1954 Convention Relating to the Status of stateless Persons
Article 1. - Definition of the term "stateless person"
1. For the purpose of this Convention, the term "stateless person" means a person who is not considered as a national by any State under the operation of its law.
2. This Convention shall not apply:
(i) To persons who are at present receiving from organs or agencies of the United Nations other than the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees protection or assistance so long as they are receiving such protection or assistance;
(ii) To persons who are recognized by the competent authorities of the country in which they have taken residence as having the rights and obligations which are attached to the possession of the nationality of that country;
(iii) To persons with respect to whom there are serious reasons for considering that:
( a ) They have committed a crime against peace, a war crime, or a crime against humanity, as defined in the international instruments drawn up to make provisions in respect of such crimes;
( b ) They have committed a serious non-political crime outside the country of their residence prior to their admission to that country;
( c ) They have been guilty of acts contrary to the purposes and principles of the United Nations.
So, realistically, many of the kids truth hurts 12 talks about are indeed 'stateless':hammer:....Your attempted explanation of a technicality fades in the face of the words of the Haitian ambassador who was featured in an interview on this topic and stated unequivocally that kids born to Haitian parents are not "stateless".

He declared with no hesitation that they can get their Haitian passports without fail upon their parents notifying and applying to the Embassy.

That alone validates that they are recognized as Haitian citizens. Truth Hurts is quoting inaccuracies. Reality is very different than the "academic paper" presented. The provisions discussed within did not address the exceptions that exist. And they do.

Throughout this discussion, I have tried to quote professional sources to back up my assertions and observations about the Haitian Dilemma. Name one you have offered in this discussion, Mr. Brown. In fact, you seem to be writing strictly from emotions, presenting a one-sided, often blatantly prejudicial, viewpoint. That's your opinion. At this point you're just a propagandist, trying to collect information from scattered and incorrect/outdated sources and misinterpreting them to suit your viewpoint. Nothing more.


For example, I am perplexed by your failure to even acknowledge the involvement of Bahamians in the illegal Haitian immigrant trade; you practically exonerate the Bahamian Businessman for hiring illegal Haitians, shifting their responsibly or complacency in the proliferation of the problem on the illegal Haitians.Bahamian businessmen who hire illegal immigrants are vastly in the minority. Your inclusion of them in this discussion is merely to convolute the issue.

The more tragic crime that is being ignored in this discussion is the invasion of a foreign territory, which opens the door to other greater social issues. Borders were created for a purpose and need to be respected.



Further, you claim to be a “patriotic” Bahamian, branding anyone who disagrees with you views as “un-Bahamian”, or a “traitor.” No. I am branding you and you alone as a traitor and un-Bahamian to boot.

What are you defending? Tell me truthfully. The situation at hand is one that you can throw all kinds of history and black connections at, but we are facing a unique reality at present - one that would not exist if present day Caribbean blacks would respect and honor the fact that we cannot and should not bend immigration laws to suit our own purposes. This is the root of this debate. Our society is not the US. We cannot absorb immigrants as freely and we cannot maintain the level of acceptance and freedom to allow our Caribbean brothers and sisters to "come on into the country" as we did 20-30 years ago.

We are at a saturation point that is unique to our culture and our society. Those who blindly defend the breaking of The Bahamas' immigration laws have not properly analyzed the long term repercussions of their decision to be "lenient" or understanding (and often have some vested interest in the continuation of that "leniency").

The Bahamas is just beginning to feel some of the effects that were caused by decisions made 15-30 years ago. Now it is time to reanalyze our strategies and approaches to illegal immigration. If you honestly cannot understand why it is imperative to crack down on and stop illegal immigration at this point, then nothing I will say will matter. Your vision of this country is impaired, biased or probably cannot reach further than a few years at a time.


