The Political Implications of The United States District Court - Southern District of New York Indictment Against Bahamian Nationals, High-ranking Law Enforcement Officers and Bahamas Government Officials

READ BETWEEN THE LINES OF THE INDICTMENT; IT GOES BEYOND THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT!

READ BETWEEN THE LINES:

By Professor Gilbert Morris

Nassau, NP, The Bahamas

There are phrases in the Indictment document - whether or not it’s authentic - that appear familiar, even nebulous, which are and ought to be troubling signals, when considered in “State Department speak” or as framing narratives.

Remember you and I and our governments use terms just to sound good mostly.  Those same terms are used by the U.S. as “policy framing mechanisms”  …they trigger policy options from warnings to bans to sanctions!

If you’ve spent time around U.S. Defence Intelligence, you learn they aren’t just descriptions, but evolving “operational frames”:

1. “Third Border” - seems nebulous and familiar, but it’s a prioritisation.  If it’s a border at all then there must be a policy to deal with it.  I was invited to give a lecture to the MOFA staff in 2002, at which I offered: “the notion of a third border is not new.  But we use it casually/conceptually, whilst the U.S. uses it strategically”.  What we fail to grasp is they will build a vast policy edifice around that.  I advised so long ago that we shouldn’t just use this phrase to celebrate our proximity.  We should build on the strategic options proximity presents us, so that we define the meaning of this border before they define it, which isn’t likely to be in our favour.  Too late!

2. ⁠”Vast disjointed territory” - one of the things that impressed me about @⁨Leon⁩ Williams, the engineers at BTC and Bahamasair pilots is their “whole concept of The Bahamas”.  There are many nations that lack a whole concept, even central/western Canada does not enjoy this concept in respect of Quebec.  That we

are an archipelago and every Bahamian thinks every other Bahamian from Abaco to Inagua is Bahamian is quite extraordinary; especially given our enigmas of arrival.  The term ‘vast disjointed territory’ is not how we see ourselves.  But the manner in which the term is used in the Indictment is a “management or area control risk assessment” masquerading as a simple phrase.  They even managed to make “700 islands” sound like a scheme for wickedness.  In their process - as they should - they’ll add social definitional criteria to that phase giving it hard differentiations and attempt implement strategy within that frame.  As such, that phase has an active generator function that could become a definitional weapon, such as:

The Bahamas is a place Bahamians can never control because it’s 700 islands, a “vast disjointed territory”!

That’s a framing statement that would be used for all future policy considerations.  This is how policy is developed: name, frame, defame!

3. ⁠”Trafficking vector” - that phrase was central to a PhD (2002) done at the LSE by Dr. P. Tosti (who is the last princess of the house of Qajar of Iran).  Her father was here in Nassau with the Shah when he was deposed.  (I recalled arguing against the framing of the term “transshipment point” as a euphemism for drug trafficking).  That phrase “trafficking vector” replaces transshipment in a manner that cannot be euphemised, and is a generator from (2.) above, and so is already framing The Bahamas as a risk vortex on the ‘third border’ in a ‘vast disjointed territory’.

You must be aware that they have far more evidence than they are letting on: they have technologies that allow them to clone electronic devices.  They’ve been listening, perhaps for years…they know who has done what.

As such, those terms did not come from the Justice Department alone.  They are operative evolving definitions by which State Department and Homeland Security frames The Bahamas and that will determine policies going forward.

Source/Comment

The Bahamas Lack Political Leadership

Bahamians are losing out in their country, The Bahamas

Former Minister of National Security A. Loftus Roker says that The Bahamas need to get serious about its illegal immigration crisis

‘This country lacks leadership’

Roker worried Bahamians increasingly marginalized

By Candia Dames, Executive Editor of The Nassau Guardian

 

Former Minister of National Security A. Loftus Roker, who is still widely known for the tough stance he took against illegal immigration when he was minister responsible for immigration, said yesterday he remains concerned that Bahamians are losing out in their country, and lamented what he said is a lack of political leadership.

“When you have no more country, you see where you can go and claim anything,” said Roker, who was asked his views on the controversy surrounding the release of a large group of Chinese nationals found at the British Colonial Hotel without any legal status in The Bahamas earlier this year.

Minister of Immigration Keith Bell has said it was “unnecessary” to transport them to the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, where individuals found to be in The Bahamas illegally are held.  According to Bell, the “irregularities” found at the work site “were expeditiously cured by the employer”.

Roker warned, “All I say is one day Bahamians will find we don’t have our own country.  That’s what I’m worried about.

“The country lacks leadership.  Imagine you had dozens of Chinese without work permits here.  How the hell did they get here? … How did we allow them to land?  We trying to fool ourselves.  We don’t have any leadership.  If you had leadership, you’d know what’s going on.  But what we are doing is keep postponing our problems.  That’s what we’re doing.”

Details surrounding how the Chinese nationals got in The Bahamas and whether they still are currently in country are unknown as Bell nor any other authority has yet to thoroughly explain the matter.

Meanwhile, it is understood that in Progressive Liberal Party circles there is widespread concern over the political impact the controversy ensnaring the immigration minister could have.

