a “deep seeded” prejudice against the Haitians only distort the truth and perpetuate our complacency in formulating realistic and practical solutions to the problem.

We , as a society, can either pretend normal and pray that the “Haitian Dilemma” will simply go away or we can do as the director of this documentary did, research the problem, listen to those who are affected, present all side of the issues, and find workable solutions, both short term and long term. Otherwise, Bahamian Society will eventually implode from this vexing problem.

Anyone can make a documentary nowadays, and highlight any situation in a negative light. What's bad in that particular film is that other factors played a role in each of those person's stories and the way that the director portrayed Bahamian society was largely unfair and incorrect.
Then in that case, make your own documentary, one that supposedly takes a “negative topic” and present it in a “positive light”. IMO, this is an improbable task if you are being forthright. One cannot sugar coat bitter aloe and expect it to taste sweet.

Anyone with common sense, who views these videos, should realise that those interviewed are presenting their personal perception, and “a man’s perception is his reality”. As for the director of this particular documentary, I applaud his courage to produce a very candid and honest film on this controversial topic.

The film does not take into account the immigration laws that relate to application after one becomes eighteen (or is a dependent of a naturalized citizen), as well as the fact that not everyone, regardless of education level, is guaranteed a work permit, residency or citizenship. One or two examples do not an entire country make.
Yes, you are correct that no one is GUARANTEED a work permit, residency or citizenship. Herein lies the problem, I will spell it out for you, C-O-R-R-U-P-T-I-O-N. Most Haitians applying for immigration status will tell you that unless at least $2,000 is paid to corrupt immigration officials, along with the normal application fees, one can expect inordinate delays due to “misplaced” or lost files.

Remember the late Anna Nicole fiasco? Her application for citizenship was fast tracked, in record time. Yet there are thousands of Haitian-Bahamians who are born here, but have been waiting years for approval of their citizenship application. Unless we regularise the status of these individuals, and stop treating them as second class citizens, we will continue to have feel the negative effects of this failure on our society.

In fact, I personally know an intelligent Haitian-Bahamian who attended COB full-time and had to work full-time to pay the foreign students’ fees, which are much higher than the regular fees, as her Bahamian Citizenship has yet to be approved. She applied on her 18th birthday for citizen status, and has since graduated from COB with a BS degree in Banking and Finance. Unfortunately, the scope of possible employment remains limited because of current status. Many of these young man and woman, born on Bahamian soil, but are “without a country”, risk their lives to enter the U.S. for better opportunities. Those who are left behind, especially without any college or a trade, develop a sense of hopelessness. Many are now engaging in illicit activities, such as drug dealing, to survive.

Those examples contain generalizations that do not tell the whole truth for every Haitian or Bahamian of Haitian descent in this nation. The example of the guy going to visit the US involved the US EMBASSY, not ours, by the way. AND in his conversation before, he conveniently leaves out the fact that all of them in the "back there" (legal and illegal) are SQUATTING ILLEGALLY!
The situation in Abaco was created by the native Abaconians. The Haitians provided cheap farm labourers to tend their farms. The land they squatted on is low-lying and most citizens of Marsh Harbour considers it uninhabitable. They had failed to take into account that the Haitians would procreate, naturally, and increase their presence over the years.

I have been to the MUD in Marsh Harbour, and find the conditions there deplorable, a threat to public health. This is our Bahamas; it is up to us to come up with humane and practical solutions to the “Haitian Dilemma”. Those who have profited from hiring legal Haitian Labourers should be made to pay, either by levying heavy fines, or incarceration. Moreover, legislation should be introduced to provide migrant farm workers’ permits for a fixed (seasonal) period, with the stipulation they return to Haiti when the harvest season has concluded.

The concentrated misperceptions in those videos have caused some serious anger against Bahamians.[/B] You may not have been here to see when the last occurrence took place on this board, but the next time I'll just let the persons ramble on so that you can see for yourself the amount of venom spewed against The Bahamas. I'll be sure to point them directly in your direction and let you get cussed stink and labeled worse than Nazis or KKK members. I'll let them threaten your life privately, maybe then you will see what you are defending blindly.
YOUR ALARMIST ATTITUDE is both STUPID and UNPRODUCTIVE, and it does not move me. Most intelligent folks viewing these videos will see them for what they are. The Bahamas legal immigrant problem is not unlike that in other countries around the world suffering a similar fate. Even the U.S. is concerned about Haitian economic refugees landing on the shores of Southern Florida.

We are a small nation with limited resources; therefore, it would behove the government to enter into bi-lateral agreements with the U.S. to stem the tide of illegal Haitian Immigrants through our archipelago, as we are the gateway to Southern Florida. Moreover, decades of instability in Haiti have been the main contributor to this problem. Therefore, the Bahamas should prioritise talks with the UN, the European Union and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to find long term solutions which would bring political and economic stability to Haiti.

Illegal immigration is why those who on the surface appear to be disenfranchised remain thus so. Other LEGAL immigrants rent apartments and tend to mix with the populous to a certain degree, but many illegal immigrants hide in the back of the bush because they don't have any papers, can't speak the language and sometimes even are held there to do subservient tasks by their own people - in particular younger girls thrust into prostitution and young men into gang activity.
This may be so, but conversely, our failure to incorporate an effective National Plan to curb the proliferation of illegal Haitian Immigrants in the Bahamas has contributed to a myriad of societal problems. Fact, Haitians provide cheap labour for our economy and are exploited mainly by Bahamians. Generally, they have poor working conditions and earn salaries below minimum wage. Fact, our ineffective security forces and corrupt officials must all share in the blame.

