By NOELLE NICOLLS
Tribune Staff Reporter
nnicolls@tribunemedia.net:
THE current rate of urbanisation in the Bahamas, as well as globally, could present "unprecedented social, health and environmental challenges" if not addressed, according to health experts.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) and its regional arm, the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO), are calling for action to address the needs of the changing population landscape.
The theme "Urbanisation and Health" governed the celebration of World Health Day 2010 yesterday.
Speaking at a press conference yesterday morning Minister of Health Dr Hubert Minnis said:
"Cities are the centre of commercial, political and cultural life, attracting people who are looking for greater wealth and a more prosperous life.
"People who live in urban settings are exposed to a wide range of environmental factors. While a move to city life brings about improvement in economic status, it also leads to public health challenges."
Over half of the world's 6.3 billion inhabitants reside in cities. According to the United Nation Population Division, in 20 years, six out of every 10 people are projected to be city dwellers.
Almost 85 per cent of the Bahamas' population lives in urban areas, which is well above the Caribbean's 67 per cent average. By the year 2050, the urban population in the Bahamas is expected to comprise 91 per cent.
Dr Minnis declared that the Bahamas is on board with the global World Health Day celebrations.
The aim of the ministry is to integrate the activities associated with World Health Day into a "sustained strategy to combat the effects of urban living and reverse trends".
On Saturday, the Ministry of Health will host a Farmers' Market at the Fox Hill Parade to showcase the produce of local farmers, backyard gardeners and producers of native products.
The market is aimed at highlighting some of the steps people can take towards improving their health, particularly by eating healthier.
Several other health challenges to be examined, are pollution, water, sanitation, waste, increased exposure to communicable diseases and violence, smoking and second-hand smoke, drug use, and an increase in chronic non-communicable diseases.
"Regular activities at the street, neighbourhood, and local levels, in addition to those occurring at the national and regional level can have a profound impact on the health of the population. Urbanisation also creates stress on the environment," said Dr Minnis.
"We can combat population and environmental stress by encouraging neighbourhoods to participate in clean-up campaigns and walking groups to promote healthier environments. Communities can come together to promote safety and decrease violence. Taken together, these activities can contribute to a healthier population and safer environment for all," he said.
The Bahamas recently moved on one area of recommended policy actions to improve urban living conditions.
To improve conditions, communities are encouraged to adopt "progressive land use policies" that regulate commercial and non-commercial areas, as well as protected lands for recreation and the preservation of natural resources.
The Revised Planning and Subdivision legislation, recently passed in the House of Assembly, seeks to address these issues, among others.
It is expected to be implemented by July 1.
April 08, 2010
tribune242
A political blog about Bahamian politics in The Bahamas, Bahamian Politicans - and the entire Bahamas political lot. Bahamian Blogger Dennis Dames keeps you updated on the political news and views throughout the islands of The Bahamas without fear or favor. Bahamian Politicians and the Bahamian Political Arena: Updates one Post at a time on Bahamas Politics and Bahamas Politicans; and their local, regional and international policies and perspectives.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Bahamas: Repatriation of Haitian migrants is criticised
By MEGAN REYNOLDS
Tribune Staff Reporter
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net:
HAITIAN community leaders have criticised Government for repatriating Haitian migrants last week, claiming they will face deplorable conditions and "certain death."
Although the repatriation of illegal Haitian migrants was suspended when Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince was devastated by the magnitude 7.0 earthquake on January 12, Haitian migrants who have been apprehended in the Bahamas since then were returned to Haiti on Monday, March 29.
Deputy Prime Minister and Immigration Minister Brent Symonette maintains Haiti is now ready for repatriation to resume as normal, while members of the Haitian community say those seeking refuge from the devastated nation should not be returned until conditions improve.
"They are sending people to certain death," said a Haitian Bahamian community leader who did not want to be named.
"Now Haiti is coming into the rainy season they are talking about the mud; people are walking in three inches of mud and they have to sleep in that, in tents, and it is going to get worse.
"To me it is really unfortunate to send people to a situation where their livelihood and their lives are at stake.
"We are just sending people to more misery."
An estimated 200,000 people were killed in the earthquake, and aid agencies have struggled to provide food and shelter for around one million left homeless.
Homeless
The Haitian government is now appealing for 40,000 dwellings for the 200,000 homeless living in the worst flooding and mudslide-prone areas.
By returning migrants now, the community leader fears the Bahamas will gain a poor humanitarian reputation internationally.
