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.

An economic and social review of The Bahamas

by Dr Kevin Alcena

As citizens of a democracy, we are often called upon to make on complex public issues.  We express our decision indirectly by for leader who represent or support certain policies.  Sometimes, Though less frequently, we express our directly by participating in two public referendum.

Historically, in a democracy the people choose the policies that govern them, or at least the representatives who formulate these policies.  When this choice is absent, democracy dose not exist.  A despotism, however benevolent, is not democracy.

Public finance, even more than any other branch of The Bahamas economic; suggests the idea of a purposive conduct of economic affairs.  In public finance in The Bahamas it is particularly tempting to postulate a single subject and a coherent and objective set of values which guide economic activity.

Moreover, Public finance represents economic 'planning ', I. e. positive intervention, and not just an automatic mechanism as in the abstract economic in The Bahamas of harmony.  Therefore the contradictions inherent in fiction of a single collective of and demand for taxation occasionally, regressive taxation we need in The Bahamas 'tax benefit. '

Reduce debt principal and hence interest payments; Provide an extended and flexible reschedule of interest payments; Provide new credit to finance department with precedence over existing loans.

Any one of these would modify the annual flows of real resources from debtors to creditors, flows that are too large and too inflexible.  A solution to the debt issues in the must be reduce. We be forced to increase our reserves against the US dollars loans.

There is one important assumption of the principal of ability which is the key to an understanding of later developments.

Like the principal of interest it presupposes a correct distribution of income and property upon which the correct tax system for The Bahamas is imposed.  Whether one arrive at recommendation of proportional or of progressive taxation, the tax determined in relation to VAT and property, which are accepted as given.

The general attitude which VAT is not good to increase it be big mistake.

In short, it is estimated that the government collected a substantial amount of money from VAT, while the Bahamian public is actually waiting on a report on the expenditure.  We must be cognizant of the fact that we all have a contract with the government, and we have to ask ourselves the question, have they delivered on the contract.

Transparency and accountability is an inherited expectation that we are entitled to in the contract.  The Bahamian people have zero tolerance for any form of unfettered power that is displayed without impunity.

Nevertheless, we must safeguard our sovereignty, and embrace solidarity in the global arena with one common goal in mind.   Realizing that the Trump administration can possibly derail the true spirit of economic growth in the economic community.  Realizing the neocon racist agenda that can effectively impact the Caribbean region.

We must be mindful of the fact that Obama made a comment that he is skeptically optimistic of Trump administration, so we should be equally suspicious of the process in this volatile global community.

We Bahamians, PLP, FNM and DNA must all come together in these uncertain times to protect our fragile industry from the new neocon global economic agenda.

From Dr. Kevin Alcena

Stem Cell Therapy Industry Launched in The Bahamas

NASSAU, The Bahamas -- Prime Minister, the Right Hon. Perry G. Christie, delivers a speech during a ceremony marking the official launch of the Stem Cell Therapy Industry in The Bahamas.  The event was held on Wednesday evening, January 14, at Melia Nassau Beach Resort.  In 2013 the government passed the Stem Cell Research and Therapy Act 2013; and in 2014 the Stem Cell Research and Therapy Regulations were officially brought into force.

According to the Prime Minister, the experts involved in the newly introduced industry will ensure the highest professional standards and best practices in this highly sophisticated biotechnology industry.  Mr. Christie said that it is expected that with the introduction of this industry, The Bahamas would attract clients (patients) from many different geographical territories with the potential development of a significant associated Medical Tourism component.  (BIS Photo/Peter Ramsay)

January 15, 2015

Bahamas.gov.bs

The Bahamas national unemployment rate increases

Unemployment up

Survey says more than 30,000 without jobs

By KRYSTEL ROLLE-BROWN
Guardian Staff Reporter
krystel@nasguard.com

The national unemployment rate rose from 14.3 percent in May 2014 to 15.7 percent in November 2014, according to preliminary results of the latest Labour Force Survey.

