By Dennis Dames:
The recent visit by the president of Haiti, Michel “Sweet Micky” Martelly to The Bahamas - has created the perfect non-issue for political parties that are grasping at straws. The Haitian President advised Bahamian voters of Haitian descent to simply vote for the party and candidates that best suit their interests – in the upcoming general election. It’s something that we all should do; it’s the essence of politics and elections in a democracy in my view.
So what’s the uproar all about? Well, they are looking for votes by hook or crook. So, one easy way to do it is to stir up the emotion of the Bahamian electorate on the illegal immigration issue; where unregulated Haitians are at the heart. Offering substantive suggestions on how we could deal effectively with our illegal immigration challenges are lacking on the part of political parties in The Bahamas; especially the opposition lot. Their prime perspective is to send all illegals home forthwith; nothing more – nothing less. It’s an impractical and unworkable solution laced with man’s inhumanity to man – in my opinion.
The fringe political party, Democratic National Alliance (DNA) and its politically crazy leader – Branville McCartney went to town with all kinds of nonsense regarding the Haitian President’s words to his people and Bahamian-Haitian voters. He said that the president’s remarks were a direct attack on Bahamian democracy and all Bahamians. McCartney further stated that “Sweet Micky” should respect the sovereignty of our democracy. What did Mr. Martelly do or say that we missed which instigated such empty sentiments by the leader of the Democratic National Alliance (DNA)?
Bradley Roberts, Chairman of the official opposition - Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) said that he thought that it was an insult to the Bahamian people that a foreigner would come to The Bahamas to instruct Bahamian citizens to vote one way or the other. When did president Martelly do this Mr. Roberts?
Others have said that the president of Haiti’s visit was ill-timed because of a general election being around the corner in The Bahamas.
The bottom-line is this: opposition parties in The Bahamas feel and know deep inside their hearts that Bahamian voters of Haitian descent will support the governing Free National Movement (FNM) in the greatest numbers in the approaching general election; because Haitian-Bahamians believe that the FNM is the political vehicle in The Bahamas that has their best interest at heart.
The other parties are strong on their anti-foreign and immigrant messages. Everyone with eyes to see, and ears to hear knows this. Do not blame Michel “Sweet Micky” Martelly for the hate and divisions within the Bahamian society caused by Bahamian politicians who simply do not like outsiders.
The time has come for the Bahamian people to realize the enormous benefits of trade and cooperation with our neighbor to the south – Haiti. President Martelly spoke about creating jobs for his people so that they do not have to leave Haiti looking for the same; and he encouraged his compatriots in The Bahamas to return home to help build their poor nation.
The main purpose of the Haitian president’s visit to The Bahamas according to news reports was to promote Haiti as a nation ripe for investments and full of opportunities. He encouraged his people to unite with him to turn things around in Haiti for the durable better.
President Martelly brought hope to his people in The Bahamas, and Bahamians should see the wisdom and benefits of a Haiti on the move with increasing economic benefits to The Bahamas and its people.
This is something to rejoice about, and Bahamians should welcome a new era of success and prosperity with Haiti and its people.
Caribbean Blog International
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, February 11, 2012
Michael Telairin, Coordinator of the United Haitian Bahamian Association of The Bahamas says that Haitian President Michel Martelly’s visit to The Bahamas this week was positive, but his message was misunderstood... ...Martelly said that those Haitian-Bahamians who have the opportunity to vote in The Bahamas' upcoming general election, should support the party who has their interest at heart ...and these comments are articulated by every politician and religious leader ...so it should not have such a negative reaction
Haitian-Bahamian group says Martelly was misunderstood
By Royston Jones Jr
Guardian Staff Reporter
royston@nasguard.com
United Haitian Bahamian Association of The Bahamas Coordinator, Michael Telairin, said yesterday Haitian President Michel Martelly’s visit to The Bahamas this week was positive, but his message was misunderstood.
Telairin also said Martelly’s timing was “unfortunate due to the political climate” which has escalated the negative reaction to his message to members of the Haitian community here.
