The Haitian president not invited - just passing through
tribune242 editorial
DNA LEADER Bran McCartney has called for the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, accusing him of committing treason for allowing Haitian President Michel Martelly not only to overnight in the Bahamas, but to meet with his nationals while here.
"We are calling for the immediate resignation of Hubert Alexander Ingraham," DNA leader Bran McCartney told the press. "He has shamelessly disgraced our nation, his authority and this nation's ideals. He has insulted our people and his post as CEO of the Bahamas. He should indeed bow his head and be cast out, as it is clear he has denounced his citizenship in order to put another country's interest before his own."
What a fiery young man Mr McCartney has turned out to be. The more he talks, the more he confirms our opinion that we are dealing with a political novice who needs much more time to mature. At this critical stage of our country's development, this is not the type of ill-informed leadership that is needed. It almost sounds as though we have a budding dictator on our hands.
The facts of the Martelly visit have been twisted out of all proportion, not only by Mr McCartney, but by Opposition leader Perry Christie and his colleagues.
To listen to them, one would have thought that Mr Ingraham had given President Martelly a script from which to read. Mr Ingraham did not invite the president to Nassau. He did not tell him that before he could talk to his own people he had to first submit a script of what he intended to say to the Bahamas government, and if he dared misstep he would be kicked out of the country. This certainly is not the procedure expected of a democratic country.
Mr McCartney also condemned Mr Christie for being "too quiet on this issue of national importance". We would have expected Mr Christie, a seasoned politician, to have continued his silence on the matter knowing the protocol of such visits. But not Mr Christie, he could not be seen by his supporters as being weak and so was goaded on to make himself look foolish. After all, it was Mr Christie and his party that seemed to take more of a personal interest in the President's presence than did Mr Ingraham and his government.
For example, no FNM politicians attended the Joe Farrington Road meeting when President Martelly addressed his people. However, there certainly were PLP politicians present that night, among them MP Alfred Sears, former PLP attorney general, and Dr Andre Rollins, PLP candidate for Fort Charlotte. And so, until he could read the news the next day, neither Mr Ingraham, nor any of his cabinet, knew what the Haitian president had said to the estimated 7,000 persons crowded around him that night.
Mr Ingraham officially met the president in his office the next morning -- before he had had an opportunity to be briefed on what had taken place the evening before. However, Mr Christie later in the day not only knew what had been said -- to which he now so strongly objects -- but entertained Mr Martelly at his home with several of his PLP colleagues around him. If Mr Christie, or any of his colleagues, had disagreed with anything that had been said the night before, it was there and then that they should have had a discussion and cleared the air. But no, Mr Christie had to jump on the political bandwagon and condemn the visit. Did he really believe in what he was saying from a public platform, or was it only after being accused of being "too quiet" that he spoke up?
President Martelly neither asked, nor did he need permission to visit the Bahamas.
Contrary to Mr McCartney's statement, the Bahamas government did not invite Mr Martelly to the Bahamas. The President's government notified Foreign Affairs that Mr Martelly would be passing through the Bahamas on his way to Mexico. While here, he wanted to meet with the Prime Minister and the Governor General. These meetings took place.
Mr Ingraham said that Mr Martelly needed no permission to meet with his people.
He pointed out that the PLP went to London to meet with "Bahamian students in connection with the election that is coming up to encourage them to support the PLP because they have overseas voting. They went to Jamaica to do the same thing. They went to Miami, Atlanta and, I believe, New York, etc. Do you think they asked President Barack Obama whether they could come and do that? Of course not. Did they ask Prime Minister Cameron of Great Britain? No, they didn't. Why should the Haitian or the Jamaican or anybody else need to ask us permission to do so? We are a free country. We are a democracy. And just as we are able to go to other people's country and meet with our nationals at any time of our choosing, why shouldn't they have the same right to do so in The Bahamas?"
However, Mr Ingraham did give Mr McCartney some sound advice.
"One of the things that young politicians and old politicians ought to do," he said, "is to establish themselves as credible persons; that you take steps to verify things before you make pronouncements. You don't go and shoot your mouth off and make statements that are untrue and that can easily be verified in advance. Carelessness is not a good thing for a young politician, or indeed an old politician. I caution Mr McCartney not to continue telling lies."