The survey, which has a reference period of October 27 to November 2, 2014, shows that both New Providence and Grand Bahama saw increases in unemployment.

In New Providence, the unemployment rate grew from 15 percent to 16 percent, and in Grand Bahama it increased from 14.7 to 18.6 percent.  The Department of Statistics also conducted a survey in Abaco, which recorded an unemployment rate of 20.3 percent.

Cypreanna Winters, the statistician responsible for the Labour Force Survey, said the results of the survey, which covered a six-month period, indicate that the labor force increased by 1.8 percent since the last survey conducted in May 2014.

“The labor force now totals 201,040 persons,” she said during a press conference at the Department of Statistics.

“There was an increase in both the number of employed and unemployed persons; however, the growth in the number of unemployment persons exceeded that of the employed.”

As it relates to discouraged workers, the number decreased nationally from 4,880 in May to 4,560 in November.

“In New Providence, while there was an increase in the number of discouraged workers, 22 percent, the reverse is noted in Grand Bahama where there was a decrease of 55 percent,” Winters said.

Officials believe the increase in discouraged workers in New Providence is due in part to last year’s layoffs.

“You had persons who were laid off during the course of the year and they would have become despondent,” Director of Statistics Kelsie Dorsett said.

In Abaco, where the total labor force was 9,800 at the time of the survey, there was an estimated 320 discouraged workers.

According to the standard definition of the International Labour Organization, discouraged workers are not considered unemployed as they have stopped looking for work because they feel there are no jobs available.

The survey shows that 31,540 people were listed as unemployed –17,145 women and 14,395 men.

A breakdown of those statistics shows that 24,110 people were listed as unemployed in New Providence, 4,725 in Grand Bahama and 1,990 in Abaco.

The results also show that 81,900 women were listed as employed and 87,600 men were listed as employed, for a total of 169,500.

Of that number, 126,545 were employed in New Providence, 20,645 in Grand Bahama and 7,810 in Abaco.

Winters noted that the unemployment rate for people ages 15 to 24 continues to be considerably higher than any other age group.

Youth unemployment nationally stood at 31 percent in November compared to 28 percent in May 2014.

Officials have attributed the high rate of unemployment among young people over the years to a lack of experience when entering a competitive labor market.

Since May 2012, 8,850 net jobs were added to the economy.

The number of people employed in May 2012 was 160,650 compared to the 169,500 employed in November 2014, the survey shows.

January 10, 2015

thenassauguardian

You can now sell Chinese Bonds ("Dim Sum" bonds) from The Bahamas

THE CECIL NEWRY INTERROGATIVE: CHINESE/BAHAMAS CURRECY HUB

By Gilbert Morris


In the last 10 years, I have suggested:

a. That we have no financial centre, we are just a jurisdiction that offers some financial services, which are not coordinated (there is no Bahamas package), nor are they strategic, and we have not developed a legitimate or elegant means of defending even what we have.

b. I have argued for a reform of Bank of The Bahamas with a final phase being the JV with a Chinese Bank, where Bahamian Development Bonds could be offered to the Chinese Market, as a means of developing and extending a commercial paper market in The Bahamas; and so providing Bahamian business people access to credit beyond our plantation banking system.  (This was also my advice to BVI and Cayman).

This announcement of The Bahamas being designed as a trading hub for the Chinese Yuan (renminbi) is something which myself and others (notably Mr. Shane Stuart - a Bahamian who has run Hedge Funds in Hong Kong for 20 years), have been suggesting for some time now.

It is NOT true that The Bahamas are amongst a very few nations selected.  This is a Chinese Policy, not a Bahamian one.  We did not go to them in 2005, as we should have (when I spoke with certain persons), to get a jump as the 3rd jurisdiction beyond Hong Kong and Singapore.  This policy is part of the Chinese rightful rejection of the Bush administration's attempt to force Chinese currency re-valuation, and now China is embarking on a road to making the Yuan a global reserve currency.  This "hub" status has been extended to Qatar; to Sydney, Australia 3 years ago; to Toronto and Paris, London and Frankfurt are already designated.  The Bahamas are the first in the Caribbean Basin.  (But think, given the relationships between Cuba and China and the coming Cuba demand for manufactured resources, Cuba is likely to be quite competitive in this area).