Roker wished not to comment directly on a statement made by Director of Immigration Keturah Ferguson in a correspondence to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Immigration Cecilia Strachan that “it also appears that the expatriate has more rights in The Bahamas than Bahamians”, but he said, “One thing for sure, we don’t believe in Bahamians.  Anybody else better than us.  All I’m saying is we lack leadership.”

Ferguson’s correspondence was sent a day after the Chinese were ordered released not long after the immigration exercise was conducted.

As reported in the media on Monday, Ferguson said in her correspondence that immigration officials received a directive from Bell to have the immigration officers stand down on the operation and that any breach will be remedied the following day.

Even as the firestorm over the immigration matter – including Bell’s swearing in of a family as citizens of The Bahamas during a funeral service last month – builds, Prime Minister Philip Davis has remained silent, with his office saying only that the facts are being gathered in respect of the various immigration issues at hand.

Meanwhile, a purported report to an immigration superior from the immigration officer who oversaw the January 17 exercise at the British Colonial was circulated on social media yesterday.

According to the document, only three of the 65 Chinese nationals found at the hotel were able to produce passports or identification for immigration officials, while all others claimed they had no passports in their possession and were unable to contact the people who may have them.

“On arrival at the hotel, we observed lighting and clothing hung in the windows of some of the rooms.  Shortly thereafter, we noticed an Asian male in the window of one of the rooms,” the document states.

“Based on this, we approached the security officer and advised him of our suspicions.  The officer attempted to obstruct us from entering the building and checking the status of the individual, therefore, I advised him under extreme caution that I was prepared to arrest him for obstruction and continued the execution of my duties.

“The officer then removed himself from the entrance and I instructed the officers to search the first floor of the building.”

The officer wrote, “In the initial search, the officers reported a total of 10 persons, but, after a more intense search, we were able to gather approximately 65 Chinese nationals.

“All subjects were asked to produce their passports and any other evidence of legal status.  Out of the 65 subjects, only three were able to produce passports or identification.

“All of the others claimed they had no passports in their possession and [were] unable to contact the persons who may have them.”

While he did not delve into the details emerging in relation to the various immigration controversies, Roker said yesterday there’s a need for The Bahamas to get serious about its illegal immigration crisis.

Source 

What about a Domestic Agenda, Mr. Prime Minister?

“Global Warming!"

There needs to be a true plan of action if real change is to take place in our country - The Bahamas. We need new ways of diversifying our economy so the trickledown effect can become a reality. Innovation needs to be the order of the day. A new day must include not just the Bahamian elites, but every Bahamian as a whole

By: Dr. Kevin Turnquest-Alcena

LLB (Hon-1st Cl.), LLM (Hon-1st Cl.)

PhD in Economics / Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

Ph.D. in Public Health / PhD in Herbal and Holistic Medicine

Titular Professor

Lawyer & Fellow—FCILEx; ACIArb; & Snr. Fellow–AMLA

“Some say the planet is sick and humans are the virus, it is undeniably we as a species have destroyed this beautiful planet at an alarming rate. Putting aside global warming and climate change, no species is as greedy as the human race, we take more than we need and leave a trail of destruction.”

Global warming! Climate change! Melting glaciers! Rising sea levels! Sinking lands! Eroding coasts! The world is in a panic; fear of the future like the resounding roar of a lion! Scientist predicting a bleak, dark and uncertain tomorrow. It has been said that by 2100 the sea levels would have risen up to 70%, thus being the catalyst for the loss of many coastal regions.

With that said, God has a divine plan for man and this earth He created. He is the God, the Chronos and the Kairos time and because He supersedes time, He controls everything. Genesis 9:11 states, "And I will establish my covenant with you, neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there anymore be a flood to destroy the earth." Man does not have the capacity to comprehend God or the things He does and thus can never predict the outcome of one's future.

With that being said, it cannot be denied that the drastic effects of climate change have resulted in many countries looking for an outlet to reduce their carbon fingerprint. As a result, a country like Denmark has committed to offering 13.4 million dollars to developing nations damaged by climate change. This excessive damage has resulted in the concept of carbon credits. Carbon credits are carbon allowances giving a company permission to generate 1 ton of CO2 emissions.

Prime Minister Davis, stated that, "We intend to be the first country to offer Blue Carbon Credits... It creates for the first time a framework to compensate The Bahamas for the significant role we play as a carbon sink." However, one must ask, Mr. Prime Minister, will we really receive the compensation being suggested? How will this affect the environment? If you, sir, are truly depending upon other countries to compensate this country, good luck! Like Jeremiah 17:5 “Thus the Lord. Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the Lord."

However, Mr. Prime Minister, while a global agenda is great! The burning questions still remain. What about a domestic agenda? What does your manifesto say in regard to the National debt? How does a $4.2 million dollar travelling budget eradicate the mounting debt? Could not this money have been spent on developing a program focused on decreasing unemployment? May I remind you sir that next June over 5,000 students leaving school, with only 20% going to college. What happens to the other 80% that will be looking for work?

Moreover, what plan is in place to assist those students that are educated yet having difficulty obtaining gainful employment as citizens in their own country? Although it is good to help those that have no options or talents, helping those that do will be an asset.

There needs to be a true plan of action if real change is to take place in our country. We need new ways of diversifying our economy so the trickledown effect can become a reality. Innovation needs to be the order of the day. A new day must include not just the elites, but everyone as a whole.