Antoine St Louis, president of the United Haitian Bahamian Association, added: "We applaud what the Government did for the Haitian people after the earthquake, but we would hope they would give them some more time.
"Haiti is not ready to take anyone as yet.
"They still have a million homeless people sleeping on the street, they still have no food.
"There has not been any improvement to the situation.
"If they gave them some more time that would really help because it is still in dire need."
Mr Symonette maintains there has been no change to the Bahamian Immigration policy, although exceptions were made in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham approved the release of 102 Haitian men, women and children held at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre days after the quake hit and they were granted temporary status to remain in the Bahamas for up to six months.
Meanwhile the United States government extended 18 months Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to an estimated 200,000 Haitians already in the US when the earthquake struck.
However, both the US and Bahamas continued to apprehend all those illegally landing within their borders after January 12 to be repatriated when the Haitian government was ready to accept them.
A total of 62 Haitian migrants found on a boat in Exuma two weeks after the earthquake were immediately repatriated by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force with assistance from the United States Coast Guard.
Earthquake
While dozens of others apprehended since the earthquake were charged in court to extend the period of their detention until they could be repatriated on Monday, March 29.
The 86 illegal migrants apprehended in Long Island on March 27 were then returned to Haiti on Wednesday.
In response to criticism from the PLP Opposition, the Immigration Minister released a statement on Monday to clarify how government's policy regarding repatriation has remained constant despite exceptions being made in the aftermath of the quake.
"Now that it is possible to resume the orderly repatriation of illegal Haitian immigrants, those who have been incarcerated are being repatriated," Mr Symonette said.
"Any new illegal immigrants are being apprehended and repatriated as promptly as possible."
April 07, 2010
tribune242
Tribune Staff Reporter
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net:
HAITIAN community leaders have criticised Government for repatriating Haitian migrants last week, claiming they will face deplorable conditions and "certain death."
Although the repatriation of illegal Haitian migrants was suspended when Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince was devastated by the magnitude 7.0 earthquake on January 12, Haitian migrants who have been apprehended in the Bahamas since then were returned to Haiti on Monday, March 29.
Deputy Prime Minister and Immigration Minister Brent Symonette maintains Haiti is now ready for repatriation to resume as normal, while members of the Haitian community say those seeking refuge from the devastated nation should not be returned until conditions improve.
"They are sending people to certain death," said a Haitian Bahamian community leader who did not want to be named.
"Now Haiti is coming into the rainy season they are talking about the mud; people are walking in three inches of mud and they have to sleep in that, in tents, and it is going to get worse.
"To me it is really unfortunate to send people to a situation where their livelihood and their lives are at stake.
"We are just sending people to more misery."
An estimated 200,000 people were killed in the earthquake, and aid agencies have struggled to provide food and shelter for around one million left homeless.
Homeless
The Haitian government is now appealing for 40,000 dwellings for the 200,000 homeless living in the worst flooding and mudslide-prone areas.
By returning migrants now, the community leader fears the Bahamas will gain a poor humanitarian reputation internationally.
Antoine St Louis, president of the United Haitian Bahamian Association, added: "We applaud what the Government did for the Haitian people after the earthquake, but we would hope they would give them some more time.
"Haiti is not ready to take anyone as yet.
"They still have a million homeless people sleeping on the street, they still have no food.
"There has not been any improvement to the situation.
"If they gave them some more time that would really help because it is still in dire need."
Mr Symonette maintains there has been no change to the Bahamian Immigration policy, although exceptions were made in the aftermath of the earthquake.
Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham approved the release of 102 Haitian men, women and children held at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre days after the quake hit and they were granted temporary status to remain in the Bahamas for up to six months.
Meanwhile the United States government extended 18 months Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to an estimated 200,000 Haitians already in the US when the earthquake struck.
However, both the US and Bahamas continued to apprehend all those illegally landing within their borders after January 12 to be repatriated when the Haitian government was ready to accept them.
A total of 62 Haitian migrants found on a boat in Exuma two weeks after the earthquake were immediately repatriated by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force with assistance from the United States Coast Guard.
Earthquake
While dozens of others apprehended since the earthquake were charged in court to extend the period of their detention until they could be repatriated on Monday, March 29.
The 86 illegal migrants apprehended in Long Island on March 27 were then returned to Haiti on Wednesday.
In response to criticism from the PLP Opposition, the Immigration Minister released a statement on Monday to clarify how government's policy regarding repatriation has remained constant despite exceptions being made in the aftermath of the quake.