“Therefore, The Bahamas follows the jus sanguinis law of nationality literally meaning the right of blood, where the nationality of the child follows that of one or both parents, irrespective of the birthplace of the child. If a child is born to Haitian parents in the Bahamas, that child does not automatically gain citizenship in the Bahamas. This is because the Bahamas does not recognize jus soli law of nationality, literally meaning the right of birthplace, and further explained as the place of birth determines ones nationality. Adding to this dilemma is that Haiti follows jus soli law of nationality and so when a child is born to Haitian parents in the Bahamas a child is not automatically a Haitian. Due to the law of nationality that takes precedence in each country we end up having a large number of "stateless" children. Therefore, in the census many children are not factored into the total number because they are neither Haitian nor Bahamian.”[/COLOR][/B]Regardless of her university paper, each and every person born in this country is at the very least entitled to a statement of identity. May I also repeat yet again the words of the Haitian ambassador who proclaimed that despite the fact that any and all persons who are born to Haitian parents are free to apply for and get their Haitian passport, no one hardly ever does - mostly because of the perception that it will hurt their chances of Bahamian citizenship.

Put it like this. Anyone who declares that they are "stateless" wants to be. They have a choice of picking up a Haitian passport anytime they please.


When I mentioned “divide and conquer”, a doctrine which was actually used by the slave owners to keep “people of colour” oppressed, it was in reference to your apparent naivety exemplified by your intolerance and prejudice toward the Haitian People, and demonstrated by your lack of knowledge of the interrelationship between Haiti and the Bahamas. My point is simply this, before we can begin to explore possible solutions to the Haitian Dilemma in our country, we must first understand our common history, and how this dilemma had come about in the first place. My intolerance and prejudice, eh? I've noticed that you've used those accusations several times in your most recent posts. Such is a classic assumption that persons like yourself jump to when confronted with someone who tells it how it is. I don't have to defend myself against such an absurd accusation, because anyone who knows me knows that I embrace all people who abide by the laws of this Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Continuing on, we do not have time to revisit shared history and all the rest. This situation is something that is a growing challenge each and every day as more kids of foreign parents are born in this nation. The ratio of births is presently in their favor, let's not forget and thus the face of the Bahamas is changing, literally and figuratively.

If you want to hand over your country to persons who merely want to use it as a stepping stone to get to the US, that's your prerogative. Know that such a strategy and our allowance of this abuse of our immigration systems to take place will have detrimental political, social and economical effects.

Basically, if being against illegal immigration is intolerant and prejudicial in your opinion, you are not thinking clearly and your bias in that scenario is obvious.

Moreover, I have neither stated nor implied that I endorse illegal Haitian migration to the Bahamas, and I CHALLENGE you to PROVE your ridiculous and false accusationsYou HAVE endorsed it - by your attempted deflection of the arguments which I have presented here, your defense of those videos, and your repeated accusations that Bahamians are the cause of this immigration situation. You have brought so many other side topics into a clear argument against illegal immigration that in a way you have aligned yourself squarely in defense of it.


“Understanding migration from Haiti, particularly to the Bahamas, implies knowing a basic history of Haitian and the Bahamian relations. Since aboriginal times, Haitians constituted a part of the population in the Islands of the Bahamas. It has been historically proven that much of the heritage of the Bahamian people can be traced back to Haiti. According to Dr. Gail Saunders, the most prominent historian and archivist in the Bahamas...Oh, that makes illegal immigration okay I guess. Let's open up the borders, shall we? <sarcasm off>

You keep on missing the clear point here. Regardless of whatever shared history we may have, the reality is that this Commonwealth of The Bahamas cannot maintain the present levels of immigration by those from certain territories.

What don't you understand about that? What don't you understand about the challenges that illegal immigration has brought upon this country? Haitians are great people. Fine. But the fact is that our focus, as BAHAMIANS, needs to be THE BAHAMAS. When we see a situation that adds extraneous stress to our lives, we should be sure to deal with it accordingly and expeditiously. There is nothing wrong with maintaining the integrity of one's borders or implementing policies that ensure our nation's stability!