February 13, 2012
tribune242 editorial
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.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Monday, February 13, 2012
The Bahamian government must be dedicated to ongoing funding of education at all levels... ...Further, a corresponding factor is the need for our leaders to actively pursue the diversification of our economy... ...The lack of diversity within our economic model and the depressed economic environment in The Bahamas does not favor young and up-and-coming professionals, entrepreneurs and investors...
Where do we go from here? Pt. 2
By Arinthia S. Komolafe:
A major obstacle that youth and our emerging leaders face is the lack of adequate education and/or opportunities to pursue higher education. During 2009-2010, a major topic of discussion was subsidies provided to learning institutions. The government announced that it was decreasing its subsidy to independent schools by 20 percent. Many were outraged by this move; not least the parents themselves who were already faced with rising education costs and would consequently rethink their desire to privately educate their children. In some cases many were forced to enroll their children in the public school system.
Proponents of the subsidy argue that parents who choose to send their children to private school are paying double, as their taxpaying dollars are already used to fund public schools. At the same time, they take additional funds out of their pockets to educate their children privately. It is worth noting, however, that those opposed to such subsidies believe this reduces the amount of funds available to public schools who ultimately suffer among other things the plight of underpaid educators, understaffed schools, inadequate infrastructure or reduced supplies.
The government’s reasoning for subsidy reduction was that certain independent schools received higher subsidies in comparison to public schools. However, this argument was perceived by some as skewed, as the government itself operates approximately 160 institutions and is responsible for operating expenses, wages and other costs.
Nevertheless, the most alarming revelation was the statement that all but three of the independent schools were in contravention of the education (grants in aid) regulations by not submitting the requisite returns of income and expenditure. It is necessary to ascertain upon which basis the government decides the level of subsidy it disburses – bearing in mind that independent schools also receive grants from private donors and/or the denominations that they are affiliated with.
Although there is a strong case for maintaining these subsidies, increased accountability should be demanded from recipients of tax-payers’ funds. It was recently stated that many of the independent schools have become compliant. However, the public has not been advised of how many of the independent schools remain non-compliant. Ironically, it’s difficult to imagine that the government would aggressively ensure compliance with these regulations, when the government itself appears to be acting ultra vires of the same by exceeding the limits apportioned to various classes of schools. It is therefore incumbent upon the government to make the necessary amendments to adjust for the increases and/or new recipients of grants.
Nevertheless, subsidies provided to independent schools, (which generally produce better national results compared to the public system) can provide a good foundation in primary and secondary education to afford more Bahamians an opportunity to pursue tertiary level education. Statistics reveal that only 20 percent of The Bahamian labor force attain a university degree. It should also be noted that these statistics include expatriates, therefore decreasing the ultimate rate for Bahamians. The statistics are not unconnected to the lack of opportunities to obtain higher education in a broad range of fields locally. The inability to receive diverse higher education outside of a few concentrated areas in The Bahamas has led several Bahamian students to pursue education abroad. In 2010, the government questioned the wisdom of maintaining current subsidies of approximately $4 million for 197 Bahamian students attending University of the West Indies (UWI). The real question should have been the potential downside of removing the aforesaid subsidies. Removal of subsidies of this nature at this time will decrease the opportunities for Bahamians to become qualified in fields such as medicine at a reduced cost until such time as they can do so locally. It is sad to say that in 21st century Bahamas, Bahamians are still not able to qualify as doctors and engineers locally. Until such time as The College of The Bahamas has been converted to a university and provides science and technological services, the discussion should remain a moot point.
Debt and education
Flowing from this inability of Bahamians to be educated locally is the burden of debt acquired in pursuance of tertiary education abroad and hence the student debt loan crisis. The government Guaranteed Loan Fund Program (GGLFP) was suspended by the current administration in 2009 at a time when many parents cannot afford tertiary education for their children in the absence of awarded scholarships. As a result, persons unable to take advantage of the GGLFP are often left with no option but to obtain consumer loans from banks and other financial institutions where rates tend to be unfavorable. Some aspiring students who cannot obtain loans are forced to depend on their parents who in turn resort to remortgaging their homes in order to give their offspring a chance to achieve the Bahamian Dream.
