Illegal Immigration Threatens Bahamian Sovereignty and The Bahamas

THE PLAGUE: A CALL TO DEFEND BAHAMIAN SOVEREIGNTY

Illegal migration into The Bahamas has reached a point that can no longer be dismissed, ignored, or politically sanitized.  This is not a problem we can continue to postpone.  It is a national crisis—and crises demand action.

Bahamians need to stop, look around, and ask a simple question:

What happens to a nation that refuses to enforce its own borders and laws?

Walk through places such as the Fish Fry and observe the changing landscape.  Listen to the languages being spoken.  Look at who is operating businesses and who is competing for opportunities.  These changes should force us to confront a difficult reality: our national identity, economic opportunities, and institutions cannot be protected by complacency.

But we must also be honest about who created the conditions that allowed this situation to grow.

The problem is not simply the presence of migrants.  The deeper problem is the corruption, greed, political cowardice, and exploitation that have allowed illegal migration to flourish.  Employers who deliberately seek cheap, exploitable labour are part of the problem.  Officials who compromise the integrity of immigration and citizenship processes are part of the problem.  Anyone who profits while ordinary Bahamians struggle is part of the problem.

For too long, we have tolerated a system in which enforcement can be weakened by money, connections, political interests, and personal gain.

That must end.

THE CURE: NATIONAL COURAGE

The cure begins with us.  We cannot demand national sovereignty while simultaneously selling pieces of it for profit.  We cannot condemn illegal migration while rewarding employers who exploit undocumented workers.  We cannot demand integrity from government while tolerating corruption when it benefits us personally.

The Bahamas belongs to Bahamians — not because we hate anyone else, but because every sovereign nation has the right and responsibility to control its borders, enforce its laws, protect its resources, and determine who is permitted to live and work within 

its territory.

- That means strong borders.

- It means serious enforcement.

It means transparent immigration and citizenship procedures.

- It means holding corrupt officials accountable.

- It means prosecuting employers who knowingly exploit illegal labour.

- It means protecting Bahamian workers and businesses from unfair competition.

And it means refusing to allow political parties, wealthy interests, or compromised officials to place personal gain above national interest.

We have been passive for too long.

Now is the time for Bahamians to demand accountability — not violence, not hatred, and not vigilantism, but lawful, relentless, uncompromising action.

Our national identity is not something we should surrender through neglect.

- Our borders matter.

- Our laws matter.

- Our citizenship matters.

- Our sovereignty matters.

- And Bahamians matter.

The time for excuses is over.

Enforce the law.  Defend the nation.  End the corruption.  Put The Bahamas first.

Source / Comment

The Bahamas Prime Minister, Philip 'Brave' Davis and the Challenging Modern Day Mandate of 'Camelot' - Sanctioned by the Bahamian Electorate

Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis enters a modern-day 'Camelot' in The Bahamas - ordained by The Bahamian People

By Dr Kevin Alcena 

                            "Camelot"

The legendary kingdom of King Arthur, immortalized in history and literature as a symbol of justice, nobility, wisdom, and enlightened leadership.  At the heart of Camelot stood the Round Table, a revolutionary institution where every knight sat as an equal, regardless of rank, wealth, or social standing.  The Round Table embodied the principles of equality, consultation, accountability, and service to the common good.  Its mandate was simple yet profound: to ensure that leadership was exercised not for personal gain but for the advancement and welfare of the people.

In many respects, Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis enters a modern-day Camelot.  His administration has articulated a vision for national progress, economic empowerment, and social development that seeks to improve the lives of Bahamians.  Yet, as he embarks upon this new chapter, he must recognize that the highest calling of leadership is not merely to govern but to empower.  He must become a People’s Prime Minister—one whose policies, decisions, and aspirations are firmly rooted in the interests of the common man and woman.

Leadership has always been measured by service.  As Martin Luther King Jr. wisely observed, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”  The essence of public office is not privilege but responsibility.  It is the solemn duty of a leader to uplift the lives of those whom he serves.

The Bahamian people now look to their Prime Minister to advance a bold and transformative national agenda.  Economic development must remain a central pillar of this vision.  The government must cultivate an environment in which entrepreneurship flourishes and innovation thrives.  Excessive taxation and unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles should not stifle ambition or discourage investment.