“Mother earth is crying. We humans have done enough damage and still can’t open our eyes. We are so arrogant that we convince others that we have to save the earth, but earth’s real cancer is human’s behavior. We have to put our ego and arrogance aside and take some serious and strong steps to protect ourselves and our future, or will have to be ready to die sooner or later.”

November 19, 2022 

Source/Comment

The Bahamas is ill-equipped to become a model republic state

By Dr. Kevin Alcena:

The Bahamas should be Cautious when considering to become a Republic State

The Commonwealth of the Bahamas is a state found in the West Indies in the Atlantic Ocean. The Bahamas gained its independence on July 10, 1973, effectively ending the 325 years of British rule.

It appears that the government of The Bahamas is considering to like so many other countries - completely sever from the British and become a republic state.

This paper seeks to provide some clarifications and information to The Bahamas government and people as they consider this position. In doing so, one will provide information comparing and contrasting the benefits and effects of becoming a republic state.

This paper will also consider and examine states, that from independence moved to the republicanism, and indicate their successes and or failures.

The term Republic is a form of government in which representatives of the citizen body rule the state. Moreover, states that are republics are founded on the idea that sovereignty rests with the people.

However, who is included and excluded from the category of the people has varied across history.[1] Since citizens do not govern the state themselves, but through representatives, republics may be distinguished from direct democracy, though modern representative democracies are by and large republics.[2]

The term republic may also be applied to any form of government in which the head of state is not a hereditary monarch. This is the case in several states, for example, countries in Africa, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, where the head of state is the president.[3]

While it is true that several states that achieved the status of a republic, the system of government are different and their head of states are either executive or ceremonial.

The benefits of becoming a republic are much of a mixed bag. There are a few success stories. On the contrary, issues of mismanagement, corruption, and misrule plagued several of these states.

It is of vital importance that The Bahamas look at the operation of these countries before it decides on whether to push to become a republic or not. It is said history is life's most outstanding teacher. Therefore as a people, one should be apart of the decision making process for our country's future.

Before the discussion begins, one must understand the basic facts of a republic, such as the types and forms of a republic. In so doing one must point out that there are five types or forms of republics: federal, Islamic, unitary, presidential and parliamentary. One must also note that approximately 156 countries are republics.

The Bahamas is on a stable developmental trajectory, and like Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago, The Bahamas has recently discovered oil. There has been much negotiation with the government and offshore investors as it relates to the sharing of profits and royalties.

It must be noted that much of this negotiation took place behind close doors, and the people of the Bahamas are left out. Recently, allegations were made that the Attorney General met and renegotiate this deal; whether this is true or not is anyone’s guess. If this were to be accurate, it speaks volumes of this government's scant regard to the people of The Bahamas.

The few prosperous republic countries and their governments are transparent, accountable, and government official corruption is minimal.

For the most part, the republics that fail are managed by corrupted regimes and social, political, economic disorder and mismanagement is present. If one were to examine the republics of Africa, one would find that mismanagement and misrule have plagued those countries - Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.

South Africa is a country with a modern constitution but fails to deal with public officials' corruption adequately.

The Caribbean and Latin America are no different. This is particularly so since several states upon achieving the republican status have removed themselves from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

This move has caused several international investors not to invest in these states because they believe that the courts were also corrupt - and hence they did not believe they will get a fair and impartial trial if matters are brought to the courts.

When one examines the progress of states that achieved the republican status, it will be seen that the afore-stated comment is valid in Africa.

The Republic of South Africa became a republic on May 31, 1961, after the referendum in 1960, which practically legitimised the country becoming a republic. Even though she was granted self-rule, a system of apartheid remains until 1994.

While the Republic of South Africa's constitution is one of the best globally, it must point out that it has its own corruption problems. This has caused its former president to resign amidst scandals of corruption in 2018.

In 2014, a ministerial task force when examined the public education sector - found that it was inadequate.[4] In 2010 a survey was conducted among fifteen countries and found that South Africa’s students were ten of fifteen and eighth of fifteen in mathematics and English (Reading).[5]

On the other hand, this country has struggled with its fight against the deadly HIV/ AIDS virus in public health.[6] These challenges have now caused this country to be on the brink of becoming a failed state. It is now a burden on the president to act decisively and aggressively to prevent this from occurring.

It is also true that many of her failures must be attributed to the apartheid. But this notwithstanding one must equally lay some blame at the feet of her leaders. The lack of political will, fortitude and the will to reward people based on merit remain lacking in South Africa.

Other African republics are also in tatters. When one examines Nigeria, for example, one finds that this country can become the Dubi of Africa, but it is also nearing a failed state.

Nigeria's GDP has indeed surpassed that of the Republic of South Africa, making it the largest in the African continent. But this is not because of prudent economic and fiscal management.

The expansion of the telecommunication sector created avenues for vast economic growth. Notwithstanding its apparent economic strength, about 40% of its peoples live below the poverty level[7]. This is due to the inequality, in terms of income and opportunities, the lack of job opportunities is at the core of the high poverty levels, regional disparities, and social and political unrest.[8]

In addition to the preceding, there are issues of massive developmental challenges, including the need to reduce the dependency on oil and diversify the economy, address insufficient infrastructure, build strong and effective institutions, and address governance issues and public financial management systems[9].