...In 1957, Francois Duvalier was elected President of Haiti. In 1964, he declared himself president for life thus beginning the Duvalier dictatorship. With his rule came economic deterioration throughout Haiti worsening conditions for Haitians, especially those living in the countryside depending mostly on subsistence agriculture for survival. Haitians desperate for a better way of life, escaped Haiti in mass numbers beginning in 1957 until present and many of them have ended up in the Bahamas.”What purpose does this serve to this conversation. Who doesn't know this? Really now..

In fact, I have, unequivocally, stated that we, a small island nation with LIMITED resources, CANNOT sustain the continued influx of illegal Haitian Immigrants to our shores. Thus, this problem should be given top national propriety. [/B] So what is the point of the rest of your arguments?


I can ask you the very same thing, what have you done of consequence for this topic? What illumination of the problem have you offered the readers of BI? “People who live in glass houses should not throw stones'", Mr. Brown. What have I done for this topic? I've obviously made you jump from pillar to post to find information that is already well-known by those of us who actually keep aware of international issues.

You've worked hard "treadmilling", for lack of a better word. Did you get it all out of your system yet?


Stop spreading lies and innuendos about my views on this discussion. This is rather pathetic for a moderator. I have stated over and over again, now is not the time for finger pointing, or blaming, but we must face up to reality. Stealing my lines eh? I said the same thing to you, but you decided to take a geopolitical jaunt around the region and the internet "copying and pasting" as you went. You tried hard in your attempt to provide information and then use that provision to validate your position on this matter. In the end, you still agree with me that illegal immigration must be stemmed/ prevented.

“RACE” has always been an issue in an historical context in our region. If you say it isn’t so, then you are delusional indeed. Once again, we cannot begin to solve a problem unless we first understand its antecedents. Of course, defend your racist ideology. Blame the white man.

Obviously, you are either ignorant of the root causes of the problem or you simply refuse to face up to the realties. Either way, this type of thinking is counterproductive, and can be outright destructive toward the goal of finding viable solutions to the problem. Again, all according to your opinion. This all is beginning to be quite humorous to me. You didn't make any ground in that long tirade of yours, because things are still the same.

Come on. Let's see some more "copying and pasting" and twisting of the facts for your own purposes.

You'll runnin on & on.... and een noone even tryin' to understand da nex'... dis a 'who-cud-write-da-mostest' competition eh? I jernin' :shaky:

The illegal immigration is HUGE in our country--- to narrow it to HAITIAN is to miss the big picture! Collectively illegal immigration is hurting us...BANG!!

Haitians make up the largest group. And many more of them will be right here 'til Christ returns; regardless of who's in government! Hurling insults back & forth on this is totally unhelpful. Most business owners welcome dem (haitians & others) with open arms because they say they get better value for money-- (don't touch my gardiner, he's tried, proven, and LEGAL--let's try learn from that!

Nah illegal and legal immigrants: respect our Bahamaland--and people, period! Too many don't--- das what is make us wex, wex, wex! Bahamians are generally peaceful, God-fearing and kind. But dey don't like to be taken fa fools and taken adwantage of.

Gov'ment: Get serious! Don't let dere be a revolution on your watch! Too many angry people in dis land --- stop feeding predjudice against non-Bahamians for political gain...that's WICKED and unpatriotic! Sort out the law in the best interest of Bahamians-- we empathize with our bros. & sis. around da werl...but, we cannot take 'em all on dat wan come. This place is very underdeveloped and the melting pot is our success (jes like da USA), but, Bahamians must NEVA feel 2nd class here. Promote BAHAMIANS... period--and, in all senses of that word! Give us reason to "Lift up our heads, to the rising Sun..."

Let us better determine those who hold our values dear... and never ever must we let those coming in weather we embrace them or not to determine The kind of Bahamas we wish to live in. Illegals are like 'in-ya-face-lawbreakers'--- stoppit (Bahamians too much coverin' ups: top to bottom)... get serus!