Telairin is a Bahamian citizen, whose parents are of Haitian descent.
Martelly spoke to thousands of Haitians and Haitian-Bahamians on Tuesday night at the Church of God on Joe Farrington Road.
He urged them to form a voting bloc in The Bahamas and align themselves with the political party that will best serve their interests.
“I told them to organize themselves and identify in the upcoming election who is on their side. That way they can become a force. By being [unified] in the elections they might have people taking care of them. . .this is the democratic way,” said Martelly on Wednesday.
However, the Haitian Embassy said yesterday that some of Martelly’s comments were misunderstood, claiming “he did not intend to interfere in any way with the internal politics of The Bahamas”.
The statement noted that the primary purpose of the president’s visit was to discuss business and investment opportunities in Haiti to improve the lives of Haitians so they do not have to migrate to other countries.
“The Embassy of Haiti wants to highlight the importance of making inroads towards improving relations between the two countries through mutual and respectful cooperation,” the statement said.
Telairin reiterated that Martelly’s message was taken out of context and insisted that message was very informative and needed.
“[The president’s message and] visit really wasn’t to stir up any commotion,” Telairin said.
Radio talk shows were flooded with calls from angry Bahamians yesterday, claiming that Martelly’s comments would encourage newly regularized Bahamians to vote for the Free National Movement.
“The negative opinions that Bahamians have been expressing on many radio talk shows are not called for,” Telairin said.
“He (Martelly) said that those who have the opportunity to vote, should vote for the party who has their interest at heart and these comments are articulated by every politician and religious leader so it should not have such a negative reaction.
“His position right now is to get the people to understand that he is for them and his address and tour during his time here was to reinforce that message.”
Telairin added, “What he was also telling [Haitians and Haitian-Bahamians] in attendance...is that they have to understand they should not expect all the laws in The Bahamas to be to their advantage and he said to continue to respect the law of the land.”
Martelly arrived in The Bahamas Tuesday night and left on Wednesday.
Feb 10, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Haitian Ambassador to The Bahamas Antonio Rodrigue says Haiti's president Michel Martelly did not intend to interfere in Bahamian politics when he told Haitian-Bahamians to identify "who is on their side" in the upcoming general election ...and band together accordingly with the political party that they feel would best protect their interests
Haiti denies FNM 'vote ploy'
By DANA SMITH
dsmith@tribunemedia.net
The ambassador spoke yesterday as political rivals of the FNM expressed concern over Mr Martelly's comments - which they claimed were the result of a "political ploy" by the governing party.
On Wednesday, Mr Martelly advised Bahamians of Haitian descent to band together and lobby for a political party they feel would best protect their interests.
"I told them to organise themselves and identify in this upcoming elections who is on their side," he said.
"By being determinate in the elections they may have people taking care of them, this is the democratic way."
Mr Rodrigue claimed the president was misunderstood and stressed he was not trying to be political.
"I think people are taking it out of context and people here try to put it as a political effort.
"No, he wants to tell them - and this is something I think is normal - look out for your interests, look for who is helping you, who has your interests.
"He didn't mention any person, any group, anything in particular," Mr Rodrigue said.
"It was not his intention to get into the politics of the Bahamas. That's not his intention and I think it's a misunderstanding or maybe people try to twist what he said just for political reasons, but the president respects the choice or the politics of each country. Never would it be his intention to get involved in those things."
As for accusations that Mr Martelly's statements were an endorsement of the FNM, Mr Rodrigue said the president's visit had "nothing to do" with the FNM or any other party, and pointed out the president visited with both the FNM and PLP leaders.
"It was not his intention saying that to endorse anyone in this election," he emphasised.
Mr Rodrigue explained the president only meant Haitians should organise among themselves and not necessarily in support of a particular party.
"He didn't talk about any party, he said Haitians have to organise themselves. It's something I think is very important because Haitians here are kind of isolated so when they put themselves together they can work better," he said.
