By Steven Horwitz ~ For The Nassau Institute:
In his column of March 18, Dr. John Rodgers offers a four point plan for helping the Bahamas emerge from the current recession. His plan is a mix of a few good ideas, some not so good ideas, and an overarching but misguided faith in the ability of government to guide the process of recovery and growth.
In particular, Rodgers refers at the start to "the failure of the free market system" as a cause of the current recession. Nothing could be further from the truth, as several of his own arguments illustrate later in his article.
In fact, the path toward economic recovery involves releasing the forces of free market capitalism from the government shackles that have prevented the Bahamas from having the sustained economic growth that Rodgers hopes to achieve. Below, I offer some criticisms of his plan as well as some alternatives that Bahamians might consider as they debate these important issues.
The most important and correct point that Rodgers raises is proposing an end to the exchange controls on the Bahamian economy.
As he notes, the Bahamas is one of the few places in the world that still has such controls and they have a dramatic negative effect on trade, especially internationally.
Exchange controls do indeed increase the cost of raising funds from outside the country, forcing entrepreneurs to pay more, and have to look hard to find, local sources of funding. The Bahamian economy also sits atop a very small base of US dollars that will continue to make more drastic controls necessary if the government cannot reduce its debt and the central bank cannot get better control of the internal money supply.
There is no doubt that ending exchange controls would make for some short run economic pain as devaluation would surely accompany it, but like the addict who must go through withdrawal before returning to true health, that pain would be worth it.
Dollarising the Bahamian economy would be a substantial improvement over the status quo, but over the long run, finding market-driven alternatives to the central bank would be even better at capping government debt and maintaining an appropriate money supply.
Rodgers rightly recommends more competition in the retail banking sector. The Banks and Trust Companies Regulation Act of 2000 places a variety of barriers to entry in the way of new banks opening up, especially ones with foreign ownership or desiring to have foreign subsidiaries.
Allowing offshore banks to compete in the retail market would be a good first step, but true competition also requires that government policies that restrict entrepreneurship, or make it unnecessarily expensive, must be eliminated. Doing so will cultivate a truly competitive and consumer-friendly banking sector.
Introducing antitrust laws, as Rodgers suggests, will not do much when the source of the "oligopoly" in the banking system is government policy. Such laws are more likely to be abused by existing banks who will complain about the competitive tactics used by new entrants. Antitrust laws tend to be just another way for private firms to use government policy to harm their competitors and make consumers worse off in the process. Competition requires only freedom under the law, not antitrust enforcement.
Rodgers' tax plan is the most problematic part of his proposals. He is correct in arguing that moving from import duties to a sales tax would reduce what economists call the "deadweight loss" of taxation. A sales tax would likely cheapen goods in comparison to import duties.
However, if the long run goal is to balance the government's budget, expenditure cuts are indeed needed. Lowering the costs of goods and services by ending import duties would reduce the prices of things government spends on, reducing its total expenditures, but to believe these will stick requires the naïve view that politicians would not quickly find ways to spend on new programs the money thereby saved.
What is needed is fewer programs, not just cheaper goods. The total size of government, regardless of its debt, is the problem to be solved.
Cuts in expenditures should be combined with reductions in the overall size of the revenues that government takes from the economy. Rodgers proposes a "revenue neutral" switch to a sales tax. Even though such a switch might generate those revenues by expanding the economy, even more growth can be obtained by reducing the total tax take of the government, which would free up resources for private entrepreneurs to use to meet consumer demands.
Rodgers' claim that $500 million in savings that would come from a better tax policy encouraging more business in the Bahamas is also misguided. He refers to the "velocity of money" to argue that each dollar will "circulate four or five times" before it becomes an expenditure on imports. This reasoning is fallacious along several lines.
Aside from the fact that what he is talking about here is not "the velocity of money" (that refers to a different concept), this argument, like others in his piece, ignores the benefits of international trade. Notice that the assumption is that it is "bad" when Bahamians spend on imported goods as that causes money to "leak out" of the Bahamian economy. Rodgers makes this argument earlier as well when he bemoans the "unfortunate" fact that the Bahamas is a net importer.
Funds spent on imports need not "disappear" from the Bahamian economy. Ending import duties would make imports cheaper, enabling residents to have money left over to spend on products made locally and other imports. And where importing goods is cheaper than making them domestically, consumers benefit as well.
If consumers were able to freely convert to and from US dollars without exchange controls, the funds spent on imports would flow back to the Bahamas as investments in Bahamian assets. Just as the US current account trade deficit implies that the dollars spent come back to it when foreigners use them to buy US assets, so would Bahamians benefit from duty-free imports combined with the elimination of exchange controls. It would lead to a flow of capital resources into the country, which would help make up for the low domestic savings rate noted by Rodgers.