No more followin' fashion... let's create the fashion! let the "world mark the manner of our bearing"... how 'bout dat? :)

Da Point,

you see this is my question - how are illegal immigrants (Haitian and non-Haitian) hurting us?

We must first determine this in order to find a solution to the "illegal immigrant problem" which everyone says we have, but exactly what is it in your view? Yorick & TH12 feel free to jump in with an extra long essays if you wish.

Da Point,
you see this is my question - how are illegal immigrants (Haitian and non-Haitian) hurting us?
We must first determine this in order to find a solution to the "illegal immigrant problem" which everyone says we have, but exactly what is it in your view? Yorick & TH12 feel free to jump in with an extra long essays if you wish.Yeah, I get the point. People don't like to read anything more than a few paragraphs nowadays.

1. Illegal immigration puts a burden on the treasury as the detection, apprehension, detainment and repatriation of illegal immigrants is expensive and grows more so every day as fuel prices rise.

2. Illegal immigration creates an environment that is unhygenic and unsafe.
- the existence of squatters and shanty towns is prevalent among the illegal immigrant population. Housing laws in this hurricane belt must be enforced.
- The shanty towns often do not have proper running water or sewerage facilities. In a small nation such as ours where the water table can be easily contaminated, this presents a risk for those Bahamians who use well water.
- Fires have started in many instances where shacks have utilized unsafe drop cords going from house to house, completely against housing standards.

3. Illegal immigration has morphed into drug and gun trafficking through the same routes. Major weapons caches now exist in certain immigrant communities

4. Government services, such as schools and clinics now are presented with an artificial inflation of the numbers of persons they normally would deal with. Illegal immigration has an effect on the resulting quality of service provided and although some say that immigrants spend money so they add to the economy, the spending is minimal.

5. Illegal immigration accounts for millions of dollars going out of this country to Haiti and this number only accounts for the people who actually send money the legal, documented way

6. There are now some areas that police officers cannot go into without an increased police presence. Immigrant communities slowly are bringing the worst aspects of their root culture here.

7. There now is a growing split in this society as the debate on "stateless" persons has come to the forefront. These persons expect to be given Bahamian citizenship automatically when they turn 18. When they don't get it, SOME turn their disappointment to anger against/hatred of this nation and its people, instead of understanding the law. This puts the Bahamian government in a tough position. Every year, more and more persons are born in this country to Haitian citizens, as the tide of illegal immigrants is not slowing.

8. Salaries in certain jobs are kept low as it is more economical to rely upon foreign labor than Bahamian labor. It is the availability of these "high-paying" jobs that keep illegal immigrants coming here. Many employers now openly use the excuse that Bahamians are lazy and don't want to work, so they hire foreigners.

Those are just the main points, but a myriad of other social problems and concerns do stem from illegal immigration.

Da Point,
you see this is my question - how are illegal immigrants (Haitian and non-Haitian) hurting us?
We must first determine this in order to find a solution to the "illegal immigrant problem" which everyone says we have, but exactly what is it in your view? Yorick & TH12 feel free to jump in with an extra long essays if you wish.

Yorrick's gat da perpetual list in his post.

My focus is on MANAGEMENT.

Thee most significant aspect, IMHO, is that a large number of Bahamians feel disinfranchised: as long as that exist, it's a threat. There is the view that non-Bahamians come here, get the meat of the land ... cuss us out in da process --- while we keep scrapin'

True or not, this must be dealt with.

I don't agree with the policy of 'Bahamianisation' as it's played out: but, I do believe in it's 'spirit'.

I end, as I started, Management: we must neva be perceived to be 'out of control'! This is why ppl. like Loftus Roker and Shane Gibson are seen as 'greats' in this area....:hammer:

Yeah, I get the point. People don't like to read anything more than a few paragraphs nowadays.
.

