I disagree. Caribbean nations can barely get along internally much less in each other's business. It is true that we could show more unity and at least have some sensible suggestions, but as far as making a big difference, I don't see it happening.

Furthermore, all this time **** been going down in Haiti the Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad and the rest have not exactly been forerunners in sending real aid (food, clothes, medicine other humanitarian necessities) and are barely civil to Haitian immigrants. Other than politicians stating the obvious i.e. something has to be done and fast, what real impact has The Bahamas or any other Caribbean nation made? As much as one can of Baygon in a mosquito infested swamp.

The UN is the entity that needs to step in and do something. But because these are poor, black people we are talking about, thousands more must suffer and die before anything is done. And then it will only be done because the whole situation is a botheration - not because anyone cares.

Hi Star,

Some people truly care but it's few.
I feel that the matter is going way out of had for an island nation. It seems amazing to me how quickly Navy Seals were sent in by the U.S to protect their own. This problem has to be settled soon in Haiti before more blood is shed over one man being removed from office.

How many Haitian lives does Aristide worth?

A new thread has been started on the current issue in Haiti.
Click here to post your comments: http://www.bahamasissues.com/showthread.php?p=4677#post4677

I agree with many who say that the Minister ought to be congratulated for his continue efforts on behalf of the Government, the Bahamian people and Caricom to bring about a peaceful resolution to this crisis. NO matter whether you are FNM, PLP, CDR, or any other party, you must agree that the present Minister of Foreign affairs has risen above all who ever held that office and is putting the Bahamas on the international arena in its efforts to broker a deal for peace in Haiti.
I can just laugh when I hear Bahamians because of there selfish desire for Party politics say that the Minister of Foreign Affairs is traveling too much or the Government needs to focus on issues at home. All it is, is sour grapes, get over it the election has gone there would be another one in 2007, for now lets make this Bahamas the best it can be, because when it comes down to it we are all Bahamians first. I like most Bahamians own a passport and no where I see on it PLP or FNM.

[QUOTE=ebo]The first thing that needs to be done is to enforce our laws. All illegal immigrants should be caught and imprisoned until they can be returned to their homes.

The second thing we need to do is revise our laws. Persons born in the Bahamas to parents who are here illegally should enjoy no status in the Bahamas. They should be treated as though they were born in the counrty where their mother is a citizen.

The third thing is Bahamians who facilitate illegal immigrants should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.

Illegal immigrants should work to pay for the costs associated with their internment and repatriation. There should be an escalating system of punishment for illegal immigrants caught in the Bahamas.


Imprisoned? Do you want the United Nations to pile the sanctions on us? It is against International Law to imprison illegal immigrants. Amnesty International will come down hard on The Bahamas. The repercussions will be to our detriment.

As stated earlier, Aristide has resigned as President of Haiti. Today, a new twist has developed in this story. It has been reported (not confirmed) by certain US media outlets that Aristide had been taken captive by US forces and coerced into exile. Speaking to a close associate via cell phone, the former Haitian President said he was grabbed by US soldiers in the Presidential Palace and coerced into relinquishing the post of Head of State. What do you think of this new development? Do you think that it is valid?

As stated earlier, Aristide has resigned as President of Haiti. Today, a new twist has developed in this story. It has been reported (not confirmed) by certain US media outlets that Aristide had been taken captive by US forces and coerced into exile. Speaking to a close associate via cell phone, the former Haitian President said he was grabbed by US soldiers in the Presidential Palace and coerced into relinquishing the post of Head of State. What do you think of this new development? Do you think that it is valid?

Hell no he wasn't ubducted! He lied to the people of Haiti for years and also lied to caricom and the international community. Why should anyone in their right minds beleive this foolishness. He must realize that he isn't talking to the simple minded Haitian people. Your statements must make sense and you should have proof to back it up.

if it was up to me I would start sinking ships then maybe they will get the message


sinking ships amounts to murder, and they will still try to sneak in,
besides the RBDF doesn't even notice them until they land in most
cases.

(however sinking ships would definitely put a dent in the amount
that actually reaches land. :friday: )

I think sending them back is way too expensive, probably better
to send them to a dedicated cay(if we had one with infrastructure).