Ask yourself, how is it that slow moving Haitian Sloops are able to offload illegal immigrants on the southern shores of New Providence? How it is that electricity is connected to dwellings in Haitian shanty towns, built without proper permits, in the back of the bush? Who is collecting the exorbitant rent from Haitians living in these substandard dwellings? Yes, some Haitians may exploit their own people, but once again, this is our land, and it is up to us to find solutions.

Truth, you don't have the truth of the matter at all and you're just a pawn pushing propaganda for what is slowing congealing into an organized movement to flood this country with Haitians and Bahamians of Haitian descent. You hide behind your flag of human rights, but are guilty of ignoring the FLAG OF THE BAHAMAS and the rights of Bahamians to not be accused of being something that we do not represent and the right of our people to not have our border penetrated by foreign entities who have the potential to cause long term damage to this nation.
Firstly, let me state unequivocally that I am a strong ADVOCATE for the enforcement of Bahamian Immigration Laws, and I believe strongly that any nation worth its salt must be capable of controlling its borders and judiciously enforcing its immigration laws.

I implore you to get of your soap box with the violin concerto playing in the background. Metaphorically speaking, you need a slap in the face so you can weak up to reality. The words you chose to convey your feelings are xenophobic in nature. There is NO conspiracy by some organised element to take over the Bahamas. All things been equal, most refugees would prefer to stay at HOME in their country of birth, and the Haitians are no different.

As for the Haitian-Bahamians, who were born here and raised in our society, they are, for the most part, culturally Bahamian. The only humane solution is to allow these individuals, who qualify, to quickly assimilate into our society by regularising their status. Anything less is unrealistic and cruel, as we now have a group of angry young men and women raised in Bahamian Society without any sense of belongingness. This is a recipe for disaster.

A similar scenario happened to help flush out the white leadership of this country years ago, when Sir Lynden Pindling and his associates advised the Bahamian community to have "plenty chirren" so as to increase our numbers. Now the cycle is repeating itself - not with Bahamians, but with immigrants. This country, unless we do something about it really soon, will never be the same.
Let me offer you another reality check. Bahamians of African Decent have outnumbered whites by almost seven to one, even before independence. While we may constitute a majority of the population, approximately ninety percent of the wealth in our country is controlled by less than ten percent of the population. Please note that there are many poor whites in this ninety percentile, but the majority of the ten percentile consist mostly of whites and a small percentage of blacks. And, as in all western capitalistic systems, “He, who has the gold, makes the rules...”

If Sir Lynden was truly concerned with empowering the people, he should have tried to eliminate poverty, increased economic possibilities through education and other social development programs. Merely telling people to increase and multiply does not equate to economic power, it only ensured over-population in the grass root areas of New Providence.

As for your xenophobia accusation, you absolutely are incorrect to label my nation, my country, my people as xenophobic when we have done more than you ever dare to realize for the Haitian people. You dare to castigate the ENTIRE populous for a select FEW who truly do not like Haitians due to their own misunderstanding. You need to do better and realize who your people are. We are not as you portray us to be.
I chose the term “xenophobia” to describe the prevailing negative attitude that most Bahamians have towards Haitian, and Jamaican Nationals, as well.

To set the record straight, I did not criticize the entire POPULACE of the Bahamas, as this would have been absurd. IMO, you are extremely arrogant to presume to speak for all the people of the Bahamas by invoking the royal “we”. The Bahamas is a democracy, at least the last time I checked, where one is permitted to express his or her opinion without persecution. Obviously, not all Bahamians will share my views, as I am certain I do not share your views. But, on this honourable forum, we can respectfully agree to disagree.

As for my examples that I gave you in my first response (despite their coming from Wikipedia), common sense should tell you that those examples are clear representations of xenophobia and The Bahamas' situation with Haitians is no where near any of those points. Your assertions are completely and utterly incorrect and do a great disservice to Bahamians on the whole. You are helping to fuel a misperception that can potentially lead to violence in this nation. Right now we have documented instances of persons within the borders of this nation who are latching onto every negative example they possibly could find to excuse their antisocial behavior! <sarcasm>Thank you very much for your patriotic addition to their cause.</sarcasm>
How dare you question my patriotism? I have served with a government security force tasked with enforcing the immigration laws of the Bahamas and protecting our borders. How many Bahamians can stand up and say that they answered the call to serve their country, sometimes risking life and limb. I know I can, can you?

Again, your pontifical and fear mongering rhetoric is a perfect example of xenophobia. I rest my case.

I honestly believe that you and others who share your view are so caught up in your "human rights" stances that you have lost all ability to see the negative long-term effect that illegal immigration by Haitians in particular is having on this country. You are the type who expects Bahamians to just roll over and take this blatant invasion of our country. No small BLACK nation that is aware of the examples of immigration nightmares within other small Black nations in Africa and even right here in the Caribbean, would continue to allow this to happen. Such refusal to learn from history is one reason why black nations and people often find it difficult to flourish. Instead of doing things the right way and respecting the laws of others, SOME persons always look out for themselves first and never look at the long term repercussions of their actions. Then on top of that they tend to find some "scapegoat" for the misfortune they face, instead of looking at their initial breach of the rules or laws.
I can hardly believe these are the words of an intelligent and objective moderator on this forum. Let me leave you with this bit of information about a scam going on at the Detention Centre. According to reliable sources, upwards to $2000 is paid to corrupt Immigration and Defence Force Officers to release an illegal Haitian. During the night, a “round up” of Haitians is conducted to replace those who had been released through these brides, so the next day the numbers would add up to the original count.

In this particular case, who do you suppose have breached the law?