As such, 'hub' status is not a championship belt for The Bahamas.  It puts us in a global race; which when we have had such opportunities we have wilted.  You can obtain a hub status with nothing following up it.  Now the question is: do we have the mind and the muscle to make something of the opportunity?

This therefore is the very worst time for Bank of The Bahamas to be in such a hellish state; since - depending on how the deal is written - The Bahamas will need a Yuan Clearing House in The Bahamas.  Also, now would have been the time for BOB to establish a presence in China in a JV with a great Chinese Bank, such as China Industrial Bank or Commercial Bank of China or Bank of China.  One has to observe the two way benefit independently: China will offer that trade finance can cover trade deals in Yuan deals, end-to-end.  All payments and interest can be denominated in Yuan.  This can reduce the costs of buy from China by 5-10% (Shane Stuart has a firm that facilities strategic purchases of credible Chinese products; since as a fund manager, he invested in the best Chinese firms).

You can now sell Chinese Bonds ("Dim Sum" bonds) from The Bahamas, and so it can diversify the financial services offerings (At least until some mediocrity from the CFATF tells us it is criminal and we capitulate before we understand).  It means that firms trading in The Bahamas are better positioned to trade in Yuan with other Yuan hubs.  (Honestly, Cayman and Bermuda, with their national banks are positioned better for this opportunity).  So it is clear that China will benefit from this arrangement.  The Bahamas can only benefit IF IT HAS A PLAN, since the Chinese will offer hub status to any nation in its drive to become a global reserve currency.

Having said all of that: This is the most significant move in 30 years in financial services for The Bahamas...but what is the plan?

Gilbert Morris - Facebook

CUBA-US RELATIONS: TIME WAITS FOR THE BAHAMAS NO MORE

By Gilbert Morris:

 


Actually, time never had time for us because we are too wasteful. Now, after all this time, in what state are we to face whatever blows in from this Cuban-American possibility?  Whatever comes has already happened.  It is the realisation of what it has done and will do to us that will come slowly; because we will be in our habit of denial for decades to come.  You should note that the in The Bahamas, there has not been a significant investment from an American investor in 25 years.

The analysis on us is that The Bahamas is where investments go to die.  We had our chance 30 years ago.  And when our mojo was lost, we responded by saying "Its Better in The Bahamas", even as we erected further impediments to good investment.  And as usual, we will not innovate to meet the challenge caused by our venality, self-indulgence and plain stupidity.  Instead, our cronyocracy will act to snatch every opportunity to reduce potential broad economic activity to personal 'fee collection'.

They will not respond with strategies to correct decades of slothfulness.  Instead they will react to protect their personal hides; sighing that our shrinking economic prospects is from the impacts of "globalisation".  They will send itinerant fools to evangelise this nonsense and our people, (swaddled with bad education, holding politicians high with such 'messianic fervour' that a basic job is now a political favour ), will prove unable to be that check in democratic terms, to force their hopes for, or vision of themselves upon those who presume to govern them.

Soon the offices of the state will be used openly to secure personal advantages against any striving Bahamian with ambition. These forebodings are not unique to The Bahamas.  This is the road to the death of prosperity and the result of cronyist lackeynomics, poor education and societal malaise that fuels the engine of criminality that ensures the efficient destruction of generations upon generations.

It is the result of decades of bumptious tomfoolery and convoluted excuses masquerading as a concept of life.  In one real sense Cuba has already 'eaten our lunch'.  A nation under a half century embargo by the largest economic power in human history and yet, they surpassed us in tourism - an industry we pioneered - a decade ago, and, disgracefully - we are sending our students to them for education.