"Now that it is possible to resume the orderly repatriation of illegal Haitian immigrants, those who have been incarcerated are being repatriated," Mr Symonette said.
"Any new illegal immigrants are being apprehended and repatriated as promptly as possible."
April 07, 2010
tribune242
Bahamas: Committee looking at gambling for legal residents
By Keva Ligtbourne ~ Guardian Senior Reporter ~ kdl@nasguard.com:
The committee formed to comprehensively examine the country's gaming laws may be leaning toward recommending that legal residents be allowed to gamble in The Bahamas, according to Minister of Tourism Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace.
"In particular there is a group of people who are in The Bahamas whose income does not derive from The Bahamas, but they are residents in The Bahamas without the right to work," he said.
"In very many respects they resemble a visitor. So they are now prohibited under section 50 of the Lotteries and Gaming Act from engaging in gaming in The Bahamas. So that is something that we are taking a look at the possibility of enabling those persons to be considered, but that is not a final decision. A great deal of thought is still going into all of the amendments we have to make."
Bahamian citizens and permanent residents are prohibited from gambling under the current law. However, tourists are allowed to gamble.
Last year, Bahamas Hotel Association President Robert Sands said the BHA supported a national lottery and the amendment of the gaming laws to allow permanent residents to gamble in casinos in The Bahamas.
However, the BHA does not support extending casino gambling to Bahamians.
For years, the debate over whether Bahamians should be allowed to gamble in The Bahamas has been a hot topic across the country. There are those like the religious leaders who are adamantly opposed to the idea. Many of them believe it would contribute to the breakdown of families and the society.
Then there are others who say legalizing gambling in The Bahamas for Bahamians would help fund sporting activities, culture events and education, etc.
Over the years, successive governments have been reluctant to address the issue.
Vanderpool-Wallace insisted that the committee has not considered or made any suggestion or recommendation with regard to allowing Bahamians to gamble legally.
As the committee considers what laws should be relaxed as it regards gaming in The Bahamas, a group called Bahamas Gaming Reform continues to push to end what it says is discrimination.
The group's chairman Sidney Strachan, said: "In response to numerous calls and speculation that the government may be in the process of initiating changes to the current gaming laws, Bahamas Gaming Reform (BGR) applauds any move by the government to reform the country's [archaic] gaming laws. However, BGR stresses that it must be done right and not stop short of ending the blatant discrimination against Bahamian residents."
He said Bahamians are excitedly hoping that what has long been a national pass time — the numbers game -— may finally become legal.
"Bahamians will no longer feel threatened, terrified or harassed while harmlessly queuing up at local web cafes," Strachan said.
"In spite of the heavy sighs of relief from many quarters of the country, anything short of complete reform (permitting Bahamians to be stakeholders and players in our casinos) will be an affront to Bahamians and only deepen the social divide as foreigners will again be afforded more privileges in this country."
April 07, 2010
thenassauguardian
The committee formed to comprehensively examine the country's gaming laws may be leaning toward recommending that legal residents be allowed to gamble in The Bahamas, according to Minister of Tourism Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace.
"In particular there is a group of people who are in The Bahamas whose income does not derive from The Bahamas, but they are residents in The Bahamas without the right to work," he said.
"In very many respects they resemble a visitor. So they are now prohibited under section 50 of the Lotteries and Gaming Act from engaging in gaming in The Bahamas. So that is something that we are taking a look at the possibility of enabling those persons to be considered, but that is not a final decision. A great deal of thought is still going into all of the amendments we have to make."
Bahamian citizens and permanent residents are prohibited from gambling under the current law. However, tourists are allowed to gamble.
Last year, Bahamas Hotel Association President Robert Sands said the BHA supported a national lottery and the amendment of the gaming laws to allow permanent residents to gamble in casinos in The Bahamas.
However, the BHA does not support extending casino gambling to Bahamians.
For years, the debate over whether Bahamians should be allowed to gamble in The Bahamas has been a hot topic across the country. There are those like the religious leaders who are adamantly opposed to the idea. Many of them believe it would contribute to the breakdown of families and the society.
Then there are others who say legalizing gambling in The Bahamas for Bahamians would help fund sporting activities, culture events and education, etc.
Over the years, successive governments have been reluctant to address the issue.
Vanderpool-Wallace insisted that the committee has not considered or made any suggestion or recommendation with regard to allowing Bahamians to gamble legally.