Immigration laws are there for a purpose. Borders were created for a purpose. If Bahamians do not speak out in strict terms of what needs to happen, disaster will strike - Not from those Haitians and Bahamians of Haitian descent who appreciate this nation and what has been done for them, but from the persons who willingly have latched onto the generalizations and mistruths being spouted in this day and age about Bahamians and our treatment of Haitians.
Do not lecture me on the purpose of the Immigration Laws of the Bahamas or the protection of its borders; I know the law far better than you, as I said, I was once sworn to uphold, defend and protect our borders as an officer in our security forces.

Moreover, your conclusion that”disaster will strike” from persons who opposes the maltreatment of Haitians is not only illogical and but without foundation.

You, "truth hurts", are guilty of incorrectly demonizing your own people! Your treasonous behavior is despicable and you will find that you will get little or no appreciation for your "efforts" in the long run by those who seek to undermine this Bahamian culture.
And you Sir are guilty of xenophobia, and stupidity, as well. You offer absolutely nothing of substance to help solve the problem of the “Haitian Dilemma”. My views are my view, you certainly do not have to agree with them, but to describe them as “demonising your own” or “treasonous behaviour” is beyond the pale. Throughout this thread you have done nothing more than promote hated among our people and provided a skewed view of the causations of the illegal Haitian immigrant problem.

Firstly, Bahamians must take responsibility for their own actions which have contributed and perpetuated this problem.

Secondly, as I have previously outlined in this post, we must come to grips with reality and implement realistic solutions, both long short term and long term to solve the problem.

Lastly, if you offer a compliant, be prepared to offer a solution, otherwise do not waste your time or mine, for that matter, on this hounourable forum.

Even in your arrogance, at least you conceded that there was some degree of truth in the content of these videos. I cannot prove or disprove what you did three years ago, but I know for a fact that these videos are “alive and well” on YouTube and their content are as relevant to Bahamian Society today as it was three years ago.
In fact, they present a mirror image of Bahamian Society, offering a true reflection of the “Haitian Dilemma”. Unfortunately, those of us who harbour a “deep seeded” prejudice against the Haitians only distort the truth and perpetuate our complacency in formulating realistic and practical solutions to the problem.They are not accurate depictions and, as I said, the actual director took them down.

The persons who are reposting that documentary at this point simply wish to paint The Bahamas in a negative light to the world. Thus my simple response to them and those who agree with the misguided and biased videos in question is that if Haitians actually would fix their own problems, or even abide by the laws of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, none of them (nor their children) would be in this "boat", or be forced to face the situations that A SMALL MINORITY OF THEM cry out against, as they casually ignore their initial infractions against this nation.


We , as a society, can either pretend normal and pray that the “Haitian Dilemma” will simply go away or we can do as the director of this documentary did, research the problem, listen to those who are affected, present all side of the issues, and find workable solutions, both short term and long term. Otherwise, Bahamian Society will eventually implode from this vexing problem.[/B]
Then in that case, make your own documentary, one that supposedly takes a “negative topic” and present it in a “positive light”. IMO, this is an improbable task if you are being forthright. One cannot sugar coat bitter aloe and expect it to taste sweet. False. The director did NOT do accurate research and did not seek to offer balanced commentary in this documentary.

HE DID NOT SEEK OUT THE MANY SUCCESS STORIES OF HAITIANS AND BAHAMIANS OF HAITIAN DESCENT, WHICH NUMBER FAR MORE THAN THE 3 OR 4 NEGATIVE EXAMPLES HE HIGHLIGHTED. THE EXAMPLES IN THAT DOCUMENTARY UNFAIRLY PAINT A STORY OF THIS BAHAMAS THAT YOU AS A BAHAMIAN SHOULD KNOW IS NOT TRUE FOR THE MAJORITY!

Anyone with common sense, who views these videos, should realise that those interviewed are presenting their personal perception, and “a man’s perception is his reality”. As for the director of this particular documentary, I applaud his courage to produce a very candid and honest film on this controversial topic. Then you are just as jaded as he was when he INITIALLY made it. The difference is that he realized his mistake AFTER HE WAS TOLD THE TRUTH.

Yes, you are correct that no one is GUARANTEED a work permit, residency or citizenship. Herein lies the problem, I will spell it out for you, C-O-R-R-U-P-T-I-O-N. Most Haitians applying for immigration status will tell you that unless at least $2,000 is paid to corrupt immigration officials, along with the normal application fees, one can expect inordinate delays due to “misplaced” or lost files. Corruption often exhibits itself when there is a situation that can be exploited. The breaking of immigration laws by Haitians who are desperate to find a new life sparked this atmosphere of exploitation. You should know that some of those who facilitate this corruption are either Bahamians of Haitian descent or Haitian themselves.


In fact, I personally know an intelligent Haitian-Bahamian who attended COB full-time and had to work full-time to pay the foreign students’ fees, which are much higher than the regular fees, as her Bahamian Citizenship has yet to be approved. She applied on her 18th birthday for citizen status, and has since graduated from COB with a BS degree in Banking and Finance. Unfortunately, the scope of possible employment remains limited because of current status. Many of these young man and woman, born on Bahamian soil, but are “without a country”, risk their lives to enter the U.S. for better opportunities. Those who are left behind, especially without any college or a trade, develop a sense of hopelessness. Many are now engaging in illicit activities, such as drug dealing, to survive. Such an endearing story, but do you know who the responsibility lies upon for that person's problem? HER PARENTS!

You and others of your ilk wish the BAHAMIAN government to change a law based upon the irresponsible behavior of those who did not seek to inform themselves about the immigration laws of this Bahamaland. Perhaps it needs to be stamped at the top of every permit that children of permit-holders are not guaranteed citizenship within the borders of this nation. THIS IS THE LAW! Some are given citizenship based upon quotas/other criteria and others unfortunately are not awarded the privileged. Get that? ACCORDING TO THE LAW, CITIZENSHIP (in that instance) IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT!