It was for this reason, the Fragile States Index in 2019 claimed that Nigeria is among the fifteen most failed states in Africa. It must be noted that the continent of Africa has ten of the fifteen states[10].

All is not lost; there are success stories in Africa, Ghana is one such.

The Ghanian[11] economy was built on oil, gold and cocoa. Like many other African countries, Ghana was struggling with poverty, but she embarked on a significant expansion in education, increased agricultural production and human capital development[12] helped deliver Ghana’s rapid and steady decline in poverty.

Ghana has changed its trajectory through visionary leadership, which inspired the people to develop themselves. It must not be underscored the role education played in the development of Ghana. Equally important is the receptive people. They trusted their leaders and worked to develop themselves and their country.

India is also a republic state. It was observed that like states in Africa, India has the embodiment of corruption.

According to a country report, this is based on the slow and complicated bureaucratic process, unnecessary red tape, and unclear regulatory frameworks[13]. Accordingly, this forces the citizens to utilise alternative ways to get results. Hence bribery is done to expedite the process. This report cites bribery as a plague in India.

When one examines the republics in the Caribbean, it will be noted that they have some common trends like Africa and India. If one were to examine all of these states, one would find corruption, mismanagement of financial and other resources.

The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago has been for a long time - one of the Caribbean leading countries. Its economy was boosted with the oil fine and the country’s ability to refine crude oil.

This notwithstanding did not stop the incidence of corruption. This culminated with the court finding the former Prime Minister guilty for corruption[14] and sentencing him to jail for two years.

It is clear that the allegations of corruption are present in both administrations. And in some cases, charges were made against public officials in Trinidad and Tobago.

On the other hand, Guyana, the charges of corruption is used as a political stunt, on the one hand. In contrast, on the other hand, the presence of corruption within the police force and the judiciary is evident.

In 2016, the present President was charged with nineteen fraud charges. To date, none were heard. The party used its affiliates within the court system to delay the hearings - and immediately after he became president the charges were discontinued.

While in 2021, other government officials who are charged with other offences in 2021 are being hauled before the courts almost on a daily basis. This country is like those in Africa, blessed with natural resources, but have not managed to be a developed country.

The finding of oil offshore while promising seems to be creating more problems, for that state that coupled with the deliberate exclusionary politics is further dividing the country and widening the disparity of wealth among citizens.

The Caribbean Community was formed to like the European to assist member countries with trade, regional co-operation and integration. This community was established via the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas on August 1, 1973.

This Treaty was revised in 2005 with the Caricom Single Market and Economy CSME, which created an indigenous court in the form of the CCJ. This court operates in two jurisdictions – the original to interpret and apply the Treaty of Chaguaramas, and the appellate jurisdiction as the final appellate court for states. It must be noted that not all states signed onto this jurisdiction of the court.

While it is apparent that the United States and China are among the world's leading republics of the world, they are sometimes plagued with rising unemployment issues.

The United States had recently demonstrated her vulnerability to the world when a few days ago, a sitting president coerced an angry set of his followers to storm the states, capital. It also showed that politicians would stop at no point to consider their actions - as in the face of the most deadly pandemic - politicians were prepared to ignore logic reason and rationality in their assessment of the pandemic's impact.

The United States has now actively and aggressively taken the necessary steps to reduce the impacts of the erstwhile president's acts. This was done through a series of executive orders signed into law by the new president.

Immediately the world has been a welcoming the deeds of the new president, who has vowed to ensure that his actions will be for the good of the people. Whenever needed, he will step across the aisle to have participation from the other side.

While China has emerged from communism under Chairman Mao Tse-tung, it has propelled to becoming among the largest economy in the world. Much credit must be given to the meritocracy system to promote individuals in government and public service.

In China, the accused must prove his/ her innocence while it is the reverse in other states.

In The Bahamas, there is a largely unproductive public service. This one respectfully submits there is cause for concern.

In addition to this issue, The Bahamas' educational standard must improve drastically, as her average education is graded at ‘D’. This seems to be compounded the problem of the civil service.

In order to improve and be a productive state, The Bahamas must radically, revamp and upgrade the educational standards and access across the board.

One must also point out that The Bahamas is not one of the Caribbean states that produce or rely on natural resources that can propel its GDP.

The Bahamas relies on tourism to stabilise its GDP. Hence, the need to improve the educational standards ensures that employees understand their roles, function, and responsibilities.

The employment and promotion policy concerns the professional in The Bahamas, based on politics and political affiliations. This is very bad for this state since it prevents competent professionals from actively serving the Bahamian people.

The Bahamas must learn from other states - to survive as a state - much less become a republic state. The government and opposition must put country first over selfish personal and myopic needs and desires.

The Bahamas must collectively improve its service and hence, the need for co-operation among the government and opposition.

Having taken the preceding, into consideration, in the context of the proposition that The Bahamas likely will consider her option of becoming a republic, the recommendations that appear hereunder are relevant.

If The Bahamas is seriously considering joining her sisters in becoming a republic, several reforms must occur. In the first instance, the quality of education must be improved.