As the committee considers what laws should be relaxed as it regards gaming in The Bahamas, a group called Bahamas Gaming Reform continues to push to end what it says is discrimination.
The group's chairman Sidney Strachan, said: "In response to numerous calls and speculation that the government may be in the process of initiating changes to the current gaming laws, Bahamas Gaming Reform (BGR) applauds any move by the government to reform the country's [archaic] gaming laws. However, BGR stresses that it must be done right and not stop short of ending the blatant discrimination against Bahamian residents."
He said Bahamians are excitedly hoping that what has long been a national pass time — the numbers game -— may finally become legal.
"Bahamians will no longer feel threatened, terrified or harassed while harmlessly queuing up at local web cafes," Strachan said.
"In spite of the heavy sighs of relief from many quarters of the country, anything short of complete reform (permitting Bahamians to be stakeholders and players in our casinos) will be an affront to Bahamians and only deepen the social divide as foreigners will again be afforded more privileges in this country."
April 07, 2010
thenassauguardian
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Another former senior FNM favours legalised gambling
By ALISON LOWE
Tribune Staff Reporter
alowe@tribunemedia.net:
ANOTHER former senior FNM has come out in favour of the legalisation of gambling, amid speculation that the Government may be preparing to liberalise gaming laws in the Bahamas in the coming legislative session.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Frank Watson, who was recently honoured by the government when the new road bordering the Albany resort was named after him, said police are "wasting their time and resources running after" those who conduct and participate in lotteries in the Bahamas and it is "time for us to face the music."
"We waste the police's precious time trying to lock up and seemingly never to get a conviction so why not legalise it? We need to get it behind us. If I don't want to gamble I don't have to gamble no one is forcing you (if it is legalised)."
"The reality is there is a block of churches that oppose gaming being legalised, but the police can do nothing about it as it goes on illegally.
"Police continue to waste time running behind numbers people and all they're doing is taking the focus off crime in my view," said the former parliamentarian and current chairman of the Nassau Airport Development Company.
His comments come as speculation remains high that the Government, which has been urged by numerous stakeholders to reform gaming laws in the Bahamas, may announce in the Speech from the Throne, which will outline the Government's next legislative agenda upon the opening of the new session of Parliament on April 14, that it intends to liberalise gambling laws in The Bahamas.
Such speculation has been bolstered by reports that the question of whether gambling laws should be reformed was recently put to the FNM Council for a vote by party leader and Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.
Speaking with The Tribune, Mr Watson said he was not sure if this did indeed happen but "understands that this may have been so."
Meanwhile, when asked yesterday if the council did vote on the issue of liberalisation, FNM party chairman Carl Bethel admitted that gambling law reform is indeed "a question that's being discussed internally in the Free National Movement."
However, Bahamas Hotel Association President Robert Sands, who was part of the group that presented a proposal to the Government last year calling for a reform of the Bahamas' gaming laws -- in his group's case, the proposal specifically related to who can gamble in casinos in The Bahamas and what kinds of games are permitted in those tourist establishments, rather than the legalisation of numbers houses -- told Tribune Business last week that he had not heard anything officially on the matter. FML CEO Craig Flowers said the same.
Mr Watson told The Tribune he feels that other than those churches who oppose gambling on religious grounds, most Bahamians are either "ambivalent about or participate in" illegal gambling.
He added that if it were legalised, expanded gambling could be a major revenue-raising measure for the Government.
"The money raised could be used to implement programmes dealing with anti-social behaviour or to put on after school classes or day care. Parents are having difficulty managing their jobs and their children," he suggested.
Nonetheless, the ex-parliamentarian admitted the move would be one that a government would have to "think through carefully and be prepared to take the consequences" of.
Former FNM Cabinet Minister Theresa Moxey came under fire several weeks ago after she described police raids on numbers houses as equivalent to officers "terrorising peaceful citizens." She suggested the law that allows non-Bahamians and non-Bahamian residents to gamble while denying those categories of people the same right is "discriminatory."
A Group of Evangelical Pastors -- Cedric Moss, Allan Lee, Lyall Bethel and Alfred Stuart -- called Mrs Moxey-Ingraham's comments "irresponsible" and urged the Government to strengthen anti-gambling laws and their enforcement to "rid our land of these illegal numbers houses."