So now answer this question...who exactly do you think should have the right to modify or influence BAHAMIAN LAW? Bahamians or Permit Holders?

And here is a CORRECTION to your statement that those persons are stateless. Those children who are born to Haitian permit holders are Haitian citizens, according to the laws of their country and the laws of The Bahamas. Their passport is readily available any time they want it. This may sound harsh, but it is FACT!


The situation in Abaco was created by the native Abaconians. The Haitians provided cheap farm labourers to tend their farms. The land they squatted on is low-lying and most citizens of Marsh Harbour considers it uninhabitable. They had failed to take into account that the Haitians would procreate, naturally, and increase their presence over the years.
I have been to the MUD in Marsh Harbour, and find the conditions there deplorable, a threat to public health. Oh, so it is the fault of Bahamians that persons come here and break our immigration, squatting and housing laws. That's really sneaky of you, to attempt to remove the responsibility of breaking the laws from the persons who actually are the ones breaking them.

This is our Bahamas; it is up to us to come up with humane and practical solutions to the “Haitian Dilemma”. Those who have profited from hiring legal Haitian Labourers should be made to pay, either by levying heavy fines, or incarceration. Moreover, legislation should be introduced to provide migrant farm workers’ permits for a fixed (seasonal) period, with the stipulation they return to Haiti when the harvest season has concluded.I can agree with this

Most intelligent folks viewing these videos will see them for what they are. The Bahamas legal immigrant problem is not unlike that in other countries around the world suffering a similar fate. Even the U.S. is concerned about Haitian economic refugees landing on the shores of Southern Florida. No. Our case is quite unique. We are at risk of being dissolved as a people as they are a nation of 8-9 million versus our nation of just over 350,000 people.

Moreover, decades of instability in Haiti have been the main contributor to this problem. Therefore, the Bahamas should prioritise talks with the UN, the European Union and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to find long term solutions which would bring political and economic stability to Haiti. [/B]Stop talking to hear yourself. The UN is in Haiti right now and have their hands quite full. It's the people there who are not going along with the program. Millions of dollars in aid are waiting to be released as soon as the situation is stabilized.


Fact, Haitians provide cheap labour for our economy and are exploited mainly by Bahamians. Generally, they have poor working conditions and earn salaries below minimum wage. OFTEN BECAUSE THEY ARE ILLEGAL. Any permit holder in this country is able to approach the police or the labor board if they see that they are being taken advantage of. Or they can simply find another job! No man is held here except by his own will.


Fact, our ineffective security forces and corrupt officials must all share in the blame.
Ask yourself, how is it that slow moving Haitian Sloops are able to offload illegal immigrants on the southern shores of New Providence? How it is that electricity is connected to dwellings in Haitian shanty towns, built without proper permits, in the back of the bush? Who is collecting the exorbitant rent from Haitians living in these substandard dwellings? Yes, some Haitians may exploit their own people, but once again, this is our land, and it is up to us to find solutions. [/B]Once again, whatever happened to people not breaking the laws of a foreign nation? Does their sense of responsibility go right out of the window? If they don't break the laws, they can live a comfortable life, not being exploited by their own people.


Metaphorically speaking, you need a slap in the face so you can weak up to reality. Oh really...I'll keep this in mind


The words you chose to convey your feelings are xenophobic in nature. There is NO conspiracy by some organised element to take over the Bahamas. False. I present facts. And despite your careless tossing about of that word, you need to realize that you are in no way applying it correctly. You have lost your sense of loyalty to this nation to such a degree that you dare to defend a clear scenario which happens a blatant risk to our national security and then falsely label your own people xenophobic for speaking out against it.

All things been equal, most refugees would prefer to stay at HOME in their country of birth, and the Haitians are no different. Have you heard the latest news reports that The Bahamas is bracing itself for an increased influx of Haitian nationals? I guess not.


As for the Haitian-Bahamians, who were born here and raised in our society, they are, for the most part, culturally Bahamian. The only humane solution is to allow these individuals, who qualify, to quickly assimilate into our society by regularising their status. Anything less is unrealistic and cruel, as we now have a group of angry young men and women raised in Bahamian Society without any sense of belongingness. This is a recipe for disaster. [/B]As I said before, this is a situation that is controlled by BAHAMIAN LAW. Their parents chose to take the risk of having kids here and those Bahamians of Haitian descent are facing the challenges caused by that irresponsible behavior. The law is the law. This makes it all the more imperative that each permit holder be told in no uncertain terms that their children are in no way "anchor babies". We do not at present have a law that automatically gives citizenship to babies born to foreign parents.

The law is clear.

If Sir Lynden was truly concerned with empowering the people, he should have tried to eliminate poverty, increased economic possibilities through education and other social development programs. Merely telling people to increase and multiply does not equate to economic power, it only ensured over-population in the grass root areas of New Providence. [/B]That's written in the history books. What's your point?

How dare you question my patriotism? I have served with a government security force tasked with enforcing the immigration laws of the Bahamas and protecting our borders. How many Bahamians can stand up and say that they answered the call to serve their country, sometimes risking life and limb. I know I can, can you?I can question the patriotism of anyone that I please. You in particular need to be questioned because you are not looking at this situation from the perspective of the law. It is because of loose opinions on this immigration situation, such as yours, that have this country in this predicament. Every time someone dares to speak out on behalf of this country or government personnel attempts to do something about illegal immigration, someone like you comes along spouting words like xenophobia and racism. Persons like yourself fail to realize that it is because of our past "soft behavior" regarding illegal immigration that this situation has gotten out of hand.