Perhaps the best temporary solution would be to restrict them to certain
types of jobs and castrate all illegals. Perhaps mandatory castration,
male and female will keep the illegal population under control until we
can get the influx under control - I am sure it would be less expensive
than sending them all back.

sinking or turning back ships is quite in-humane, and I guarantee that
most people would not be able to sink or turn back any ship with elderly
or young children onboard - so why try to get our officers to do it?

My 2 cents:

1. castrate all illegals, especially those that come to the hospital to give birth
- would stop reproduction and cut down drastically on the population explosion, even though this would be somewhat in-humane, it would be a necessary evil.

2. send the illegals to one of those big islands to do farming ...
- would lower congestion in nassau
- be cheaper than sending them all back home
- provide a way for them to earn their keep and escape the
dictatorship of haiti until it is resolved
- would provide the bahamas with a cheap source of
produce and meat from the farming.

3. act on 1 and 2

bottom line is ...

1. they are coming
2. they are reproducing
3. haiti will take a long time to change

"if I am the problem, change me, if you are the problem change you"

we can't change haiti anytime soon, so we might as well change how
illegals are handled here - stop reproduction, provide a way for them to earn there keep - outside of 'lil nassau' until we can help haiti.

sinking ships amounts to murder, and they will still try to sneak in,
besides the RBDF doesn't even notice them until they land in most
cases.

(however sinking ships would definitely put a dent in the amount
that actually reaches land. :friday: )

I think sending them back is way too expensive, probably better
to send them to a dedicated cay(if we had one with infrastructure).

Perhaps the best temporary solution would be to restrict them to certain
types of jobs and castrate all illegals. Perhaps mandatory castration,
male and female will keep the illegal population under control until we
can get the influx under control - I am sure it would be less expensive
than sending them all back.

sinking or turning back ships is quite in-humane, and I guarantee that
most people would not be able to sink or turn back any ship with elderly
or young children onboard - so why try to get our officers to do it?

My 2 cents:

1. castrate all illegals, especially those that come to the hospital to give birth
- would stop reproduction and cut down drastically on the population explosion, even though this would be somewhat in-humane, it would be a necessary evil.

2. send the illegals to one of those big islands to do farming ...
- would lower congestion in nassau
- be cheaper than sending them all back home
- provide a way for them to earn their keep and escape the
dictatorship of haiti until it is resolved
- would provide the bahamas with a cheap source of
produce and meat from the farming.

3. act on 1 and 2

bottom line is ...

1. they are coming
2. they are reproducing
3. haiti will take a long time to change

"if I am the problem, change me, if you are the problem change you"

we can't change haiti anytime soon, so we might as well change how
illegals are handled here - stop reproduction, provide a way for them to earn there keep - outside of 'lil nassau' until we can help haiti.

Can I add $.02
I very much agree the Bahamas does not have the ability to handle all the immigrants that want to come here.
I don't think sinking their boats and killing them or castrating them is very humane. We must treat them as we our selves would want to be treated. How would it be if we were the ones fleeing to their country?
I do like the idea of using an Island for them. Give them a chance to live and to work for it with out taking for the Bahamas. Make them know any child born to them will be returned with them and it has no rights to the Bahamas. They are refugees not immigrants. They are not allowed off the island unless given permission. If the are caught leaving they will be imprisoned on the Island and sent back to Haiti on the next boat going that way. On the Island they will have farmland and the ability to build home, which they cannot sell, lease rent they can only pass it on to their next of kin. In essence a self sustained island camp. If the world wants to help so be it, whatever the world wants to send it goes to the island. But can’t be taken off unless its for repair. The laws of the Bahamas apply on this island. They will be a kept and protected people that must help take care of them selves until they want to go back to Haiti with the clothes on their back. Nothing leaves the Bahamas but them and a few personal items.
While they are here they must learn birth control because that is what the biggest problem in Haiti. They have over populated Haiti and now they expect the rest of the world to absorb them.
The world is for all humans The Creator said to fill the earth. But the Creator did not say to fill it with misery.
We are our brother and sister keeper but they must help them selves as well. The reality of the world we live in we can’t let them come and live here freely as they would then over populate the Bahamas as well.

as if castrating them is humane!!?
Come on, they are fleeing from certain death in Haiti, they are only looking for a better life. Will they find it in the Bahamas, some do, some will not as Bahamians will treat them like slaves or pay them $100 a week.