April 06, 2010
Tribune Staff Reporter
alowe@tribunemedia.net:
ANOTHER former senior FNM has come out in favour of the legalisation of gambling, amid speculation that the Government may be preparing to liberalise gaming laws in the Bahamas in the coming legislative session.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Frank Watson, who was recently honoured by the government when the new road bordering the Albany resort was named after him, said police are "wasting their time and resources running after" those who conduct and participate in lotteries in the Bahamas and it is "time for us to face the music."
"We waste the police's precious time trying to lock up and seemingly never to get a conviction so why not legalise it? We need to get it behind us. If I don't want to gamble I don't have to gamble no one is forcing you (if it is legalised)."
"The reality is there is a block of churches that oppose gaming being legalised, but the police can do nothing about it as it goes on illegally.
"Police continue to waste time running behind numbers people and all they're doing is taking the focus off crime in my view," said the former parliamentarian and current chairman of the Nassau Airport Development Company.
His comments come as speculation remains high that the Government, which has been urged by numerous stakeholders to reform gaming laws in the Bahamas, may announce in the Speech from the Throne, which will outline the Government's next legislative agenda upon the opening of the new session of Parliament on April 14, that it intends to liberalise gambling laws in The Bahamas.
Such speculation has been bolstered by reports that the question of whether gambling laws should be reformed was recently put to the FNM Council for a vote by party leader and Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham.
Speaking with The Tribune, Mr Watson said he was not sure if this did indeed happen but "understands that this may have been so."
Meanwhile, when asked yesterday if the council did vote on the issue of liberalisation, FNM party chairman Carl Bethel admitted that gambling law reform is indeed "a question that's being discussed internally in the Free National Movement."
However, Bahamas Hotel Association President Robert Sands, who was part of the group that presented a proposal to the Government last year calling for a reform of the Bahamas' gaming laws -- in his group's case, the proposal specifically related to who can gamble in casinos in The Bahamas and what kinds of games are permitted in those tourist establishments, rather than the legalisation of numbers houses -- told Tribune Business last week that he had not heard anything officially on the matter. FML CEO Craig Flowers said the same.
Mr Watson told The Tribune he feels that other than those churches who oppose gambling on religious grounds, most Bahamians are either "ambivalent about or participate in" illegal gambling.
He added that if it were legalised, expanded gambling could be a major revenue-raising measure for the Government.
"The money raised could be used to implement programmes dealing with anti-social behaviour or to put on after school classes or day care. Parents are having difficulty managing their jobs and their children," he suggested.
Nonetheless, the ex-parliamentarian admitted the move would be one that a government would have to "think through carefully and be prepared to take the consequences" of.
Former FNM Cabinet Minister Theresa Moxey came under fire several weeks ago after she described police raids on numbers houses as equivalent to officers "terrorising peaceful citizens." She suggested the law that allows non-Bahamians and non-Bahamian residents to gamble while denying those categories of people the same right is "discriminatory."
A Group of Evangelical Pastors -- Cedric Moss, Allan Lee, Lyall Bethel and Alfred Stuart -- called Mrs Moxey-Ingraham's comments "irresponsible" and urged the Government to strengthen anti-gambling laws and their enforcement to "rid our land of these illegal numbers houses."
April 06, 2010
Illegal Immigrant Policy Shift Confirmed by Minister of Immigration - Brent Symonette
By Candia Dames ~ Guardian News Editor ~ candia@nasguard.com:
After initially declining to provide an explanation on the government's decision to resume repatriations to Haiti, Minister of Immigration Brent Symonette confirmed in a statement last night that the long-standing policy as it regards undocumented Haitian nationals is now back in effect.
The government had shifted the policy following the powerful earthquake that hit Port-au-Prince on January 12.
"The procedures that obtained before the earthquake have been resumed," said Symonette, who is also deputy prime minister. "That is, Haitian illegals will be held at the Detention Centre and repatriated as soon as arrangements can be made."
His statement came several days after The Nassau Guardian revealed exclusively that a group of undocumented Haitian nationals was repatriated to Haiti after being picked up in Long Island.
Symonette also confirmed that the group of Haitians charged in late January with illegal landing has been repatriated.
The repatriation came two months after Chief Magistrate Roger Gomez ordered the illegal immigrants be held for six months at Her Majesty's Prison.
The decision to charge them in court was part of the government's stated policy on immigration following the earthquake.
On Thursday, Director of Immigration Jack Thompson confirmed that the Haitians were sent to Cap Haitien, about 100 miles north of Port-au-Prince.
Symonette advised last night, "Any new illegal immigrants are being apprehended and repatriated as promptly as possible."