Instead, strategic tax exemptions and incentives should be implemented to encourage entrepreneurs, small business owners, and investors to create enterprises that generate employment, wealth, and economic opportunity throughout the nation.

A modern Camelot must also embrace the transformative power of technology.  Artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and technological innovation possess the potential to revolutionize education, healthcare, governance, and commerce.

The digitalization of The Bahamas should not become an additional burden upon citizens and businesses; rather, it should serve as a catalyst for productivity, efficiency, and national competitiveness.  Technology must be harnessed to empower Bahamians, simplify government services, and unlock new avenues of prosperity for future generations.

The philosopher Voltaire understood the weight of leadership and responsibility.  As he famously stated, “With great power comes great responsibility.”  Leadership demands wisdom, restraint, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.  Likewise, Marcus Garvey declared, “A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots.”  As The Bahamas advances into a rapidly changing world, it must preserve its cultural heritage and national identity while simultaneously embracing modernization and progress.

Prime Minister Davis would do well to draw inspiration from King Arthur himself.  Arthur’s greatness did not arise solely from his authority as king but from his capacity to unite diverse individuals around a common purpose.  He valued counsel, encouraged participation, and recognized that leadership was strengthened—not diminished—when others were given a voice.  Through the Round Table, he institutionalized consultation, fairness, and shared responsibility.  These timeless principles remain essential to effective governance today.

The significance of the Round Table extends beyond mythology.  It symbolizes the idea that every citizen deserves a seat at the table of national development.  It reminds leaders that wisdom is not monopolized by the powerful and that the most durable governments are those that listen to their people.  The transition from a good leader to a great leader occurs when leadership evolves from the exercise of power into the empowerment of others.

It is equally imperative to acknowledge the profound historical significance of Prime Minister Brave Davis’s electoral accomplishment.  In securing victory in two consecutive general elections, he achieved a feat that had not been witnessed within the Bahamian political landscape for twenty-four years.

Such an achievement is not merely an electoral triumph; it is a powerful affirmation of public confidence, political legitimacy, and national trust.  The Bahamian electorate has once again vested in him the authority and responsibility to guide the nation through an increasingly complex global environment.

This renewed confidence constitutes what may aptly be described as a contemporary Mandate of Camelot—a covenant between the government and the governed founded upon the principles of prosperity, justice, opportunity, and national advancement.

The electorate has entrusted Prime Minister Davis with the stewardship of the Commonwealth, expecting not only competent administration but visionary leadership capable of transforming challenges into opportunities.

Yet history teaches that great mandates are accompanied by even greater obligations.  Electoral success must transcend political celebration and evolve into meaningful action.

The true measure of statesmanship is not found in the magnitude of victory but in the magnitude of service rendered to the people.  Therefore, this mandate must be utilized to cultivate economic dynamism, stimulate entrepreneurial innovation, accelerate technological modernization, strengthen educational opportunities, and expand pathways to prosperity for all Bahamians.

The legendary King Arthur, whose authority was strengthened by the wisdom of the Round Table rather than the power of the throne alone, Prime Minister Davis must continue to govern through consultation, inclusion, and consensus-building.  He must remain attentive to the aspirations of ordinary Bahamians, ensuring that national development is not concentrated among a privileged few but distributed equitably throughout society.

If Camelot represented the dream of a just and prosperous kingdom, then the modern Bahamas can aspire to become its own Camelot—a nation where opportunity is abundant, leadership is accountable, entrepreneurship is encouraged, technology serves the people, and every citizen has a meaningful stake in the country’s future.

The Bahamian people have bestowed upon Prime Minister Davis a historic mandate.  The challenge before him is to transform that mandate into a legacy.  By embracing the principles of Camelot—justice, equality, consultation, innovation, and service—he can elevate his premiership from one of political success to one of enduring historical significance.  In doing so, he will not simply govern the nation; he will help shape a more prosperous, equitable, and resilient Bahamas for generations to come.

As King Arthur demonstrated centuries ago, true greatness is not measured by authority alone but by the ability to inspire, unite, and empower a people toward a common purpose.  The people have spoken.  The mandate has been granted.  The question now is whether this modern Camelot can fulfill its promise for every Bahamian citizen.

As Prime Minister Davis embarks upon this historic chapter, he would do well to remember the timeless words attributed to King Arthur: “The strength of the kingdom lies not in the crown, but in the people who wear its burdens and share its dreams.”