They are still humans and unless they do some crime then we should treat them as that.


everyone agrees that they are having too many kids for us to support, and they are still coming by the boat loads, and still not using birth control either.

Telling them to stop having children won't work. In the mean time they coming in droves and reproducing in droves. The bahamas won't be dominated by bahamians for much longer if we don't do something.

Personally my first option would be to make the employers pay them fairly, then they would at least be able to contribute financially to our society and not be treated as slaves. And when do finally do take over, don't be suprised if they if we become the slaves earning the tiny wages and doing the hard work.

Taking them all in and allowing them to reproduce willy-nilly, ain't gonna help them and ain't gonna help haiti. We will soon be unable to support ourselves from the size of our population and have to flee along with the haitians to another land as well.


:cry:

I don't think people realize the severity of the haitian crisis. Many will jump up and say we have other illegal immigrants as well, however they are not coming at such an influx as the haitians. Mind you, I am compassionate in their plight for a better life, but how can you bring 3 and 4 children into a life in Haiti where you know things are hopeless, then try to take all of them to a foreign country, where there is no immediate way that you can uplift/help the society. When these illegal haitians come here, they are fully dependant on our society. They squat on whatever vacant land they can find, they put their 4/5 children into our public schools, they crowd PMH with their 6/7 kids, and they do whatever they have to, in order to pay for their immigration to this island, and to feed their 9/10 babies....which although mostly consists or lawn/garden maintence, sometimes can lead to theft, etc.

Hence, I fully support any humane notion that will help to curb their mass exodus to our country, destablizing our infrastructure and ability to support ourselves everyday. Now some people stated that they do not agree with castration. Now I am not speaking of physically removing someone's sexual organs. They have ways of disabling a man/woman from having children through administration of certain drugs. One shot, or short-term periodic treatments will easily rectify the problem of the illegal immigrants reproducing at such an alarming rate as they do now.
Has anyone ever thought of the idea of legally emmigrating Haitians to perform certain jobs where most Bahamians don't aspire to work. Namely agriculture? We have so much potential in agriculture that it ain't funny. And hardly anyone wants to venture into this field. We can employ alot of these immigrants now to to agricultural work that Bahamians are too proud to do. Agriculture is a lucrative field, and that way, at least they are helping our society, and will feel like they are worth some value to us. Imagine a government who is able to successfully implement an agricultural program/scheme, where Bahamian entrepreneurs employ haitians legally from Haiti to work on farms, and the government has it set up whereas there is an agreement between Haiti & the Bahamas where Haitians can enlist for the program as they are needed, and if any illegal immigrants are caught, they are processed, safely castrated, and not allowed to work anywhere in the bahamas.Then they become the responsibility of the Haitian community here in the Bahamas instead of the government entirely. THey are detained until haitians in our community are willing to assist the immigrant with a place to live/work etc. and there are periodic checks into the progress of the individual. And if anything goes foul, the person who agreed to assist the immigrant, themselves are subject to the same procedures as the immigrants. It may sound a bit confusing, however I am sure that this will help the immigration problem. :dancer2:

very well said, an similar to my suggestion of stopping reproduction and putting them on a large island and paying them to do agriculture which we need anyway.


I don't think people realize the severity of the haitian crisis. Many will jump up and say we have other illegal immigrants as well, however they are not coming at such an influx as the haitians. Mind you, I am compassionate in their plight for a better life, but how can you bring 3 and 4 children into a life in Haiti where you know things are hopeless, then try to take all of them to a foreign country, where there is no immediate way that you can uplift/help the society. When these illegal haitians come here, they are fully dependant on our society. They squat on whatever vacant land they can find, they put their 4/5 children into our public schools, they crowd PMH with their 6/7 kids, and they do whatever they have to, in order to pay for their immigration to this island, and to feed their 9/10 babies....which although mostly consists or lawn/garden maintence, sometimes can lead to theft, etc.

*they will soon be taking over the private hospitals too, cause they have hei own businesses now as well and can pay their own way(some of them)

Hence, I fully support any humane notion that will help to curb their mass exodus to our country, destablizing our infrastructure and ability to support ourselves everyday. Now some people stated that they do not agree with castration. Now I am not speaking of physically removing someone's sexual organs. They have ways of disabling a man/woman from having children through administration of certain drugs. One shot, or short-term periodic treatments will easily rectify the problem of the illegal immigrants reproducing at such an alarming rate as they do now.