He also said that while the policy of apprehension, regularization and repatriation remains constant, changing circumstances may dictate that the government respond to those circumstances in the country's broad national interests at home and abroad.
In his statement last night, Symonette also hit out at the Official Opposition, saying it continues to make irresponsible and incoherent comments pertaining to the repatriation of illegal immigrants from Haiti.
Symonette pointed to Opposition Leader Perry Christie's refusal to say what decision he would have made regarding undocumented Haitian nationals had he been in power when the earthquake struck Haiti.
The deputy prime minister also hit out at former PLP Minister of Immigration Vincent Peet over recent criticisms of the government after the recent repatriations took place without any announcements being made.
"As the government of the day, the FNM is obliged to make decisions in real-time, not late again," Symonette said. "The government is obliged to act, rather than posture."
Following the earthquake, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham announced that the government was releasing 102 undocumented Haitian immigrants who were at the Detention Centre at the time of the earthquake.
In total, 15 women, three children, and 84 men were released from the holding facility.
Speaking at a news conference in January on his government's decision to release the Haitian immigrants, Ingraham pointed to a New York Times editorial that said, "Burdening a collapsed country with destitute deportees would be a true crime."
"No one knows how long it will be before Haiti is restored to some semblance of normalcy and when repatriation flights from The Bahamas and other places will again be able to land and be processed in Port-au-Prince," the prime minister said at the time. "So it makes sense and it is compassionate not to keep them incarcerated indefinitely."
Thompson said that group released from the Detention Centre after the earthquake is still free on temporary status.
Following an emergency meeting in the Dominican Republic several days after the earthquake, Ingraham announced that as part of the temporary immigration policy, undocumented Haitian nationals apprehended in The Bahamas after the disaster would be charged in court so they could be detained for longer periods.
Symonette said conditions in Haiti now allow for the resumption of repatriation exercises.
April 06, 2010
thenassauguardian
After initially declining to provide an explanation on the government's decision to resume repatriations to Haiti, Minister of Immigration Brent Symonette confirmed in a statement last night that the long-standing policy as it regards undocumented Haitian nationals is now back in effect.
The government had shifted the policy following the powerful earthquake that hit Port-au-Prince on January 12.
"The procedures that obtained before the earthquake have been resumed," said Symonette, who is also deputy prime minister. "That is, Haitian illegals will be held at the Detention Centre and repatriated as soon as arrangements can be made."
His statement came several days after The Nassau Guardian revealed exclusively that a group of undocumented Haitian nationals was repatriated to Haiti after being picked up in Long Island.
Symonette also confirmed that the group of Haitians charged in late January with illegal landing has been repatriated.
The repatriation came two months after Chief Magistrate Roger Gomez ordered the illegal immigrants be held for six months at Her Majesty's Prison.
The decision to charge them in court was part of the government's stated policy on immigration following the earthquake.
On Thursday, Director of Immigration Jack Thompson confirmed that the Haitians were sent to Cap Haitien, about 100 miles north of Port-au-Prince.
Symonette advised last night, "Any new illegal immigrants are being apprehended and repatriated as promptly as possible."
He also said that while the policy of apprehension, regularization and repatriation remains constant, changing circumstances may dictate that the government respond to those circumstances in the country's broad national interests at home and abroad.
In his statement last night, Symonette also hit out at the Official Opposition, saying it continues to make irresponsible and incoherent comments pertaining to the repatriation of illegal immigrants from Haiti.
Symonette pointed to Opposition Leader Perry Christie's refusal to say what decision he would have made regarding undocumented Haitian nationals had he been in power when the earthquake struck Haiti.
The deputy prime minister also hit out at former PLP Minister of Immigration Vincent Peet over recent criticisms of the government after the recent repatriations took place without any announcements being made.
"As the government of the day, the FNM is obliged to make decisions in real-time, not late again," Symonette said. "The government is obliged to act, rather than posture."
Following the earthquake, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham announced that the government was releasing 102 undocumented Haitian immigrants who were at the Detention Centre at the time of the earthquake.
In total, 15 women, three children, and 84 men were released from the holding facility.
Speaking at a news conference in January on his government's decision to release the Haitian immigrants, Ingraham pointed to a New York Times editorial that said, "Burdening a collapsed country with destitute deportees would be a true crime."
"No one knows how long it will be before Haiti is restored to some semblance of normalcy and when repatriation flights from The Bahamas and other places will again be able to land and be processed in Port-au-Prince," the prime minister said at the time. "So it makes sense and it is compassionate not to keep them incarcerated indefinitely."