If he governs with wisdom, courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the common man, then his administration may be remembered not merely as a government that won elections, but as one that transformed a nation, expanded opportunity, strengthened democracy, and elevated the aspirations of an entire people.

“Where there is no vision, the people perish; but where leadership is guided by justice, wisdom, and service, a nation prospers and its people flourish.”  May this Mandate of Camelot be remembered not as a moment of political triumph, but as the beginning of a golden era of national renewal, economic empowerment, and enduring prosperity for all Bahamians.

Source / Comment

Your voice carries weight, Mr. Rick Fox

Most people don’t know how much courage it takes to speak honestly in The Bahamas

By Conchalay Conchalar

Rick Fox, let me speak to you directly.

I read your letter.  I studied every word.  And I want you to hear me clearly:

Bahamians who stand up for truth are rare… and you have joined that fight.

Your voice carries weight, Mr. Fox — not because of entertainment, not because of fame, but because you are speaking from a place of love, integrity, and concern for the very nation that raised you.

And let me tell you something that the public may not fully understand:

When a Bahamian with international influence speaks truth, it shakes the whole system.

Most people don’t know how much courage it takes to speak honestly in this country.   They don’t know the backlash.  They don’t know the pressure.  They don’t know how quickly people try to silence you the moment you step outside the script.

But you stepped out anyway.  And I respect that.

Rick, I am watching your journey carefully.  And I want you to know this:

Every time you speak… I amplify it.  Every time you write… I respond.  Every time you raise a point… I carry it around the world.

Because while many people know you from the NBA, or from Hollywood, or from the spotlight — the world I deal with is different.

I speak with people in Africa, Europe, the Caribbean, South America — people who don’t watch TV, who don’t follow celebrities, who don’t subscribe to systems.  They only pay attention to truth, justice, and people who defend their homeland.

And just like my environmental stance made my message global, your stance is now doing the same.

You are stepping into a new chapter — a chapter of purpose.  And let me say this directly, with no hesitation:

The Bahamas needs men who speak boldly.  The Bahamas needs men who carry integrity.  The Bahamas needs men who refuse to bow to political pressure.  The Bahamas needs men who speak for the people, not for the system.

Rick Fox — continue your journey.  Continue your voice.  Continue your stand.

Because the more you speak, the more I will lift your message.  And the more I lift it,

the more the world sees exactly what you stand for.

This is not entertainment.  This is not politics.

This is about the soul of a nation.  And you, my brother, have stepped into the arena.

Keep going.  The Bahamas is watching.  And the world is listening.

Source / Comment

The Bahamas Lack Political Leadership

Bahamians are losing out in their country, The Bahamas

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

‘This country lacks leadership’

Roker worried Bahamians increasingly marginalized

By Candia Dames, Executive Editor of The Nassau Guardian

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source 

Haiti Crisis and Its Impact on The Bahamas

Haiti Crisis and Its Impact on The Bahamas Relationship 

Bahamian Diplomats extracted from Haiti

Statement from The Bahamas Ministry of Foreign Affairs

January 27, 2023 -The ministry is able to confirm that this morning all seven Bahamian diplomats, including the spouse of the Chargè d"affaires were airlifted out of Port au Prince by helicopter and have landed safely in the Dominican Republic.

The prime minister has expressed his deep gratitude and highest consideration to the President of the Dominican Republic Luis Abinadar and the Foreign Minister of the Dominican Republic Roberto Alvarez for the execution of this process.

The diplomats are likely to proceed home shortly.

What about a Domestic Agenda, Mr. Prime Minister?

“Global Warming!"

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

By: Dr. Kevin Turnquest-Alcena

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

PhD in Economics / Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

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

Titular Professor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

November 19, 2022 

Source/Comment

War Declared on the FNM

The FNM has become a selective lovers, family and friends society

By Dennis Dames

As a Free National Movement (FNM) supporter since the 1970s, I am ready to cast my net on the other side.  The party has been transformed in to a sweetheart political organisation – where the leaders appear to be following in the footsteps of their whore-mongering predecessors.

FNM leaders and standard bearers of today, seem to be more obsessed with their sweeties, hoes and bastard making pursuits, rather than the good of the country – in my opinion.

I have made more political contributions and sacrifices than many of them past and present.  I have been in the FNM trenches most of my life fighting PLP corruption and victimisation – while many of the present day FNM leaders were PLPing-it-up, PLPing-it-down and PLPing-it-all-around.