*hope they didn't think I meant to to actually remove their organs, I meant using medication, or not my first choice - tying tubes and vasectomy.

Has anyone ever thought of the idea of legally emmigrating Haitians to perform certain jobs where most Bahamians don't aspire to work. Namely agriculture? We have so much potential in agriculture that it ain't funny. And hardly anyone wants to venture into this field. We can employ alot of these immigrants now to to agricultural work that Bahamians are too proud to do. Agriculture is a lucrative field, and that way, at least they are helping our society, and will feel like they are worth some value to us. Imagine a government who is able to successfully implement an agricultural program/scheme, where Bahamian entrepreneurs employ haitians legally from Haiti to work on farms, and the government has it set up whereas there is an agreement between Haiti & the Bahamas where Haitians can enlist for the program as they are needed, and if any illegal immigrants are caught, they are processed, safely castrated, and not allowed to work anywhere in the bahamas.

*very good idea in my opinion
*and instead of preventing them from working, give them the option of getting a job in the agricultural field or being deported.

Then they become the responsibility of the Haitian community here in the Bahamas instead of the government entirely. THey are detained until haitians in our community are willing to assist the immigrant with a place to live/work etc. and there are periodic checks into the progress of the individual. And if anything goes foul, the person who agreed to assist the immigrant, themselves are subject to the same procedures as the immigrants. It may sound a bit confusing, however I am sure that this will help the immigration problem.

*all good ideas, and hopefully the haitian community that would now be employed would agree to at least help our government repatriate or legalize
the rogues.

:dancer2:


best ideas yet.

1. allow them to work, in needed areas, that bahamians don't seem to want,
allow them to earn their keep, and possibly send money to haiti

2. curve their population spurts by using contraception that does not rely on the user to take pills, because they probably won't.

3. make the haitians already here support the government with repatriation, for those who don't want the career options provided.

ofcourse they can later become bahamian citizens the legal way, and then be allowed to seek alternative employment.

*i know of many jamaicans and haitians that work on our farms already, but as usual they are underpaid, which is a travesty against our fellowman.

Every government including the present has been so 'soft' when it comes to the Immigration problem that we face in this country. It seems that the past and present governements did not/does not want to ruffle certain feathers, who I do not know. We constantly talk about curbing the problem but I would like to see some action. Here are my suggestions:

-Tougher border control, if we need to recruit more individuals for that then lets do it.

-Unannounced immigration round-ups. If you cant produce the documents to validate your legal right in this country then you will be sent back, you are breaking the law. Doesn't matter if its your cousin, husband , wife, sister, girlfriend, whatever, you (used in general terms) must then work to legalize their status in this country.

-Tough prosecution of Bahamians or other individuals who knowingly hire or assist illegal immigrants in this country.

Yes I know these suggestions have probably been reiterated, but I dont thnk they are sinking in yet.

And I am not just refering to illegal Haitians in my comments , but anyone who is illegal here (Cubans , Dominicans, Jamaicans, Americans, Canadians, etc, etc.).


Whatever happened to Loftus Roker, I was told he was the most effective immigration minister this country has ever had????

Every government including the present has been so 'soft' when it comes to the Immigration problem that we face in this country. It seems that the past and present governements did not/does not want to ruffle certain feathers, who I do not know. We constantly talk about curbing the problem but I would like to see some action. Here are my suggestions:

-Tougher border control, if we need to recruit more individuals for that then lets do it.

-Unannounced immigration round-ups. If you cant produce the documents to validate your legal right in this country then you will be sent back, you are breaking the law. Doesn't matter if its your cousin, husband , wife, sister, girlfriend, whatever, you (used in general terms) must then work to legalize their status in this country.

-Tough prosecution of Bahamians or other individuals who knowingly hire or assist illegal immigrants in this country.

Yes I know these suggestions have probably been reiterated, but I dont thnk they are sinking in yet.

And I am not just refering to illegal Haitians in my comments , but anyone who is illegal here (Cubans , Dominicans, Jamaicans, Americans, Canadians, etc, etc.).


Whatever happened to Loftus Roker, I was told he was the most effective immigration minister this country has ever had????