Thompson said that group released from the Detention Centre after the earthquake is still free on temporary status.
Following an emergency meeting in the Dominican Republic several days after the earthquake, Ingraham announced that as part of the temporary immigration policy, undocumented Haitian nationals apprehended in The Bahamas after the disaster would be charged in court so they could be detained for longer periods.
Symonette said conditions in Haiti now allow for the resumption of repatriation exercises.
April 06, 2010
thenassauguardian
Monday, April 5, 2010
Bahamas government fiscally irresponsible
By The Nassau Institute:
The Tribune Business recently featured Mr Zhivago Laing’s position on the Moody’s Investor Services Report on the debt level of The Bahamas.
Many of Mr Laing’s comments are correct and perhaps the Government may now be thinking about taking corrective action to reduce the country’s debt load.
It may be too little and too late.
Unfortunately, the focus is on increasing taxation and not reducing government spending. Year over year deficits reflect a policy of spending more than the country’s income can support.
The private sector is limited to spending more than it earns for only a short time before bankers and owners become uneasy and force changes. Raising prices, like government is proposing in the form of increased taxes, is not the answer in a competitive market, particularly as the Bahamian product long ago reached a non-competitive price level with other countries offering the same or similar products.
Raising taxes is economically damaging and a shortsighted policy without seriously pursuing drastic cuts in spending.
Some areas to cut government spending
Cut spending, waste and corruption in government like you mean it before considering increased taxation. Beside the many recommendations at www.nassauinstitute.org over the years, here are few quick ideas that will help reduce spending:
- Combine several of the Government Ministries. Do we really need more than 20 Cabinet Ministers at this time? Reducing the number of Cabinet posts will also reduce the number of chauffeur driven cars and their attendant costs etc.
- Immediately cut all travel. Is it really necessary to go to all the symposiums around the world with entourages that stay in the finest hotels etc? Many private sector meetings and training are now held over the Internet. Is the government immune to using the new technology?
- How about selling off some of those embassy buildings around the world? Are they really required?
- Turn the tap off on the waste at Bahamas Air and other drains on the public purse.
With a debt to GDP ratio, including contingent liabilities at or near 54%, Mr. Laing, and by extension Parliament, seem more focused on expanding the tax base rather than cutting government spending. Every Member of Parliament knows that the government has not been fiscally responsible, but all of them, to a man, only see one way to fix their insatiable appetite for spending – Stick it to the taxpayer. And history shows us that even with more revenue, government deficits continue unabated.
The business community and private citizens have taken this recession on the nose all the while the government has continued increasing spending and borrowing when many business people and individuals have been cut off.
Limit tax and debt levels
Tax increases should be the last resort, and only after the bitter medicine of reducing the size and scope of government and its rapacious taxing and spending have been brought under control.
If at the end of the day there is no other way to get out of this mess than to raise taxes, a Constitutional amendment or at minimum a law should limit government debt levels to no more than 40% of GDP incorporating a limit on the total level of taxation.
These are tough times for every Bahamian, but increasing the tax burden will slow the economy even more. Something the government should studiously avoid.
The Nassau Institute is an independent, a-political, non-profit institute that promotes economic growth in a free market economy with limited government, in a society that embraces the rule of law and the right to private property.
April 5, 2010
caribbeannetnews
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Bradley Roberts - Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) chairman raises National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) concerns after Grand Bahama tornado
By MEGAN REYNOLDS
Tribune Staff Reporter
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net:
THE National Emergency Management Agency has come under fire for its failure to effectively issue warnings and respond to the Grand Bahama tornado on Monday.
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) chairman Bradley Roberts has raised concerns about NEMA's lack of resources in Grand Bahama and the Family Islands as well as insufficient training and systems in place to prepare for and respond to dangerous weather in the future.
The tornado that struck Grand Bahama at around 11.30am on Monday claimed the lives of three maintenance workers who were trapped in a 400 ft gantry crane that came crashing down and was submerged in the water at the Freeport Container Port (FCP).
Several others were injured and witnesses said they had little or no warning to seek protection from the storm.
Warnings:
Although weather warnings were issued in South Florida early Monday morning, and a meteorological observer in Grand Bahama alerted a forecaster at the Met Office in Nassau to issue a public tornado warning for the island, a breakdown in protocol meant the warning was not issued.