Mr Rodrigue called it "unfortunate" that the president's comments were "twisted."
An official statement released by the Haitian Embassy last night said: "President Martelly's sole purpose during his stay in the Bahamas was to seek opportunities to improve the lives of Haitians, so they don't have to migrate to other countries.
"At any moment, President Martelly did not intend to interfere in any way in the internal politics of the Bahamas."
February 10, 2012
tribune242
By DANA SMITH
dsmith@tribunemedia.net
HAITI'S president Michel Martelly did not intend to interfere in Bahamian politics when he told Haitian-Bahamians to identify "who is on their side" in the upcoming general elections, Haitian Ambassador Antonio Rodrigue said.
The ambassador spoke yesterday as political rivals of the FNM expressed concern over Mr Martelly's comments - which they claimed were the result of a "political ploy" by the governing party.
On Wednesday, Mr Martelly advised Bahamians of Haitian descent to band together and lobby for a political party they feel would best protect their interests.
"I told them to organise themselves and identify in this upcoming elections who is on their side," he said.
"By being determinate in the elections they may have people taking care of them, this is the democratic way."
Mr Rodrigue claimed the president was misunderstood and stressed he was not trying to be political.
"I think people are taking it out of context and people here try to put it as a political effort.
"No, he wants to tell them - and this is something I think is normal - look out for your interests, look for who is helping you, who has your interests.
"He didn't mention any person, any group, anything in particular," Mr Rodrigue said.
"It was not his intention to get into the politics of the Bahamas. That's not his intention and I think it's a misunderstanding or maybe people try to twist what he said just for political reasons, but the president respects the choice or the politics of each country. Never would it be his intention to get involved in those things."
As for accusations that Mr Martelly's statements were an endorsement of the FNM, Mr Rodrigue said the president's visit had "nothing to do" with the FNM or any other party, and pointed out the president visited with both the FNM and PLP leaders.
"It was not his intention saying that to endorse anyone in this election," he emphasised.
Mr Rodrigue explained the president only meant Haitians should organise among themselves and not necessarily in support of a particular party.
"He didn't talk about any party, he said Haitians have to organise themselves. It's something I think is very important because Haitians here are kind of isolated so when they put themselves together they can work better," he said.
Mr Rodrigue called it "unfortunate" that the president's comments were "twisted."
An official statement released by the Haitian Embassy last night said: "President Martelly's sole purpose during his stay in the Bahamas was to seek opportunities to improve the lives of Haitians, so they don't have to migrate to other countries.
"At any moment, President Martelly did not intend to interfere in any way in the internal politics of the Bahamas."
February 10, 2012
tribune242
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Visiting Haitian President Michel Martelly urged his countrymen to form a voting bloc in The Bahamas and align themselves with the political party that will best serve their interests
Haitians told ‘form voting bloc’
by Taneka Thompson
Guardian Senior Reporter
taneka@nasguard.com
Haitian President Michel Martelly yesterday urged his countrymen to form a voting bloc in The Bahamas and align themselves with the political party that will best serve their interests.
“I told them to organize themselves and identify in the upcoming elections who is on their side. That way they can become a force. By being [unified] in the elections they might have people taking care of them. . .this is the democratic way,” Martelly told reporters yesterday.
He was reiterating statements he made in Haitian Creole as he spoke to thousands of Haitians and Haitian-Bahamians who crowded the Church of God on Joe Farrington Road on Tuesday night.
Police on the scene estimated the crowd at 6,000. Many of them converged outside the hall anxious to hear their president speak.
His meeting with the members of the Haitian community in The Bahamas kicked off his brief official visit to the country.
Many people of Haitian descent who were born in The Bahamas, and some Haitians who came to The Bahamas illegally many years ago have been granted citizenship over the years.
Martelly said he heard reports of Haitians being mistreated in The Bahamas, for example being arrested for illegal immigration although they had permits to work or reside in the country.