Teniel, it seems to me that the government wants these people here to help vote them into office! Can't think of any other reason no great effort was ever made to stop them coming here completely.

Every government including the present has been so 'soft' when it comes to the Immigration problem that we face in this country. It seems that the past and present governements did not/does not want to ruffle certain feathers, who I do not know. We constantly talk about curbing the problem but I would like to see some action. Here are my suggestions:

-Tougher border control, if we need to recruit more individuals for that then lets do it.

*they say we can't afford enough boats to accomplish this

-Unannounced immigration round-ups. If you cant produce the documents to validate your legal right in this country then you will be sent back, you are breaking the law. Doesn't matter if its your cousin, husband , wife, sister, girlfriend, whatever, you (used in general terms) must then work to legalize their status in this country.

*seems it is too costly to send them back as well

-Tough prosecution of Bahamians or other individuals who knowingly hire or assist illegal immigrants in this country.

*can be done and the money should be used to send more back home, or buy more defense force vessels

Yes I know these suggestions have probably been reiterated, but I dont thnk they are sinking in yet.

And I am not just refering to illegal Haitians in my comments , but anyone who is illegal here (Cubans , Dominicans, Jamaicans, Americans, Canadians, etc, etc.).


Whatever happened to Loftus Roker, I was told he was the most effective immigration minister this country has ever had????


bottom line is they are gonna keep coming, unless haiti is changed.
if we were to start sinking ships or even executing illigal immigrant on site,
they will still keep coming for a long time.

I heard that in cuba if you are caught escaping or are returned from another country for escaping(maybe only america) that you are put before a firing squad.

that slows them down a little I guess, but not much.

either we be strict about keeping them out or embrace them, and option A does not seem to be working.

I can't understand why the government does not make birth control injections, the ones that last for months mandatory - or why illegal immigrants are allowed to do as they please - even be hired by our business owners.

it is never ceases to amaze me what we can get away with in the bahamas -
numbers businesses, drug houses, bootleg dvd's, employment of illegal immigrants, strip clubs, etc ...

this nation is over run with crime and the bumbling government insist on shouting that we are a christian nation - with huge casinos as well.

:dgi:

bottom line is they are gonna keep coming, unless haiti is changed.
if we were to start sinking ships or even executing illigal immigrant on site,
they will still keep coming for a long time.

I heard that in cuba if you are caught escaping or are returned from another country for escaping(maybe only america) that you are put before a firing squad.

that slows them down a little I guess, but not much.
The Cubans who tried but failed to sail to the US in a converted vintage Chevrolet truck have tried again, this time in a tail-finned Buick.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2004/02/05/wcuba05.xml&sSheet=/portal/2004/02/05/ixportal.html

Do you research anything before you put your finger on the keyborad????

either we be strict about keeping them out or embrace them, and option A does not seem to be working.
Christ gave us the answer long ago
Matthew 7:12
Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.

Put yourself in the Haitians position and you should understand what Christ said we should do. Or is it in this case Christ teaching are not applicable.

I can't understand why the government does not make birth control injections, the ones that last for months mandatory - or why illegal immigrants are allowed to do as they please - even be hired by our business owners.
Have you done any research into this or are you talking out of your head again. Most women’s bodies can't handle the birth control injection. Besides who would pay the Dr. to prescribe them?
They need to be taught sex education and planned parenting best long-term solution. I did ask a Haitian man why he had so many children. He said the Bible said go forth and fill the earth.


it is never ceases to amaze me what we can get away with in the bahamas -
numbers businesses, drug houses, bootleg dvd's, employment of illegal immigrants, strip clubs, etc ...
You mean like preachers that take poor peoples money and then live high on the hog. Or gamblers that would take a mans last few dollars ("Sacred money you called it")because he bet it on a pool game???? HHHmm does the word apply here I think so. I woun't say it you know it.

this nation is over run with crime and the bumbling government insist on shouting that we are a christian nation - with huge casinos as well.
:dgi:

Christian Nation yeah right. Now the gov. is another subject. Politions set them selves up with big pay check and most of the people are near or below the poverty line.
oops you mentioned casinos. HHmmm Pool rooms HHHmmm betting verses gambling hhhhmmm "Sacred money" You know the word I have for you.....
No here is a better 1 "you speak with fork tounge"

I did not even use the H word.