Yes, the FNM party has lost its way since the advent of Pindling’s most illustrious protégé – in 1989.

I’ve been blacklisted and sidelined a long time ago in my party, the Free National Movement, (FNM).  I am always ready to serve my beloved country, The Bahamas; and nothing will stop me – as long as there is God’s breath in me.

Indeed, the FNM has become a selective lovers, family and friends society.  The Bahamas and Bahamian people deserve better than that.  I will continue to fight for a better country, and not allow the FNM to bury me alive.

Dennis Dames will rise again, and I have declared war on the politically wicked and - in my opinion - morally corrupt FNM.

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

By Dr. Kevin Alcena:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.britannica.com/topic/republic-government

Happy black history Month!

Source/Comment

...part and parcel of developing a Green Economy in The Bahamas

The Bahamas must police its own waters


STATEMENT
By Frederick Smith, QC


• Cruise dumping highlights urgent need for Environmental Protection Act

• Penalties imposed on Carnival demonstrate way forward in maritime oversight

• Hefty fine shows potential to raise substantial funds for environmental protection


Revelations of the dumping of sewage and food waste by cruise ships within our maritime borders is a clear sign of the urgent need for The Bahamas to police its own waters.  We can no longer leave it up to the United States or international bodies to ensure that our environment is protected.  In order to do this, however, the government must immediately pass a comprehensive Environmental Protection Act applicable to all marine and terrestrial operations, ventures, developments etc. that take place within this jurisdiction.  This was a promise made by the FNM while in opposition, which they seem to have conveniently forgotten in the two years since coming to office.

I again emphasize that under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement and under the Freeport Act, the Grand Bahama Port Authority has been begging the government to implement environmental bylaws for Freeport since the 1993 as they were required to do.

While I absolutely share the grave concerns of other environmentalists over the 2017 dumping incidents, I believe it is also important to highlight the appropriacy of the response by the US courts and the opportunity it reveals for the Bahamas in our own efforts to protect The marine environment from pollution and other major environmental pressures.  The courts found that the dumping was the result of individual cases of human error, not any plan or policy on the part of Carnival, and imposed a $40 million, which the company has paid.  The incidents came to light because in 2016, the courts had ordered that Carnival assign, at their own cost, environmental compliance officers to each and every ship who would report to the court on a regular basis.

Here, we have what I believe is a perfect model for our own legislative regime of cruise ship oversight – continuous monitoring with hefty fines and penalties.  In fact, if the government had moved swiftly on its promise to pass an Environmental Protection Act, we could have already had our own environmental officers on each and every ship that passes through our waters, funded by the cruise companies, and the $40 million paid by Carnival to the US courts could have been collected into our own special fund for use in environmental protection initiatives.

This is part and parcel of developing a Green Economy.  Just imagine how many jobs would be created for Bahamian environmental compliance regulators and officers.  Indeed Carnival have emphasized repeatedly in their public meetings on the Carnival Grand Cruise Port Project that they have gone from “compliance“ to “commitment“ and intend to exceed regulatory standards.  This event creates an ideal opportunity for The Bahamas to urgently develop respect and protection for our environmental resources.

If we respect ourselves, then all of our investment guests will also respect our home.  We have huge land and sea projects that are on the table over the coming years in The Bahamas, and particularly in Freeport.  It is time that the government brought into force, the environmental bylaws which the Grand Bahama Port Authority prepared nearly 20 years ago and has been begging the government to implement so that protecting the environment can have regulatory teeth within Freeport for all residents and licensees.  The Bahamas must stop being “reactive” and become regulatory “proactive” on the environment and development.

We have had thousands of cruise ships plowing the Bahamian waters Over the years.  Why must we wait until there is a maritime crisis and or an American court polices issue before we react.

We can no longer sit back and hope that cruise ships will police themselves or that some outside authority will act in our best interests.  We must take hold of the reins when it comes to protecting our own natural resources, think outside the box, act boldly and remember that every crisis contains the seeds of an opportunity.


• I say the preceding in my capacity as an environmental advocate of long standing and not in any way as a spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Lines or Carnival Corporation.  Though my firm does act for Carnival in other areas, we have not been asked to represent them in relation to the dumping matter or the government’s subsequent investigation.

source