The service and size of the public service must be evaluated and addressed accordingly, and corruption must be a thing of the past.

It is imperative that present and future governments take note of the effects republicanism on other states. It is also crucial that The Bahamas remain annexed to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, so that at the very least, respect for the court’s decision will be held in high regard.

There are also need for constitutional reforms to enable a suitable, safe business climate to attract foreign direct investment.

www.britannica.com/topic/republic-government

Happy black history Month!

Source/Comment

CUBA-US RELATIONS: TIME WAITS FOR THE BAHAMAS NO MORE

By Gilbert Morris:

 


Actually, time never had time for us because we are too wasteful. Now, after all this time, in what state are we to face whatever blows in from this Cuban-American possibility? Whatever comes has already happened. It is the realisation of what it has done and will do to us that will come slowly; because we will be in our habit of denial for decades to come. You should note that the in the Bahamas, there has not been a significant investment from an American investor in 25 years.

The analysis on us is that The Bahamas is where investments go to die. We had our chance 30 years ago. And when our mojo was lost, we responded by saying "Its Better in The Bahamas", even as we erected further impediments to good investment. And as usual, we will not innovate to meet the challenge caused by our venality, self-indulgence and plain stupidity. Instead, our cronyocracy will act to snatch every opportunity to reduce potential broad economic activity to personal 'fee collection'.

They will not respond with strategies to correct decades of slothfulness. Instead they will react to protect their personal hides; sighing that our shrinking economic prospects is from the impacts of "globalisation". They will send itinerant fools to evangelise this nonsense and our people, (swaddled with bad education, holding politicians high with such 'messianic fervour' that a basic job is now a political favour ), will prove unable to be that check in democratic terms, to force their hopes for, or vision of themselves upon those who presume to govern them.

Soon the offices of the state will be used openly to secure personal advantages against any striving Bahamian with ambition. These forebodings are not unique to The Bahamas. This is the road to the death of prosperity and the result of cronyist lackeynomics, poor education and societal malaise that fuels the engine of criminality that ensures the efficient destruction of generations upon generations.

It is the result of decades of bumptious tomfoolery and convoluted excuses masquerading as a concept of life. In one real sense Cuba has already 'eaten our lunch'. A nation under a half century embargo by the largest economic power in human history and yet, they surpassed us in tourism - an industry we pioneered - a decade ago, and, disgracefully - we are sending our students to them for education.

Our country does not appear on a single world leading benchmark. (Oh dear, I made an error. We have amongst the highest homicide rates in the world. I do not wish to diminish our accomplishments). Our Ministers of the cloth cling to every vice as the nation rots; the lights are on in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan and we cannot keep power in Nassau; a city named after the Prince of the most efficient country in the world; our young people wail concerning the incompetence of their governments, only to find their governments, which do not have time for governing, with all the time in the world to counterattack them for expressing their fears; we have placed our entire birthright in the future value of beachfront property, which is more likely to lose value in the next 20 years; we are capitulating to join a trade organisation - the responsibilities of which will increase red tape and the slow pace of governance processes - when our greatest economic opportunity in 50 years is in services; our government Ministers are trading on their positions in the very face of the public, whilst imposing draconian rules to punish poor Bahamians for failing to meet tax obligations they themselves have not met, despite a stranglehold on the nation's resources through their crony networks. What of vision and the future?

I wrote in 2012 that the Bahamas and Cayman Islands should be to Cuba what Singapore is to China. But of course, we are too busy busting up, shoving down and undermining fellow Bahamians - under two lunacies called PLP and FNM - as we run down our true potential for deals like Baha Mar, or pursing foolishness such as VAT, WTO and rescuing Bank of The Bahamas. As usual, we will have convenient excuses...even where none are possible. And we will twist ourselves as if in the Exuma wild oceans currents, to explain our only resilience: wutlessness as worthfulness.

Gilbert Morris - FaceBook

The Bahamas supports the movement to end the United States embargo against Cuba

Christie courts Cuba partnership

By K. QUINCY PARKER
Guardian Business Editor
quincy@nasguard.com

The Bahamas affirmed its support for a move to end the United States embargo against Cuba, as the heads of state of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Cuba adopted the Declaration of Havana on Monday at the close of the fifth CARICOM-Cuba Summit.

Prime Minister Perry Christie asserted that CARICOM and Cuba have always been able to overcome challenges and to develop strategies for mutual advantage.

“In fact, our forty-one years of diplomatic relations have been markedly fruitful as a result of functional cooperation in the areas of health, education, sports, culture, agriculture, disaster management, energy and construction,” Christie said, addressing the summit in Havana on Monday.

“We must continue to support each other in international fora, always providing reciprocal support for our initiatives, whether it is in advocacy for the rejection of any blockade against Cuba; support for the reclassification of middle income economies; negotiations for a strong post-2015 agenda that favors small island developing states; support for Cuba’s leading role in the CELAC process; and support for candidacies for election or appointment to multilateral bodies,” he said.

The prime minister said that The Bahamas and Cuba must continue dialogue on facilitating joint ventures in the tourism industry, particularly in concretizing the concept of multi-destination marketing initiatives and packages.

“This would surely make our region more competitive with other regions in the global tourism market,” he said.