[B]I can hardly believe these are the words of an intelligent and objective moderator on this forum. Let me leave you with this bit of information about a scam going on at the Detention Centre. According to reliable sources, upwards to $2000 is paid to corrupt Immigration and Defence Force Officers to release an illegal Haitian. During the night, a “round up” of Haitians is conducted to replace those who had been released through these brides, so the next day the numbers would add up to the original count.
In this particular case, who do you suppose have breached the law? As I said...desperation leads to corruption and hence exploitation. The solution is simple. Don't come here illegally and there would be no one in the detention center to pay any bribes. Breaking immigration law in this country is a chain reaction of events that is not conducive to success in the long term.

Do not lecture me on the purpose of the Immigration Laws of the Bahamas or the protection of its borders; I know the law far better than you, as I said, I was once sworn to uphold, defend and protect our borders as an officer in our security forces. I don't care if you were the commodore of the defense force. You obviously did not see enough while there to know how bad this situation is and neither do you have sufficient understanding of the law to know exactly who to place the root blame of the problems with illegal immigration on.


My views are my view, you certainly do not have to agree with them, but to describe them as “demonising your own” or “treasonous behaviour” is beyond the pale. That is indeed what your views are: "demonising your own” and “treasonous behaviour”. Who exactly are you defending in this tirade of yours? And who are you attacking?

Throughout this thread you have done nothing more than promote hated among our people and provided a skewed view of the causations of the illegal Haitian immigrant problem. False. I do NOT promote hate. I am promoting respect for the laws of this Commonwealth of The Bahamas.I sincerely hope that over time people will see that breaking the immigration/housing laws to suit one's own purposes has longstanding repercussions, even into future generations.



Lastly, if you offer a compliant, be prepared to offer a solution, otherwise do waste your time or mine, for that matter, on this hounourable forum.I do as I please, so don't you talk nonsense about wasting time. You and your unpatriotically sympathetic opinions are the waste of time here.

I am promoting respect for the laws of this Commonwealth of The Bahamas. I sincerely hope that over time people will see that breaking the immigration/housing laws to suit one's own purposes has longstanding repercussions, even into future generations.

You and your unpatriotically sympathetic opinions are the waste of time here.

:hammer:

They are not accurate depictions and, as I said, the actual director took them down.
Mr. Brown, once again, these videos are quite accurate. As I said, I have been to Abaco, visited Marsh Harbour, and talked to the residents of the Mud. If you want to dispute the facts depicted in these videos, then you should either have first-hand knowledge or at least get to know the facts, otherwise, your comments lack validity.

It is a fact that most illegal Haitian Immigrants work in the most menial jobs in our society, the ones, no matter how much the salary, you simply cannot find many Bahamians seeking that sort of work, i.e. farm hand, gardener, domestic worker, etc. Most economists will admit that the illegal Haitian worker contributes significantly to the Bahaman economy.

Furthermore, I have yet to be accosted at an intersection, when stopped at a red traffic light, by a Haitian “jonser” coming to my car and begging for “dollar”. In general, Haitians, legally or illegally, seek gainful employment and are as industrious as the average Bahamian. They do not seek handouts, only honest hard work.

As you well know, most illegal Haitians are economic refugees, not unlike Bahamians about a century ago in Southern Florida. Haiti is the poorest nation in our region, with 75% unemployment rate, a life expectancy of 48 years and an extremely high infant mortality rate. After decades of neo-colonial interference, international ostracising, political and civil unrest, corruption, unstable governments, the Haitian’s economy is almost nonexistence. With the average income at about $500 dollars per annum, I will venture to say that there are some Bahamians who could be one pay check away from a similar financial fate.

Bahamians tend to forget their history; in the early twentieth century the sponging industry here in our country was destroyed by a parasite, which resulted in the collapse of the economy. Many Bahamians fled to Southern Florida seeking economic relief, and were forced to work in menial jobs. My grandmother was one of those Bahamians, at the tender age of sixteen she left Nassau and was employed as a laundress in Key West. She spoke bitterly of the harsh working conditions and the rampant racism in the “Jim Crow” south. Homesick and overcome with grief, she returned to her native Bahamas and became a pioneer in the straw vendors’ industry here in the capital.

The persons who are reposting that documentary at this point simply wish to paint The Bahamas in a negative light to the world.
Pure conjecture, you do not know what motivated these individuals to post these videos. I submit to you that they may only want the truth to be told in regards the Haitian Dilemma in the Bahamas.

Thus my simple response to them and those who agree with the misguided and biased videos in question is that if Haitians actually would fix their own problems, or even abide by the laws of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, none of them (nor their children) would be in this "boat", or be forced to face the situations that A SMALL MINORITY OF THEM cry out against, as they casually ignore their initial infractions against this nation.
These videos are neither misguided nor biased. In fact, we are all in the same “boat”, both Haitians and Bahamians. It appears that you have chosen to ignore the regional conditions, and those in Haiti, in particular, which have forced these economic refugees to flee their homeland in the first place. The “Haitian Dilemma” was not created by Haitians alone; therefore, it is asinine to expect them to resolve it alone. Haiti does not exist in a vacuum, and nor does the Bahamas.

Corruption often exhibits itself when there is a situation that can be exploited. The breaking of immigration laws by Haitians who are desperate to find a new life sparked this atmosphere of exploitation. You should know that some of those who facilitate this corruption are either Bahamians of Haitian descent or Haitian themselves.
People do not commit crime because of opportunity; they commit crime because they make the wrong moral decision. Good parents, besides teaching their children “right from wrong”, also teach them the important value of “taking responsibility for their actions”.