He also lamented the plight of ‘stateless’ people who have to wait until their 18th birthday to apply for Bahamian citizenship even though they were born in this country.
“So until they’re 18 they don’t belong to anywhere, and yet they were born here, meaning do I have to tell anyone if you send them back to Haiti they probably don’t know anybody or won’t recognize the place where they land?.
“This could be considered as a crime, but that’s not the issue to talk about crime here; the issue is to stand by them and find the right solution. Be responsible, be humans and see how to better assist these Haitians,” said Martelly at a press conference at the British Colonial Hilton hotel yesterday.
However, he said he did not urge Haitians living here to protest, but instead use this country’s democratic system to work in their favor.
“I could not ask my people to riot for their right, this is not what I want,” he said.
The president said his government is working to create job opportunities so his people do not have to leave the country to make better lives elsewhere.
At the meeting with Haitians Tuesday night, Martelly encouraged them to return home and help rebuild the poor nation. He said it would be hard to convince foreign investors to help develop the country if its own people are leaving in droves.
An official who works for the Haitian Embassy translated his comments into English for The Nassau Guardian.
“I’m asking for your support, everyone get together with me, unite with me. We are going to create jobs for Haiti so Haitians don’t have to leave Haiti to look for jobs elsewhere,” he said in Creole, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
“. . .Those that want to leave now I’m telling you go with me tomorrow.”
The purpose of Martelly’s visit was to rebrand Haiti as a nation ripe for investment and full of opportunities.
The president, who was elected last April, said Haiti is no longer looking for international aid but wants to forge new ties in trading.
The country needs foreign investors to help build homes, roads and other infrastructure for the struggling country, according to the president.
Yesterday, Martelly met with Governor General Sir Arthur Foulkes, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, leader of the Opposition Perry Christie, members of the Chamber of Commerce and the ministers of immigration, national security and tourism.
Feb 09, 2012
...youth unemployment is up by more than 30 per cent in The Bahamas
Jobless youth up by a third
By SANCHESKA BROWN
Tribune Staff Reporter
sbrown@tribunemedia.net
THE NATIONAL unemployment rate has risen 2.2 per cent in five months and youth unemployment is up by more than 30 per cent, according to the latest labour survey released by the Department of Statistics yesterday.
The survey, which was conducted in November of last year, shows increases in both New Providence and Grand Bahama, pushing the country's unemployment rate to 15.9 per cent.
In the case of New Providence, the rate increased from 13.2 per cent to 15.1 per cent and in Grand Bahama from 15.4 per cent to 21. 2 per cent.
The last labour force survey was conducted in May of 2011.
Kelsie Dorsett, director of the Department of Statistics, attributed the 2.2 per cent increase in the unemployment rate to a decline in the informal sector and a larger number of young people becoming unemployed.
She said :" The data survey from May showed a number of person sought employment by engaging in informal sector activities. These people, like fruit sellers and phone card vendors, saw their businesses fail a few months later. When that happened they withdrew themselves from the labour force and joined the ranks of the unemployed causing an increase."
In addition to a reduction in the number of persons engaged in the informal sector, which declined by 19 per cent, there was also a decline in the number of self-employed persons. In May, self-employed persons accounted for 14 per cent of the total employment, but in the latest November survey that number decreased to 12 per cent.
Mrs Dorsett said a 34 per cent increase in the number of unemployed young people also contributed to a rise in the unemployment rate.
"In May when the earlier survey was conducted, most students about to graduate from high school and university were unlikely a part of the labour force, however, in November though some of them may have obtained jobs, others were likely awaiting responses from their job applications," she said.
"Also the young people that were working, when businesses started to fail, were the first ones to be let go or laid off. Its usually the last one in that's the first one out and in most cases its the young people who fall in that category."
Mrs Dorsett said this is a trend that will be monitored now that the survey is conducted biannually - in May and November.
New Providence experienced a decline of 13 per cent in the number of discouraged workers while the reverse was the case in Grand Bahama where the numbers increased by 42 per cent.