Noting that transportation is key to national and economic development and the travel routes of both countries’ national carriers, Christie said Bahamasair and Cubana need to be further expanded to facilitate tourism, travel and international trade.

“The Bahamas, like Cuba, is also interested in seeking out new strategic partnerships for investment in renewable energy; partnerships that will facilitate access to new capital, more efficient technologies and new markets,” he said.

Christie also welcomed ongoing progress towards the finalization of a CARICOM-Cuba trade agreement, and said that at a bilateral level, negotiations for two Bahamas/Cuba Agreements for Cooperation in Animal Health and Plant Health are now well advanced.

Those issues and more were enshrined in the Declaration of Havana adopted on Monday, wherein CARICOM and Cuba committed to strengthen South-South cooperation as an expression of solidarity and the promotion of bilateral and regional programs as well as triangular cooperation for development.

In the declaration, heads of state - citing the cooperation between Cuba and CARICOM in health, the development of human resources, construction and sports - reiterated a commitment to continue promoting social initiatives as well as the implementation of projects to improve air and sea infrastructure and connectivity, and to broaden economic and trade relations through the implementation of the revised trade and economic cooperation agreement between CARICOM and Cuba.

The declaration also hails progress in the negotiations to expand market access and improve economic cooperation under the trade and economic cooperation agreement. Heads of state noted a desire to conclude negotiations by the end of the second quarter of 2015.

December 10, 2014

thenassauguardian

Go to Haiti instead of The Bahamas Ms. Daphne Campbell

By Dennis Dames:

I have been following the illegal immigration debate in our beloved country with great interest.  I was moved to provide my views on it in writing after hearing Ms. Daphne Campbell, Democratic member of the Florida House of Representatives give her take on the matter.

Like so many Haitians and those of Haitian descent, Ms. Campbell wants to dictate immigration policies to the Bahamian Government.  She sounded crazy when she said: The Bahamian government officials have one week to apologise and reverse the new policies, or she will travel here with a delegation to address them face-to-face.

Ms. Campbell needs to travel to Haiti instead of The Bahamas to insist to the Haitian Government and people there that they need to plug the illegal migration of Haitians from Haiti.  There is where the outrage should be Ms. Campbell.

For too long the government of Haiti and the elite Haitians have turned a blind eye to the pressing and vexing matter of illegal migration from its shores.  The Bahamas has been delinquent in dealing vigorously and effectively with illegal immigrants for too long.  It’s about time that we restore law and order in our land, and addressing the illegal immigration issue is a major component in our crime fight.

It’s illegal and immoral Ms. Campbell, for illegal Haitians in particular – to feel that they and their children have rights to be citizens in a country where they have entered illegally and have babies galore.  It’s utter madness.

So, instead of advocating the boycott of The Bahamas by all and sundry Ms. Campbell, you should let Haitians leaving Haiti illegally know that they should boycott The Bahamas on their way north and join you in Florida.  That’s a better proposition.

Urban Renewal and One Bahamas

Urban Renewal - A Powerful Agent For Social And Economic Change

Insight - Tribune 242:



Urban Renewal is transforming lives in the Bahamas, free of political intervention, and is more than just a crime prevention tool. In a wide-ranging interview with The Tribune the organisation’s prime movers dismiss criticism of its operation, outline future goals and initiatives and pay tribute to their supporters and partners.



CO-CHAIRS of Urban Renewal, Cynthia “Mother” Pratt and Algernon Allen, have been responding to criticisms of the organisation and recently reiterated its vision at the Radio House studios of 100JAMZ, the ‘People’s Radio Station’.

“Mother” Pratt and Mr Allen, shared not only the focus of the social initiative but highlighted some of Urban Renewal’s goals, achievements and future plans.

“Some people have been asking what Urban Renewal is doing. What have we done?” asked Mother Pratt, the former Deputy Prime Minister. “We’re transforming lives. That’s what we are doing! We are making a difference in young people’s lives.”

“It’s about providing resources and opportunities to those less fortunate. We need to reach the children of this generation. To provide a path before they are taught by their older siblings to become criminals of the next generation,” she said forcefully.

As she nodded approval Mr Allen, the former FNM Cabinet minister, said: “Mother Pratt and I will not allow such a vital programme, like Urban Renewal, to be kicked around like some political football.”

“I couldn’t agree more,” interjected Mother Pratt.

“Urban Renewal does not compete with, nor tread on, the toes of government or any other party. It is a tool for social transformation,” explained Mr Allen. “In fact it complements and augments each government ministry, as well as other respective agencies.”

Urban Renewal has been touted primarily as an instrument for ‘crime prevention.’ “This is a great disservice and oversight,” Mr Allen complained. “It is an instrument of social transformation and in that process benefits all matters of anti-social activity. “Last Friday, thousands of children were provided books, materials, backpacks, uniforms so that they could be properly equipped for their back to school. Daphne Bannister deserves recognition for her invaluable assistance along with the kindness of Ron and Diane Cacatori and Rick and Rita Case from Florida. They enabled us to be in a position to help so many.

“Our friends from Florida have provided thousands of text books, teacher aids, filing cabinets, projectors and school furniture,” he said.