I submit to you, the majority of those who participate in what has been coined as a “culture of corruption” in our Bahama Land are native Bahamians. But, no matter the causation, or the ethnicity of these corrupt officials, their actions are illicit, and in principle, they violate the laws of the Bahamas in the same manner as the illegal immigrant.

Such an endearing story, but do you know who the responsibility lies upon for that person's problem? HER PARENTS!
I submit to you, we cannot point the finger at this young person’s parents for our Immigration Department’s inefficiency. Your skewed reasoning and sense of ethics would have society not only punish the serial rapist for his crimes, but his parents as well because they were responsible for birth; this is utter nonsense.

Note: This story was not meant to be “endearing”, nor is it an isolated one. This Haitian-Bahamian young lady, who was born and raised in our society, succeeded against all odds. In fact, Haitian-Bahamians make up the majority of students who excel in our education system, including at the tertiary level. It is unjust and cruel for the application process for citizenship to have such an inordinate period before a determination is made; to my understanding this can sometimes take a number of years. The solution is not in finger pointing, but investigating why the process takes as long as it does, and exploring ways to improve its efficiency and response time.

This reminds me of a situation at the Defence Force, shortly after the present Commodore assumed command, he declared that he was “weeding out all the Haitians (Haitian-Bahamian) from the Force”, and will have them “dismissed” immediately. IMO, these Haitian-Bahamians should have been commended for choosing to serve the country of their birth. It must have been extremely demoralising for these young marines, whose citizenship application were probably loss in that “great void” on the top of Hawkins Hill, to be told, “Your service is no longer desired, you are dismissed from the Force”.

Even the U.S. Armed Forces, under certain circumstances, allow foreign nationals to serve in their armed services, and as an added bonus, these foreign nationals, after a designated period , are automatically eligible to apply for an accelerated application for full-citizenship.

Perhaps similar legislation should be considered which would allow the Defence Force to accept applications from Haitian-Bahamians born here on a case by case basis. In general, Haitian-Bahamians are some of the more disciplined marines, and are very conscientious about going to sea and enforcing the laws of the Bahamas.

You and others of your ilk wish the BAHAMIAN government to change a law based upon the irresponsible behavior of those who did not seek to inform themselves about the immigration laws of this Bahamaland. Perhaps it needs to be stamped at the top of every permit that children of permit-holders are not guaranteed citizenship within the borders of this nation. THIS IS THE LAW! Some are given citizenship based upon quotas/other criteria and others unfortunately are not awarded the privileged. Get that? ACCORDING TO THE LAW, CITIZENSHIP (in that instance) IS A PRIVILEGE, NOT A RIGHT!
Firstly, I would venture to say that most Haitians are probably more cognizant of our immigration laws than we are. The facts of the matter are, when a child is born and raised in any society he or she adopts the culture of that society. Even if the parents are illegal and were deported, at age eighteen these children are still eligible to apply for Bahamian Citizenship.

Presently, there is a backlog of citizenship applications at Immigration. The result is a cadre of angry young Haitian-Bahamians, born and raised in the Bahamas, but disenfranchised and living on the fringe of society because of this exasperating situation. IMO, we need to move expeditiously, realistically, and judiciously to resolve these issues plaguing our society. WHAT VIABLE SOLUTIONS DO YOU OFFER, Mr. Brown, may I remind you that our constitution guarantees the fundamental rights of all persons, including the Haitian Immigrant?

So now answer this question...who exactly do you think should have the right to modify or influence BAHAMIAN LAW? Bahamians or Permit Holders?
I presume that this is a rhetorical question. However, let me remain you, once again, even Permit Holders are entitled to equal protection under the law.

And here is a CORRECTION to your statement that those persons are stateless. Those children who are born to Haitian permit holders are Haitian citizens, according to the laws of their country and the laws of The Bahamas. Their passport is readily available any time they want it. This may sound harsh, but it is FACT!
Yes, it is true that a child born of a Haitian mother or father is entitled to a Haitian Passport. But for you to imply that a Haitian Passport is “ready and waiting” for these individuals are false and misleading. There is an application process. Moreover, the Bahamas is signatory to international conventions that our immigration laws must conform. Hence, the provisions for Haitian-Bahamians, born in the Bahamas, to apply for Bahamian Citizenship at age eighteen.

I submit to you, Mr. Brown, if these Haitian parents fled their homeland because of hash adverse conditions, do you REALISTICALLY suppose that they want their child, who were born and raised in the Bahamas, to return to Haiti and suffer the same fate? In essence, these individuals are stateless.

Oh, so it is the fault of Bahamians that persons come here and break our immigration, squatting and housing laws. That's really sneaky of you, to attempt to remove the responsibility of breaking the laws from the persons who actually are the ones breaking them.
No, Mr. Brown, I never implied that it is the fault of Bahamians when persons disobey our immigration laws. Further, I am NOT advocating that those who violate our immigration laws should be exonerated. What I did say, was that those Bahamians who aid and abet illegal immigrants must take responsibility for their unlawful actions, which contributes to the overall problem.

No. Our case is quite unique. We are at risk of being dissolved as a people as they are a nation of 8-9 million versus our nation of just over 350,000 people.
Once again, you are an ALARMIST, Mr. Brown. Your incendiary and preposterous comments only feed the flames of hatred and incite violence against the members of our law abiding Haitian-Bahamian Community.