Environment Minister Earl Deveaux maintains the staff responsible will face consequences for the breach.
However he maintains the port was aware of the severe weather approaching and a warning would not have changed the devastating outcome.
"No warnings or lack thereof could be blamed for the horrible and fatal consequences," Dr Deveaux said.
"All of us are deeply affected by the fatal and destructive events."
Now Mr Roberts has detailed further actions that he says should have been taken to minimise the tornado's impact on Grand Bahama.
He said NEMA should have immediately posted public warnings, closed schools, appointed an incident commander to oversee a search and rescue operation and damage assessment.
A hotline and public information centre for those affected should have also been established, as well as a counselling service and crisis information centre, Mr Roberts said.
According to the PLP chairman, NEMA thrived under the PLP administration as it accelerated the development of a national emergency plan and invested in a number of intensive training on damage assessment and emergency response.
Programmes:
However the organisation has since suffered under the FNM as programmes were not sustained and there has been no national training for three years, he said.
Mr Roberts further laments the lack of NEMA offices in any of the Family Islands where there should be establishments and people in place to provide an emergency response.
Director of NEMA Captain Stephen Russell did not respond to these allegations before The Tribune went to press.
However Mr Roberts ultimately holds Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham accountable when NEMA falls short.
"As a result of this government's petty partisan policies and its commitment to destroy 'Christie programmes', NEMA was a total failure to the people of Grand Bahama during their hour of need," Mr Roberts said.
"A day later the above mentioned plans have still not been done or even started; this is indeed a classic case of a disaster within a disaster.
"The people of Grand Bahama must hold Mr Ingraham and the FNM government accountable for its failure to provide all the safety mechanisms to ensure mitigation against lost of life, property and unnecessary grief and suffering."
April 01, 2010
tribune242
Tribune Staff Reporter
mreynolds@tribunemedia.net:
THE National Emergency Management Agency has come under fire for its failure to effectively issue warnings and respond to the Grand Bahama tornado on Monday.
Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) chairman Bradley Roberts has raised concerns about NEMA's lack of resources in Grand Bahama and the Family Islands as well as insufficient training and systems in place to prepare for and respond to dangerous weather in the future.
The tornado that struck Grand Bahama at around 11.30am on Monday claimed the lives of three maintenance workers who were trapped in a 400 ft gantry crane that came crashing down and was submerged in the water at the Freeport Container Port (FCP).
Several others were injured and witnesses said they had little or no warning to seek protection from the storm.
Warnings:
Although weather warnings were issued in South Florida early Monday morning, and a meteorological observer in Grand Bahama alerted a forecaster at the Met Office in Nassau to issue a public tornado warning for the island, a breakdown in protocol meant the warning was not issued.
Environment Minister Earl Deveaux maintains the staff responsible will face consequences for the breach.
However he maintains the port was aware of the severe weather approaching and a warning would not have changed the devastating outcome.
"No warnings or lack thereof could be blamed for the horrible and fatal consequences," Dr Deveaux said.
"All of us are deeply affected by the fatal and destructive events."
Now Mr Roberts has detailed further actions that he says should have been taken to minimise the tornado's impact on Grand Bahama.
He said NEMA should have immediately posted public warnings, closed schools, appointed an incident commander to oversee a search and rescue operation and damage assessment.
A hotline and public information centre for those affected should have also been established, as well as a counselling service and crisis information centre, Mr Roberts said.
According to the PLP chairman, NEMA thrived under the PLP administration as it accelerated the development of a national emergency plan and invested in a number of intensive training on damage assessment and emergency response.
Programmes:
However the organisation has since suffered under the FNM as programmes were not sustained and there has been no national training for three years, he said.
Mr Roberts further laments the lack of NEMA offices in any of the Family Islands where there should be establishments and people in place to provide an emergency response.
Director of NEMA Captain Stephen Russell did not respond to these allegations before The Tribune went to press.
However Mr Roberts ultimately holds Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham accountable when NEMA falls short.
"As a result of this government's petty partisan policies and its commitment to destroy 'Christie programmes', NEMA was a total failure to the people of Grand Bahama during their hour of need," Mr Roberts said.
"A day later the above mentioned plans have still not been done or even started; this is indeed a classic case of a disaster within a disaster.
"The people of Grand Bahama must hold Mr Ingraham and the FNM government accountable for its failure to provide all the safety mechanisms to ensure mitigation against lost of life, property and unnecessary grief and suffering."
April 01, 2010
tribune242
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