Mrs Dorsett said that in May Grand Bahamians were more optimistic about finding work but that their attitudes changed in November after months of searching for jobs with no success.
The survey also showed a slight increase - less than one per cent - in the size of the labour force which is now 190,445 persons.
The number of women declined by 1.4 per cent while the number of working men increased by 1.8 per cent.
In New Providence the number of persons in both the labour force and the employed labour force was almost equally distributed among the sexes. In Grand Bahama however, men outnumbered women in both the labour force and the employed labour force and were fewer in numbers among the unemployed.
Mrs Dorsett said the next labour force survey to include some of the Family Islands will be conducted in May 2012.
She said this particular survey will use a more detailed questionnaire, which will allow for the collection of data on the informal sector, training and similar information.
Additionally, a condensed questionnaire will be used with the major focus being the measurement of the labour force and the relevant indicators - participation rate, unemployment rate, and the like.
February 08, 2012
tribune242
By SANCHESKA BROWN
Tribune Staff Reporter
sbrown@tribunemedia.net
THE NATIONAL unemployment rate has risen 2.2 per cent in five months and youth unemployment is up by more than 30 per cent, according to the latest labour survey released by the Department of Statistics yesterday.
The survey, which was conducted in November of last year, shows increases in both New Providence and Grand Bahama, pushing the country's unemployment rate to 15.9 per cent.
In the case of New Providence, the rate increased from 13.2 per cent to 15.1 per cent and in Grand Bahama from 15.4 per cent to 21. 2 per cent.
The last labour force survey was conducted in May of 2011.
Kelsie Dorsett, director of the Department of Statistics, attributed the 2.2 per cent increase in the unemployment rate to a decline in the informal sector and a larger number of young people becoming unemployed.
She said :" The data survey from May showed a number of person sought employment by engaging in informal sector activities. These people, like fruit sellers and phone card vendors, saw their businesses fail a few months later. When that happened they withdrew themselves from the labour force and joined the ranks of the unemployed causing an increase."
In addition to a reduction in the number of persons engaged in the informal sector, which declined by 19 per cent, there was also a decline in the number of self-employed persons. In May, self-employed persons accounted for 14 per cent of the total employment, but in the latest November survey that number decreased to 12 per cent.
Mrs Dorsett said a 34 per cent increase in the number of unemployed young people also contributed to a rise in the unemployment rate.
"In May when the earlier survey was conducted, most students about to graduate from high school and university were unlikely a part of the labour force, however, in November though some of them may have obtained jobs, others were likely awaiting responses from their job applications," she said.
"Also the young people that were working, when businesses started to fail, were the first ones to be let go or laid off. Its usually the last one in that's the first one out and in most cases its the young people who fall in that category."
Mrs Dorsett said this is a trend that will be monitored now that the survey is conducted biannually - in May and November.
New Providence experienced a decline of 13 per cent in the number of discouraged workers while the reverse was the case in Grand Bahama where the numbers increased by 42 per cent.
Mrs Dorsett said that in May Grand Bahamians were more optimistic about finding work but that their attitudes changed in November after months of searching for jobs with no success.
The survey also showed a slight increase - less than one per cent - in the size of the labour force which is now 190,445 persons.
The number of women declined by 1.4 per cent while the number of working men increased by 1.8 per cent.
In New Providence the number of persons in both the labour force and the employed labour force was almost equally distributed among the sexes. In Grand Bahama however, men outnumbered women in both the labour force and the employed labour force and were fewer in numbers among the unemployed.
Mrs Dorsett said the next labour force survey to include some of the Family Islands will be conducted in May 2012.
She said this particular survey will use a more detailed questionnaire, which will allow for the collection of data on the informal sector, training and similar information.
Additionally, a condensed questionnaire will be used with the major focus being the measurement of the labour force and the relevant indicators - participation rate, unemployment rate, and the like.