The Haitian Dilemma is a regional problem. Accordingly, effective international intervention is required, with combined efforts from the Bahamas, United States, Canada, France, the European Union, and CARICOM, to assist the Haitian people with formulating and implementing a sustainable national development plan. This will require a substantial amount of money, of course. But if the US can “nation build” in Iraq and Afghanistan, pumping in billions of dollars in support of this effort, surely a case can be made for a fraction of that amount in the re-development and stabilisation of Haiti, which is much closer to the U.S. mainland, and whose instability has had a more immediate effect. Only a stabilised and economically prosperous Haiti can alleviate the mass exodus of economic refugees to Southern Florida by way of the Bahamas.

Historically, Haiti is one of the most important nations in this hemisphere, becoming the first black republic in the region after a salve uprising defeated the great Army of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1804. Unfortunately, the Haitian Revolution and its significance are rarely found in western history books; but, it is conceivable that FRENCH could have been the dominant culture and language in the Americas if the Slave Rebellion did not destroy Napoleon’s ambitions of using Haiti as a base of operation for his conquest of the Americas.

In general, the indigenous population of the Bahamas have been mis-educated by their colonial masters, who have cultivated an almost “instinctual” mistrust of blacks from other nations in the region, particularly the Haitians. In fact, "Divide and conquer" was an actual doctrine used by the white slave masters to maintain control over the black slaves throughout the Caribbean.

Imagine if the Haitian Revolution had had a domino effect throughout the Caribbean region? Blacks would have had control of their destiny almost a century before the colonial powers eventually granted independence to these island nations. Wake up Bahamians, we, the people of the Caribbean are ONE people, with a COMMON destiny.

Stop talking to hear yourself. The UN is in Haiti right now and have their hands quite full. It's the people there who are not going along with the program. Millions of dollars in aid are waiting to be released as soon as the situation is stabilized.
Remove the scale from your eyes, Mr. Brown; it would not have been in the white man’s best interest to have a stabilised Haiti, back in the 1800s, as even today. Haiti symbolises black resilience over centuries of oppression. After the Haitian Revolution, a U.S. Secretary of State quipped, “a black nation in this hemisphere, unconscionable “.

Today, the neo-colonialist uses a more powerful tool to oppress people of colour throughout the world, by means of international organisations such as the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). It is known as “global economic racism.” And as the far as the UN is concerned, its efforts in Haiti is hinged on countries, such as the U.S., realistically increasing their financial support to ensure a successful outcome. In fact, the process of Haiti’s stabilization will remain stagnant until the US changes its racist foreign policies, and recognises that it is in their best interest to lean greater support to Haiti’s development. Bottom line, proper funding must be made available, along with a sustainable national development plan, for Haiti to realistically move towards stabilisation.

OFTEN BECAUSE THEY ARE ILLEGAL. Any permit holder in this country is able to approach the police or the labor board if they see that they are being taken advantage of. Or they can simply find another job! No man is held here except by his own will. Once again, whatever happened to people not breaking the laws of a foreign nation? Does their sense of responsibility go right out of the window? If they don't break the laws, they can live a comfortable life, not being exploited by their own people.
Even Bahamians, if they cannot afford the services of a lawyer, do not usually get full satisfaction from the Labour Board. And most cannot afford the cost of an attorney to pursue their labour disputes before the Industrial Tribunal.

It is rather pathetic that you continue to imply that the abuses which the illegal immigrants encounter are, basically, due to their “unlawful status”. At the same time, you seem to vindicate those who are involved in corrupt and illicit practices which exploits the legal immigrant. I submit to you, Mr. Brown, “two wrongs do not make a right”, and no matter what the immigration status of the victim, he or she is still entitled to equal protection under the law.

I present facts. And despite your careless tossing about of that word, you need to realize that you are in no way applying it correctly. You have lost your sense of loyalty to this nation to such a degree that you dare to defend a clear scenario which happens a blatant risk to our national security and then falsely label your own people xenophobic for speaking out against it.
I submit to you, Mr. Brown, it is you who have lost your sense of loyalty to our nation. Being patriotic is not beating one’s chest, and crying “my country, “right or wrong”. On the contrary, it is standing up for the principles on which our country was built, even if your views are unpopular. IMO, the greater risk to our national security is not the illegal Haitian economic Refugee, but by far, those “xenophobic” individuals of our citizenry, whose prejudicial views are in contrast to the democratic principles that our nation was built on, and, directly or indirectly opposes the rule of law and natural justice.

Have you heard the latest news reports that The Bahamas is bracing itself for an increased influx of Haitian nationals? I guess not.
We live in a global village, Mr. Brown, certain occurrences in one part of the world, could invariably, affect another part. Case in point, the US, the world’s only superpower, invaded Iraq in the Middle East, under the guise that they had in their possession weapons of mass destruction. This has caused instability and great anxiety in the region, where the oil rich nations are, and he majority of the world’s fossil fuel is produced.

As the conflict has drawn out, the cost of fuel has steadily risen. Moreover, the US began slipping into a recession due to the catastrophic cost of the war. As our touristic economy is directly affected by the US economy, we are also feeling the effects of the war in Iraq. In other words, when the US economy sneezes, the Bahamian economy s catches pneumonia. Moreover, the majority of our imports are from the US, including food basket items.

Naturally, Haiti, being the poorest nation in our region has been grossly affected by these events. Imagine if Bahamians are complaining of the high cost of fuel at the gas pump, and, the consequent escalating price of food items at the grocery, one should not be surprised of reported food riots in Haiti. With the high level of desperation in Haiti, we should act quickly, through strong diplomatic efforts, both regional and international, to alleviate the growing crisis in Haiti, and hopefully, head off an anticipated mass exodus of Haitian economic refugees.