This week, Bloomberg reported a significant increase in student loan debts over the past three to four years. The report was compiled from a survey of about 860 bankruptcy lawyers under the umbrella of the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys in the United States. It was reported that student loan debt (both federal and private) in the United States is approaching $1 trillion and surpassed credit card debt for the first time in 2010.
In The Bahamas, it is estimated that some 5,000 applicants have benefited from the GGLFP since its inception in 2001. At its debut, the program had nearly exhausted its $100 million statutory budget in less than two years, placing the sustainability of the fund at risk. It is estimated that approximately $70 million of funds were in default before suspension of the program. It was further stated at that time that the continuance of the program depended upon the defaulters repaying their outstanding debts.
The importance of planning for our children’s future via investments in educational funds and college funds cannot be overemphasized. The program was plagued by multiple challenges that seemed to disadvantage the recipient of these loans. The rate of interest, which had originally been subsidized at 50 percent by the government, was exorbitant and on the same level as that of mortgage loans.
It is worth noting that the subsidy has been reinstated in certain circumstances. The payment terms were unfavorable and required recipients to pay large monthly payments in a short period of time, at times not taking into consideration other payment obligations of the recipient like additional student loans or car loans. The lending institutions driven by profits, failed to take into consideration the proposed monthly payments in comparison to the earning capacity of the recipient. As a result, the high monthly payments provided more of a burden for the recipient and/or guarantor who was accustomed to paying low interest payments that were presumably based upon their credit risk at the time the loan was approved.
The overall management of these student loans including the payment schedules, terms of payment, notification of past due payments and structuring of payments by financial institutions leaves much to be desired. It could be argued that the poor management and minimal attention paid to this program by these institutions is because payment from the government is guaranteed in the event of defaults. How much attention is given to the management of this program and other student loan programs to ensure that the interests of the students/borrowers are protected?
Huge monthly payments have in many cases exhausted a recipient’s debt-service ratio and have prevented many young professionals from qualifying for mortgage loans or funding for their entrepreneurial pursuits. Consequently, many individuals are delayed from moving toward ownership in the Bahamian economy. The extent of the challenges faced by young and up-and-coming professionals will more than likely be further exposed once the proposed credit bureau is fully implemented and operational.
Govt decision questionable
The Obama administration is proposing an overhaul of the student loan program in America by removing the current subsidies to private lending institutions. The proposed term to forgive loans will be reduced from 25 to 20 years and the proposed monthly payments will be capped at 10 percent of the recipient’s discretionary income, representing a reduction from 15 percent. Further, students with multiple loans will be given the option to consolidate and take advantage of lower interest rates.
A similar approach ought to be considered for existing defaulters and future reinstatement of the program in The Bahamas. The government’s decision to suspend the program indefinitely and not address the student loan debt crisis is a flawed one. This decision does not send a good message on government’s commitment to higher education of the youth in The Bahamas. Further, the lending institutions must be engaged to re-evaluate their requirements and terms for student loans. A universal amnesty period should be looked at for all outstanding recipients to pay a one-off minimal amount and restructure their loans, extend payment terms and effectively reduce monthly payments.
The government must be dedicated to ongoing funding of education at all levels. Further, a corresponding factor is the need for our leaders to actively pursue the diversification of our economy. The lack of diversity within our economic model and the depressed economic environment in The Bahamas does not favor young and up-and-coming professionals, entrepreneurs and investors. These realities make the Bahamian Dream seem so unreachable, unattainable and at best a mirage. A brain drain is certain to be a surety in our future, unless we place more emphasis upon education. The question as to where we go from here is one that only the government and our leaders can answer through their policies, decisions and actions.
•Arinthia S. Komolafe is an attorney-at-law. Comments can be directed at: arinthia.komolafe@Komolafelaw.com
Feb 09, 2012
Saturday, February 11, 2012
Haitian President Michel “Sweet Micky” Martelly's visit to The Bahamas and the politics of Bahamian Politicians in regards to it
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
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
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
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
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
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