February 08, 2012
tribune242
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Opposition parties expressed concerns over the security of overseas voting... ...said they fear the process could be open to tampering
Opposition parties concerned about overseas voting
By Taneka Thompson
Guardian Senior Reporter
taneka@nasguard.com
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the Democratic National Alliance (DNA) yesterday expressed concerns over the security of overseas voting and said they fear the process could be open to tampering.
Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell, a former Cabinet minister in the Christie administration, said each party is allowed agents to monitor the collection of ballots, but he questioned whether they will be able to do this in every case.
“We need to sponsor the political parties to have agents at these polling places. Each political party is supposed to have an agent who is supposed to monitor the ballots, the sealing of the box to ensure there is no hanky-panky,” said Mitchell. “Now that you have these polling places overseas, the question is can the political parties afford to send an agent to do it?”
DNA Leader Branville McCartney had similar worries.
“We want to know the process in these various embassies to ensure the voting process is done properly and fairly,” he said.
“[The DNA is] not totally satisfied. I’m not casting any blame really on the government or otherwise but human nature as it is and persons with their different preference(s) in terms of political allegiance, we do have some concerns.”
The DNA is preparing to take its message to Bahamian students enrolled in colleges overseas.
Last week, several senior members of the PLP, including party leader Perry Christie, met with students in Florida and Atlanta.
The trip marked the fourth time the PLP spoke with students enrolled in colleges abroad.
The PLP plans to take its campaign to Washington, DC, and New York.
Mitchell, who attended the student meetings, said connecting with young and first-time voters is crucial.
The DNA said it will kick off its overseas campaign soon, with planned visits to Jamaica and Canada.
McCartney said his party will also use Skype, Internet video conferencing, to reach out to students who are abroad.
Last week, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham said he is focused on campaigning at home and not grandstanding overseas.
“I am here. I am here in The Bahamas. I campaign here. I don’t do such things. I’m not a showboater. I visit all the constituencies and on the 11th of this month we will visit North Andros, on the 18th we will be in Exuma...that’s where I am,” Ingraham told reporters on the sidelines of a rally in San Salvador last week.
Parliament passed ammendments to the Parliamentary Elections Act enabling eligible Bahamians to vote outside the country. This includes students, staff at Bahamian embassies, high commissions or other foreign missions, and their spouses or members of their immediate families who live with them.
These voters will be able to vote in an advanced poll. Their votes will be stored in sealed ballot boxes which will be returned to The Bahamas and delivered to the parliamentary commissioner.
Feb 07, 2012
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
The Department of Immigration has decreased the number of work permits issued in 2011 by 24 per cent due to the high level of unemployment among Bahamians
Cut in work permits to help Bahamians
By SANCHESKA BROWN
Tribune News Reporter
sbrown@tribunemedia.net
BECAUSE of the high level of unemployment, the Department of Immigration decreased the number of work permits issued in 2011 by 24 per cent, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Immigration Brent Symonette said yesterday.
From January 1 to December 31, 2011, the Department of Immigration issued 7,091 work permits, 2,299 less than the 9,390 issued in 2010 and 1,025 less than 2009.
Mr Symonette revealed these statistics while answering questions posed to him by Opposition members in the House of Assembly.
"We are putting Bahamians first," Mr Symonette said.
"We are not issuing permits to foreigners for jobs Bahamians can do. The department has tightened its level of scrutiny on work permit applications and as a consequence 2,299 fewer permits were issued in 2011 than in 2010. Another reason for the decrease is a lot of the companies that were in the Bahamas are no longer here so their employees went with them. To say the economic downturn is the only reason is not entirely correct but it is one of the main reasons."
Of the 7,091 work permits issued last year 53 per cent or 3,793 were given to housekeepers and handymen - 1,671 and 2,122 respectively.
Mr Symonette said the reason for the high numbers is because Bahamians simply "don't want the jobs."
"More than half of the work permits went to non-skilled labour. Bahamians complain about the number of work permits we issue and the unemployment rate however they refuse to do the jobs. They think its menial and beneath them and they just won't do it. Well, you can't have your cake and eat it too," he said.