Small countries like the Bahamas can ill-afford to isolate themselves from the world economy. The notably freer trade caused by ending import duties and exchange controls would make goods cheaper for its citizens and more easily enable non-citizens to invest back in the Bahamas by buying stocks, bonds, buildings, and other assets. The Bahamian dollars spent on imports have to come back as investment in Bahamian capital.
Rather than demonstrating the failures of free markets, the recent problems in the Bahamian economy, a number of which Rodgers correctly notes, are in fact created by restrictions on those very market freedoms. The path forward for the Bahamas is to reduce the cost of goods and services by opening up international trade and freeing the entrepreneurial spirit of its people by lowering taxes and reducing regulations, particularly on the very uncompetitive banking sector.
This would free up the flow of capital to fund new business and reduce the costs of borrowing to the thousands of small entrepreneurs who are the lifeblood of economic growth. Rodgers' plan does not go nearly far enough in these directions.
Steven Horwitz
Charles A. Dana Professor of Economics
Hepburn Hall
St. Lawrence University
Canton, NY 13617
April 09, 2010
thenassauguardian
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.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Sidney Cambridge - former treasurer of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has been declared a "fugitive from justice" by a Florida judge
Former top PLP declared 'fugitive'
By ALISON LOWE
Tribune Staff Reporter
alowe@tribunemedia.net:
ATTORNEY Sidney Cambridge, who is accused of involvement in a $900,000 money-laundering scheme with a US politician, has been declared a "fugitive from justice" by a Florida judge.
Contrary to reports in a local tabloid that Cambridge may be "off the hook", documents seen by The Tribune reveal that the attorney's case has been "transferred to the suspended/fugitive file until such time as he is apprehended."
The order, signed by United States District Judge Daniel Hurley, was made in light of the fact that a review of Cambridge's file led to him being determined "a fugitive from justice."
The judge further ordered the Clerk of the Court to designate the file "closed" for the time being.
Cambridge's US attorney, Lilly Ann Sanchez, said she and her client, who has asserted his innocence, are hoping US prosecutors have "reassessed" their case against the Bahamian lawyer.
However, she admitted that rather than evidence of the case being dropped entirely, the order is an administrative and "routine" one issued in cases where a defendant has not come to the US to face charges against him.
The order requires the Court to move the file off the "active docket" caseload.
Cambridge was formally indicted in a Florida court in November 2009 on one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and five counts of money laundering. An arrest warrant was issued for him at that time.
The laundering scheme was allegedly masterminded by Florida's Broward County Commissioner Josephus Eggelletion, who was last month jailed for two and a half years, fined $10,000 and ordered to be placed on three-year supervised probation when released for his part in the plot.
Cambridge was accused by US prosecutors of having conspired with Mr Eggelletion and others to "unjustly enrich" himself "by obtaining fees for laundering purported fraudulent proceeds through Bahamian bank accounts" and "knowingly and wilfully" attempting to hide the real source of thousands of dollars which he was told were the proceeds of illegal activity.
He immediately resigned as a partner in the law firm Callenders and Co, as well as from his position as treasurer of the Progressive Liberal Party and the Bahamas Bar Association after being indicted.
Yesterday Ms Sanchez said she was unaware of any extradition request having been issued by the US government for Cambridge and feels that "a lot can be inferred from the fact that the US government has not aggressively pursued" the attorney.
"I have had a conversation with the (US) government that if they do want Mr Cambridge to come to the United States and plan to extradite him that they are to consult with me first because Mr Cambridge would happily come to the United States at the appropriate time under the appropriate conditions and face the charges voluntarily," said the lawyer, who specialises in defending individual accused of "white collar" crimes.
The Tribune reported in November of 2009 that Ms Sanchez was negotiating with US prosecutors to get a bond agreement for Mr Cambridge that would allow him to fly between South Florida and The Bahamas where his wife and family live if he came to face the charges against him in the US.
Yesterday Ms Sanchez said these discussions did "not reach a final resolution." Discussions on this aspect of the case are no longer active as the US government "has not pushed further to have (Cambridge) come to the US," she added.
The attorney claims that a review of the transcripts and reports compiled by US investigators on the alleged money-laundering scheme show that "there are very clear indications that Cambridge was told all along that there is no issue with this money (which Mr Eggelletion was supposed to have been seeking to launder) and it was clean."
April 09, 2010
tribune242
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Current rate of urbanisation could bring 'unprecedented challenges'
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
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
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
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