“My question,” asked Mother Pratt, “where on earth would these thousands of young children be without the programmes that we have already done? We have transformed thousands of lives.”

“We even had barbers, hair braiders and provided the children with simple lunch,” continued Mr Allen. “When the PM asked me to be co-Chairman with Mother Pratt in the aftermath of the 2012 election, I insisted on several things.”

“First, that Urban Renewal must not be driven by partisan politics. Second, that we cannot play ‘politics with poverty’ and as such Urban Renewal had the potential - if seen as an unbiased organisation - to be a powerful agent for social and economic change.

“Third, we had to have an independent body in the form of a foundation and a Board which could work alongside the foot soldiers finding ways to raise the funds, resources and establish the private sector partnerships which are so critical in order to make this programme a success. In this manner, we have the integrity, transparency and accountability that is needed.”

TRIBUNE, 100JAMZ AND DUPUCH–CARRON FAMILY

“I’m not sure many people know,” revealed Mother Pratt, “but Mrs (Eileen) Carron, The Tribune and 100JAMZ - through the kindness of their friends and partners - have been with me from the very beginning. That’s right! The Beginning!”

“We were doing urban renewal 20 years before Urban Renewal was even thought of,” she said proudly. “Together we have touched the lives of over 45,000 children; built 34 homes; provided computers; books; raised monies for a variety of PMH needs; provided assistance with parks; community centres, clothing and other needs. Together we’ve done things I never thought possible!

“Urban Renewal has touched the lives of schools, churches, clubs, communities, charities and countless others. I know Mrs Carron (doesn’t like publicity) but The Tribune/100JAMZ and Dupuch/Carron family have done so much for this country. It is sad that very few people know about it.

“Mrs Eileen Dupuch-Carron has never asked – as far as I am aware - in all these years whether anyone is PLP or FNM! We are all Bahamians. She is a Bahamian, a daughter of the our Bahamaland first and foremost!”

“Difference?! If Urban Renewal was not making a difference then Algernon and I would not be here,” she added. “We have 11 Urban Renewal centres in New Providence, nine in Freeport, two in Abaco, two in Cat Island, one North Andros, one opening in South Andros and one in Eleuthera.”

Mr Allen explained: “The centres have programmes focusing on youth activities; supervised homework; computers; education/learning, music, wholesome entertainment in a safe, secure environment in which our youth can have fun, socialise and learn.”

URBAN RENEWAL BAND

“Two years ago we started a band with 30 members,” Mr Allen said. “Today, thanks to the amazing generosity of a permanent resident who has adopted the Bahamas as their home, 450 musical instruments were donated to us. Today we have 1,000 members in the band,” a beaming Mr Allen revealed.

“Sociologists, educators and psychologists all agree I am told that music is a most transformational tool. Band have been a staple of youth development in the third world and developed world providing economic growth and team spirit. Music integrated with youth cannot be overly emphaised,” he continued.

“The Urban Renewal band is drawn from the lower socio-economic groups in the country,” Mother Pratt said. “When you see the children coming out of their homes with their uniforms and instruments the parents, neighbours - indeed everyone - can see the pride that they have.

“However, our success has left us in a dilemma,” she lamented. “We desperately need 600 more instruments!” with a big smile.

SPORTS PROGRAMMES

Mother Pratt revealed it was their intention to re-institute the Urban Renewal sports leagues for basketball, softball, track and field and boxing.

“Boxing! That’s right, boxing. Little boys seem to love to fight nowadays. Lets develop a sport that harnesses their energy, provides discipline and structure and teaches young men to have pride and to become leaders fighting for what is right,” she explained.

“Many of our less fortunate young men will never grace a classroom because they are being constantly suspended because they fight with one another. Boxing will champion this energy so that they can have a sense of pride in fighting. But fighting for their nation in our national teams.”

Mr Allen called it a “true blessing for me to meet, discover and have the privilege to know selfless, trailblazing women like Mother Pratt and Mrs Eileen Dupuch-Carron. Women who love, care for, inspire, provide opportunities for those less fortunate and can change the direction of nations.”

“They - and others - represent and espouse that which we call One Bahamas. They are an example and aspiration which I hope to emulate.” 

September 08, 2014

Tribune 242

The Bahamas trade deficit declines

Trade Deficit Narrows 9.7%

By NEIL HARTNELL

Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamas experienced a 9.7 per cent drop in its trade deficit to $2.554 billion in 2013, largely due to an almost-$300 million fall in its import bill.

The Department of Statistics’ 2013 Annual Trade Data report, which covers just the Bahamas’ merchandise account or trade in goods, noted that total imports fell year-over-year by 8 per cent or $291.6 million, dropping from $3.658 billion to $3.366 billion.

While it is unclear whether the import drop is the start of a trend, and if it will be easier for the capital account (FDI and tourism earnings) surplus to finance the merchandise deficit, the narrowing was certainly not caused by any increase in Bahamian exports.

These, too, also fell in 2013, dropping from $828.7 million in 2012 to $811.7 million - a decline of $17 million or 2 per cent.

“The 2013 balance of trade (total exports minus total imports) continued to result in a deficit,” the Department of Statistics noted. “However, between 2012 and 2013, there was a noticeable decrease of some 9.7 per cent in the trade deficit, resulting in a net trade balance of $2.6 billion in 2013 compared to $2.8 billion in 2012.”