There's a deeper point, wrapped up in ONE word: succint!:hammer:

Yorrick's gat da perpetual list in his post.
My focus is on MANAGEMENT.
Thee most significant aspect, IMHO, is that a large number of Bahamians feel disinfranchised: as long as that exist, it's a threat. There is the view that non-Bahamians come here, get the meat of the land... cuss us out in da process --- while we keep scrapin'
True or not, this must be dealt with.
I don't agree with the policy of 'Bahamianisation' as it's played out: but, I do believe in it's 'spirit'.
I end, as I started, Management: we must neva be perceived to be 'out of control'! This is why ppl. like Loftus Roker and Shane Gibson are seen as 'greats' in this area....:hammer:

Excellent post Point!!! I share the feeling that somehow Bahamians are denied top positions which are too often reserved for expatriates, while there are well educated and competent Bahamians that are willing and ale to do the job.

Relatedly, can someone please tell me if when an investor opens a business in the Bahamas, is part of the incentive package often a number of work permits for expatriates ????? Just wondering....

The Immigration issue is no doubt a difficult one. But one that can be brought to a certain amount of control. Firstly, Bahamians must obey the laws of the Bahamas and not hire illegal immigrants.

Secondly, the corrupt government and public officials must be purge.

And thirdly, many of illegal immigrants who can prove that they were here for a certain period of time and particularly those born here must be granted citizenship.

And fourthly, we must have consistent and and ethical raids and round-ups.

Last, but not least, we must establish fortified basses in Inagua and the rest of our far flung islands to catch those coming by boats.

In summary Bahamians must stop their share hypocrisy. We cannot abuse the cheap labor of illegal immigrants and then complain that the Bahamas is being taking advantage of by illegal immigrants. We cannot have our cakes and eat it too. It is as simple as that.

In summary Bahamians must stop their share hypocrisy. We cannot abuse the cheap labor of illegal immigrants and then complain that the Bahamas is being taking advantage of by illegal immigrants. We cannot have our cakes and eat it too. It is as simple as that.

Interesting post Pharoah.

When speaking of illegal Haitian immigrants - IMO the cheap labour issue is underpinning of many of the problem stated by Yorick. The thing is that in purely economic terms "cheap labour" may actually be buoying our economy. I had this crazy idea that we should introduce a guest worker programme (for illegal immigrants already in the country) - and maximize use of all that cheap labour........ We may then be in a better position to resolve some of the issues Yorick mentioned.

What do you think?

I dont have to read any book to liberate myself.
True, but I was referring to your "mind". One could be held in captivity and liberate one's "mind". Meaning, even if physically restrained or restricted, one's mind can still be "free", or you can be a “free thinker”. Conversely, one could be physically "free", basically, to go about in society without any restrictions, but your "mind" could be "enslaved". I am asking you to read to expand your horizon and liberate your "mind"...

I do not have a problem with anybody of any nation. I do have a problem when you come into my country illegally and stay illegally and then terrorize it and the citizens of this country.
Do you honestly believe that illegal Haitian Immigrants are domestic terrorist?

I did not come here on boat nor plane so I do not have to defend myself to you.
True, but since none of the aborigines are present here today, at some point in your ancestry, someone was either brought here as a slave or got off the boat as a free man to our shores.

I would not mind if when they come here they jus work and pay bills just like me but instead they committing crimes and selling drugs. They came into my country, I didnt go into theirs. So I demand respect from them. This is an English speaking country not Creole. So if the Bahamian people speak English out of respect when around them speak English. I do not speak Creole so how do I know that they are not plotting on me.
Again, do you honestly believe that the majority of our crime and illicit drug trade is being done by illegal Haitian Immigrants?

Did you know that French is the official language of Haiti and only a small educated segment o f Haitians speak it? Creole is “broken” French, the language of the messes or the uneducated class in Haiti. My suggestion is for the government schools and churches to hold adult classes in ESL (English as a Second Language) at nights. This way we can encourage those who do not speak English to have access to a formal classroom setting to learn English. We cannot simply “wish” for something to happen, we must come up with viable solutions.