"A lot of Bahamian households have Jamaican maids and because Bahamian women rather apply to work in the hotel as housekeepers than in a home. Then you have a large category of Peruvian and Filipino live ins. These people require work permits. You have a large number of Haitian gardeners. I know one man who has had his work permit renewed 20 times because Bahamians just won't do the work."
Work permits for construction workers decreased by 53 per cent, from 565 in 2010 to 291 in 2011. Farm labourers also decreased significantly from 549 to 441. In fact, of the 24 categories of jobs that foreigners were granted work permits in 2011 all but eight saw decreases compared to the same period in 2010.
The categories where increases were seen are listed as follows:
* Cooks: 141 - 145
* Consultants: 51 - 89
* Guest Organisers: 49 - 64
* Maintenance Men: 49 - 59
* Presidents: 0 - 3
* Projects Mangers: 43 - 57
* Surveyors: 25-31
* Attorneys: 0 - 4
Mr Symonette said the government expects more declines in the issuance of voters cards with the introduction of the new training programme, which is designed to provide more Bahamians with skills for jobs now being done by non Bahamians.
Of the 7,091 work permits issued last year. 5,958 were issued on new tamper proof, electronic cards.
February 07, 2012
tribune242
By SANCHESKA BROWN
Tribune News Reporter
sbrown@tribunemedia.net
BECAUSE of the high level of unemployment, the Department of Immigration decreased the number of work permits issued in 2011 by 24 per cent, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Immigration Brent Symonette said yesterday.
From January 1 to December 31, 2011, the Department of Immigration issued 7,091 work permits, 2,299 less than the 9,390 issued in 2010 and 1,025 less than 2009.
Mr Symonette revealed these statistics while answering questions posed to him by Opposition members in the House of Assembly.
"We are putting Bahamians first," Mr Symonette said.
"We are not issuing permits to foreigners for jobs Bahamians can do. The department has tightened its level of scrutiny on work permit applications and as a consequence 2,299 fewer permits were issued in 2011 than in 2010. Another reason for the decrease is a lot of the companies that were in the Bahamas are no longer here so their employees went with them. To say the economic downturn is the only reason is not entirely correct but it is one of the main reasons."
Of the 7,091 work permits issued last year 53 per cent or 3,793 were given to housekeepers and handymen - 1,671 and 2,122 respectively.
Mr Symonette said the reason for the high numbers is because Bahamians simply "don't want the jobs."
"More than half of the work permits went to non-skilled labour. Bahamians complain about the number of work permits we issue and the unemployment rate however they refuse to do the jobs. They think its menial and beneath them and they just won't do it. Well, you can't have your cake and eat it too," he said.
"A lot of Bahamian households have Jamaican maids and because Bahamian women rather apply to work in the hotel as housekeepers than in a home. Then you have a large category of Peruvian and Filipino live ins. These people require work permits. You have a large number of Haitian gardeners. I know one man who has had his work permit renewed 20 times because Bahamians just won't do the work."
Work permits for construction workers decreased by 53 per cent, from 565 in 2010 to 291 in 2011. Farm labourers also decreased significantly from 549 to 441. In fact, of the 24 categories of jobs that foreigners were granted work permits in 2011 all but eight saw decreases compared to the same period in 2010.
The categories where increases were seen are listed as follows:
* Cooks: 141 - 145
* Consultants: 51 - 89
* Guest Organisers: 49 - 64
* Maintenance Men: 49 - 59
* Presidents: 0 - 3
* Projects Mangers: 43 - 57
* Surveyors: 25-31
* Attorneys: 0 - 4
Mr Symonette said the government expects more declines in the issuance of voters cards with the introduction of the new training programme, which is designed to provide more Bahamians with skills for jobs now being done by non Bahamians.
Of the 7,091 work permits issued last year. 5,958 were issued on new tamper proof, electronic cards.
February 07, 2012
tribune242
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