The $2.554 billion trade deficit incurred in 2013 was the lowest since 2009, when it fell to $2.114 billion at the recession’s peak.

“Data on merchandise trade for the year 2013 show that the value of commodities imported into the Bahamas totalled nearly $3.4 billion, resulting in a moderate decrease of 8 per cent below 2012’s total of $3.6 billion,” the Department of Statistics.

Mineral fuels, likely including gasoline and other oil-based products were the largest import category at $726.9 million or 21.6 per cent of the total, with machinery and transport next at $657.4 million or 19.5 per cent of the total.

Diesel fuel imports were worth $328.7 million in 2013, with unleaded auto gasoline and jet fuel accounting for $161.3 million and $46.9 million, respectively. Other fuel oils were worth $124.1 million.

Manufactured goods totalled $460.3 million for a 13.7 per cent of the Bahamas’ total import bill, with fresh meats, fruits, vegetables and processed foods coming to $466.5 million or 13.9 per cent.

On the exports front, Polymers International’s polystyrene products at $174.7 million, ‘other compounds’ at $61.6 million, lobster at $84.4 million accounted for 88 per cent of exports.

The US remained the Bahamas’ main trading partner, supplying $2.75 billion or 81.8 per cent of total imports. Puerto Rico and Trinidad & Tobago accounted for $249.6 million and $81.9 million worth of imports respectively.

The US also accounted for the lion’s share of Bahamian exports at $678.8 million, taking 83.6 per cent of the total.

July 03, 2014

Tribune 242

The poverty rate in The Bahamas increases

Poverty rises 3.5 percent

43,000 living below poverty line

By ROYSTON JONES JR.
Guardian Staff Reporter
royston@nasguard.com

Forty-three thousand people were living in poverty in The Bahamas at the time of a survey conducted in the first half of 2013, the Department of Statistics revealed yesterday.

The results of the Household Expenditure Survey showed that 12.8 percent of the population lived in poverty, an increase of 3.5 percent over the 9.3 percent of the population who lived in poverty at the time of the Living Conditions Survey in 2001.

The absolute poverty line — the minimum required for an individual to meet his or her basic needs — stands at $4,247 annually.

In 2001, the absolute poverty line stood at $2,863.

The latest survey was conducted between February and June 2013.

The results showed that Haitian nationals had the highest prevalence of poverty at 37.69 percent.

But Haitians represent 7.48 percent of the population, according to the survey.

While the rate of poverty among Bahamians stood at 11.14 percent, Bahamians represent 87.68 percent of the population.

The rate of poverty among people from the United States, United Kingdom and Canada stood at 3.36 percent.

Those nationalities represent 1.62 percent of the population.

Other nationalities in The Bahamas have a poverty rate of 3.69 percent.

Almost three quarters of the poor resided in New Providence, where the poverty rate stood at 12.68 percent.

The rate of poverty in Grand Bahama was 9.69 percent.

The survey notes the rate of poverty among the Family Islands collectively stood at 17.16 percent.

Director of Statistics Kelsie Dorsett said the downturn in the Bahamian economy in conjunction with the rate of unemployment contributed to the increase in poverty levels.

Unemployment was recorded at 16.2 percent in May 2013.

That figure dropped to 15.4 percent, according to the latest Labour Force Survey results, which were released earlier this year.

Although the rate of poverty among women was lower than men, women represented a slightly larger percentage of the poor, according to the survey.

Men represented 48.17 percent of the poor, while women represented 51.83 percent of the poor.

The survey indicated the number of households considered below the poverty line increased from 5.3 percent in 2001 to 8.7 percent in 2013, an increase of 3.4 percent.

Households headed by women, which accounted for 47 percent of all poor households, had a higher rate of poverty than households headed by men, according to the survey.

The poverty rate among households headed by men stood at 7.9 percent compared to 9.7 percent poverty rate among households headed by women.

Dorsett said the survey provides a comprehensive and accurate profile of the poor and the data is critical to the formation of policy to address the needs of the poor.

“It will also be used, I am sure you have heard Social Services talk about their conditional cash transfer program system, which they are soon to implement,” she said.

“This will guide that system, assess it and help to monitor that system.”

The release of the survey’s results comes amid national discussion over the likely impact value-added tax (VAT) will have on the poor after it is implemented on January 1, 2015.

Minister of State for Finance Michael Halkitis has said the cost of living is expected to rise by four percent.

Asked whether the poor can sustain this increase in the cost of living, Dorsett said the government has made presentations on how it expects the poor to be impacted. She did not want to comment beyond that.

Social Services Minister Melanie Griffin has said the government can “handle whatever fallout” may come from the new tax.

She said if the government finds that its efforts to protect the poor are insufficient, additional funding would be requested.

The government is in the process of implementing a new social safety net program, which is expected to streamline the assistance process.

In 2012, Griffin revealed that the number of people receiving some form of help from the government ballooned to around 10,000 people from 3,000 people in 2004.

The Department of Statistics interviewed the occupants of 2,123 households as a part of the survey.

Dorsett said her department hopes to conduct a Household Expenditure Survey every five to six years.

June 11, 2014

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