I wish some of our Politians would grow balls and do something with the illegal immigration problem. It started with a parade next they ga wan more and if they dont get it what will happen??? Another riot??? Why should I feel unsafe in my own country cause of them??? I love my country and I dont want us to end up like Haiti.
I whole heartedly agree. IMO, politicians must stop using the Haitian Dilemma to spread "lies and fear" among the electorate just to gain votes. Instead, they must face up to the corruption in our society which is perpetuating the illegal Haitian Immigration Problem. We must move realistically forward to expose and prosecute corruption in the Defence Force, Police, Immigration, and the visa section at Foreign Affairs. We must work on changing the "culture of corruption and dishonesty" in these institutions. (See the "red" section of my previous posts)

Moreover, the House of Assembly must move quickly to enact legislation which allows stiffer fines and prison terms for Bahamian Businessmen who hire illegal immigrants. Also, I believe that we should consider legislation for migrant workers, such as farm workers and other seasonal workers, as long as there are no Bahamians seeking these positions. We could offer temporary work permits and the migrant worker returns home to his native Haiti when the work in complete. The idea is to have a cadre of workers for the menial jobs, that most Bahamians do not necessarily seek, but there is no permanence to the arrangement. In this way, we control the flow of Haitian migrants to the country.

We cannot be angry at the Haitians who take pride in “who they are as a people”. I wish that more Bahamians would display this high level of nationalistic pride. Perhaps, if we "loved" ourselves and took "pride" in ourselves, as a people, the high rate of violent crime, rape, incest, domestic violence, child abuse would go by the wayside. Perhaps the killings will cease of the elderly in our society; there was respect for our senior citizens years ago, what has happened to us, Bahamians? We need to re-discover what was "uniquely Bahamian", what made us who we are, our values and mores, what defined us as a people, and celebrate it... AND STOP BLAMING the Haitians for our shortcomings.

"Another riot", "Why should I feel unsafe in my own country cause of them", “I love my country and I don't want us to end up like Haiti". This is just what the Politicians want you to believe, it’s easier when we can place all the fault for their lack of governance on the illegal Haitian Immigrant. MY FOLLOW BAHAMIANS, only we can allow our country to end up in the similar predicament as Haiti.

This is our country, if we fail, the "buck stops here", NOT in Haiti, or in the bush. It is up to us to ensure that there are "checks and balances" placed on our institutions, such as the Defence Force, which, btw, does not have any CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT. The Commander Defence Force could be plotting to over-throw the government and we, the good citizens of the Bahamas, would not know what's going on. The Minister certainly does not seem to have a clue. Are we a "third world" nation, where the rule of law does out the window, or are we a "mature" democracy where due process is adhered to and the "law of the land" applies to all, and not just a select few.

The Immigration issue is no doubt a difficult one. But one that can be brought to a certain amount of control. Firstly, Bahamians must obey the laws of the Bahamas and not hire illegal immigrants.
Secondly, the corrupt government and public officials must be purge.
And thirdly, many of illegal immigrants who can prove that they were here for a certain period of time and particularly those born here must be granted citizenship.
And fourthly, we must have consistent and and ethical raids and round-ups.
Last, but not least, we must establish fortified basses in Inagua and the rest of our far flung islands to catch those coming by boats.
In summary Bahamians must stop their share hypocrisy. We cannot abuse the cheap labor of illegal immigrants and then complain that the Bahamas is being taking advantage of by illegal immigrants. We cannot have our cakes and eat it too. It is as simple as that.
Well said, I started to believe that I was a voice crying in the wilderness!!!

Firstly, Bahamians must obey the laws of the Bahamas and not hire illegal immigrants. As I said to another participant of this thread: Bahamians who hire illegal immigrants are in the vast minority. Don't fall for the "side tracking" occurring by that person which implies that Bahamians in general are hiring "illegals". That tactic is a distraction and only pits Bahamian against Bahamian. Focus.