As I said before, this is a situation that is controlled by BAHAMIAN LAW. Their parents chose to take the risk of having kids here and those Bahamians of Haitian descent are facing the challenges caused by that irresponsible behavior.
Mr. Brown, please explain what you meant by, “their parents risked having kids in the Bahamas”, and define, “irresponsible behaviour.” If you are referring to the Haitian Immigrant raising a family, then, IMO, these are legitimate concerns as the Haitian population is estimated at approximately 90,000 out of a nation of 300,000 people. However, I believe it is hardly the Haitian who is at risk. The risk is being taken by Bahamians, those who continue to perpetuate the illegal trade through their illicit and corrupt practices. Moreover, the “irresponsible behaviour” has been exhibited by our nation leaders, not Haitian parents, for their failure to find viable solutions, both long term and short term to the Haitian Dilemma.

The law is the law. This makes it all the more imperative that each permit holder be told in no uncertain terms that their children are in no way "anchor babies". We do not at present have a law that automatically gives citizenship to babies born to foreign parents.
FYI, it has been said that the first PM of the Bahamas was from Haiti, by way of Jamaica. There are many prominent Bahamas who are of Haitian roots. Human migration has taken place, regardless of the circumstances, since the existence of man.

The history of Haiti and the Bahamas, are very much intertwined. Did you know that the Duvaliers, “Papa Doc”, and his son “Baby Doc”, the last dictators of Haiti, who were nothing more than puppets for the neo-colonialist, had roots that could be traced to Inagua?

That's written in the history books. What's your point?
Since you missed my point, PM me and we can discuss it.

I can question the patriotism of anyone that I please. You in particular need to be questioned because you are not looking at this situation from the perspective of the law.
You are extremely presumptuous, I will reiterate, I am one of those charged with enforcing the laws as a member of our security forces. Again I ask, have you ever served our country? Next time stick to the facts and do not question my patriotism.

It is because of loose opinions on this immigration situation, such as yours, that have this country in this predicament. Every time someone dares to speak out on behalf of this country or government personnel attempts to do something about illegal immigration, someone like you comes along spouting words like xenophobia and racism.
You and I, both, living in a democracy, are entitled to voice our opinions on national issues. I may or may not agree with the government’s position, which is my purgative. What we do NOT have is the right to deliberately distort the facts, create an atmosphere of fear and incite violence against anyone, legal or illegal in our society, as we all are entitled to equal protection under the law.

Case in point: The present Commander of the Defence Force, upon assuming office, violated the laws of the Bahamas by forming a commando unit that operated outside the scope of the Defence Force Act. The men in this unit, which was not a part of the regular RBDF Command Structure, wore black camouflage uniforms and reported directly to the commodore. Dubbed the commodore’s personal security force, one day, this unit went on a commando raid in New Providence, searching for illegal Haitians. Subsequently, during the raid an unarmed Haitian National was shot in the thigh. Essentially, the RBDF is a maritime military organisation tasked with patrolling our vast archipelago. Whereby, the Bahamas Immigration is the civilian agency primarily responsible for enforcement of our immigration laws. The RBDF only has certain powers of arrest while at sea. While ashore, the RBDF, in most cases, cannot act on its own volition; it must be invited by the civil authorities to assist in law enforcement. This prevents the Commander Defence Force from surrounding parliament one day with his men, and declaring martial law. BTW, the Haitian National won the case, as the magistrate found that the Defence Force Commando Unit had operated outside the scope of its authority, and had used excessive force, as the injured man was unarmed. Even this Haitian National was entitled to equal protection under the laws of the Bahamas.

Persons like yourself fail to realize that it is because of our past "soft behavior" regarding illegal immigration that this situation has gotten out of hand.
What are you proposing, Mr. Brown, that we unleash an unbridled military commando unit, such as the commodore’s own, to wreck havoc in our community? If this is what we have come to, my fellow Bahamians, God help us.

As I said...desperation leads to corruption and hence exploitation. The solution is simple. Don't come here illegally and there would be no one in the detention center to pay any bribes. Breaking immigration law in this country is a chain reaction of events that is not conducive to success in the long term.
It appears that somewhere in your moral education, you must have missed an essential lesson, MR. Brown...

I don't care if you were the commodore of the defense force. You obviously did not see enough while there to know how bad this situation is and neither do you have sufficient understanding of the law to know exactly who to place the root blame of the problems with illegal immigration on.
Firstly, until you have witnessed hundreds of dead bodies floating in the ocean, as a result of drowning after an overcrowded Haitian sloop capsized, or until you have experienced seeing the flesh of a dead body peel off the its arm as you tried to pull it out of the sea, or until you had to dig a mass grave on a deserted cay to bury the hundreds of fatalities, or until you have experienced the smell of death and personally witnessed these horrific events, do NOT presume to lecture me on the GRAVITY of the situation.

Secondly, never did I use the word “BLAME” in any of my utterance. I mentioned “taking responsibly” for one’s own actions. In fact, blaming or finger pointing does absolutely nothing in helping to alleviate the “Haitian Dilemma” in our country.

That is indeed what your views are: "demonising your own” and “treasonous behaviour”. Who exactly are you defending in this tirade of yours? And who are you attacking?
Firstly, the truth does not “demonise”, Mr. Brown, it merely reveals what is evident. And if in your eyes, my actions are seemingly contemptuous, then perhaps the truth does “hurt”...

Secondly, since you have made yourself judge, jury, and executioner, having levied these very serious, but false and libellous charges against me, I ask you to define “treasonous” behaviour?

Lastly, my aim is neither to defend nor attack anyone. I have merely exercised my constitutional rights to express my opinion on this controversial national issue, which are based the facts as I know them. Moreover, I have noted some of the profound effects the Haitian Dilemma has on our society, while offering some common sense solutions.

If this is an “offense: in your eyes, Mr. Brown, then, “I am guilty as charged”...