The reality of this situation is that for a while legalizing illegal immigrants was on autopilot. At one point it seemed as if an illegal immigrant's only challenge was getting here since permits were being handed out like candy and bought as easily. Thus Bahamian employers were in fact not hiring illegals, but permit holders. Which brings us to the next point....

Secondly, the corrupt government and public officials must be purge. This is being done and is why certain senior officers now are being put in charge of certain areas to monitor and ensure the integrity of the permit/visa process. There were agents who would facilitate bulk transactions of permit applications. The practice was stemmed by restrictions that are now in place.

And thirdly, many of illegal immigrants who can prove that they were here for a certain period of time and particularly those born here must be granted citizenship.So you're pretty much supporting the concept that we change our legislation in a way that will open up the door for even more blatant exploitation of this country's resources, as well as turning every child born here into an "anchor baby"?

You're not looking at this situation in the long term for this SMALL NATION OF OURS at all, are you?


And fourthly, we must have consistent and and ethical raids and round-ups.Let's see them start with the Mudd and Pigeon Pea. THAT would be very interesting. Also, you should have mentioned the enforcement of housing laws and the destruction of illegal dwellings after a certain period of time to allow the residents to find a legal place to live (and stricter penalties for those who repeat the infraction).

Last, but not least, we must establish fortified basses in Inagua and the rest of our far flung islands to catch those coming by boats. And where will the money for that come from? We already spend tens of millions in monitoring, interception, apprehension, detainment and repatriation.


In summary Bahamians must stop their share hypocrisy. We cannot abuse the cheap labor of illegal immigrants and then complain that the Bahamas is being taking advantage of by illegal immigrants. We cannot have our cakes and eat it too. It is as simple as that.I don't use cheap or illegal labor in any of my businesses, neither at my house.

No hypocrisy here. Don't class me in with that group of Bahamians

I asked this on another thread and I'll ask again. Does anyone know how the Contract System worked back in the day when Bahamian workers went to work on contract in the US? My grandmother did in order to send my father & his brother to Catholic schools, then returned to work here...kind of like a stepping stone.

Is this a system that could be implemented with Haiti?

What is Haiti's stance on foreign investors? Can Bahamians invest in businesses in Haiti that may encourage some to stay home and earn a living there? Many Haitians have businesses here and ship the money out to Hiati can this work in reverse?

.. Bahamians who hire illegal immigrants are in the vast minority.

Perhaps! But, bear in mind Bahamians use the term illegal very loosely; generally meaning 'w/ accent'!

..This is being done and is why certain senior officers now are being put in charge of certain areas

Dis what I mean by MANAGEMENT as thee major solution! Improved MANAGEMENT...

So you're pretty much supporting the concept that we change our legislation in a way that will open up the door for even more blatant exploitation ...
You're not looking at this situation in the long term for this SMALL NATION OF OURS at all, are you?

Every illegal here does NOT deserve to be made legal... the criteria should be followed in the best interest of The Bahamas...period!

Let's see them start with the Mudd and Pigeon Pea. ...

No need to be prejudice against Haitians... while ignoring others. Eg. I know of a couple in Abaco who shamelessly threaten black Bahamians like ME with Dog.. and others with gun (I was told) as I decided to stroll to the beach -- upon finding out more about me, they tried to gloss it over --- I'm told this is ongoing. THAT couple's status should be overturned and they sent packing on the first thing smoking.... just ONE eg. but, they are white and sadly, rules seem to change...

No hypocrisy here. Don't class me in with that group of Bahamians

And don't you deny that the hypocrites exists and play a major role in this immigration mess! Gosh, what about those Bahamians that force Haitians overboard in da middle of the ocean, to swim to land --- they my Bahamian peeps; but that is CRIMINAL!

I love The Bahamas, and hate to see what's happening here but hey....:footmouth