Our country does not appear on a single world leading benchmark.  (Oh dear, I made an error.  We have amongst the highest homicide rates in the world.  I do not wish to diminish our accomplishments).  Our Ministers of the cloth cling to every vice as the nation rots; the lights are on in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan and we cannot keep power in Nassau; a city named after the Prince of the most efficient country in the world; our young people wail concerning the incompetence of their governments, only to find their governments, which do not have time for governing, with all the time in the world to counterattack them for expressing their fears; we have placed our entire birthright in the future value of beachfront property, which is more likely to lose value in the next 20 years; we are capitulating to join a trade organisation - the responsibilities of which will increase red tape and the slow pace of governance processes - when our greatest economic opportunity in 50 years is in services; our government Ministers are trading on their positions in the very face of the public, whilst imposing draconian rules to punish poor Bahamians for failing to meet tax obligations they themselves have not met, despite a stranglehold on the nation's resources through their crony networks. What of vision and the future?

I wrote in 2012 that The Bahamas and Cayman Islands should be to Cuba what Singapore is to China.  But of course, we are too busy busting up, shoving down and undermining fellow Bahamians - under two lunacies called PLP and FNM - as we run down our true potential for deals like Baha Mar, or pursing foolishness such as VAT, WTO and rescuing Bank of The Bahamas.  As usual, we will have convenient excuses...even where none are possible.  And we will twist ourselves as if in the Exuma wild oceans currents, to explain our only resilience: wutlessness as worthfulness.

Gilbert Morris - FaceBook

The Bahamas supports the movement to end the United States embargo against Cuba

Christie courts Cuba partnership

By K. QUINCY PARKER
Guardian Business Editor
quincy@nasguard.com

The Bahamas affirmed its support for a move to end the United States embargo against Cuba, as the heads of state of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Cuba adopted the Declaration of Havana on Monday at the close of the fifth CARICOM-Cuba Summit.

Prime Minister Perry Christie asserted that CARICOM and Cuba have always been able to overcome challenges and to develop strategies for mutual advantage.

“In fact, our forty-one years of diplomatic relations have been markedly fruitful as a result of functional cooperation in the areas of health, education, sports, culture, agriculture, disaster management, energy and construction,” Christie said, addressing the summit in Havana on Monday.

“We must continue to support each other in international fora, always providing reciprocal support for our initiatives, whether it is in advocacy for the rejection of any blockade against Cuba; support for the reclassification of middle income economies; negotiations for a strong post-2015 agenda that favors small island developing states; support for Cuba’s leading role in the CELAC process; and support for candidacies for election or appointment to multilateral bodies,” he said.

The prime minister said that The Bahamas and Cuba must continue dialogue on facilitating joint ventures in the tourism industry, particularly in concretizing the concept of multi-destination marketing initiatives and packages.

“This would surely make our region more competitive with other regions in the global tourism market,” he said.

Noting that transportation is key to national and economic development and the travel routes of both countries’ national carriers, Christie said Bahamasair and Cubana need to be further expanded to facilitate tourism, travel and international trade.

“The Bahamas, like Cuba, is also interested in seeking out new strategic partnerships for investment in renewable energy; partnerships that will facilitate access to new capital, more efficient technologies and new markets,” he said.

Christie also welcomed ongoing progress towards the finalization of a CARICOM-Cuba trade agreement, and said that at a bilateral level, negotiations for two Bahamas/Cuba Agreements for Cooperation in Animal Health and Plant Health are now well advanced.

Those issues and more were enshrined in the Declaration of Havana adopted on Monday, wherein CARICOM and Cuba committed to strengthen South-South cooperation as an expression of solidarity and the promotion of bilateral and regional programs as well as triangular cooperation for development.

In the declaration, heads of state - citing the cooperation between Cuba and CARICOM in health, the development of human resources, construction and sports - reiterated a commitment to continue promoting social initiatives as well as the implementation of projects to improve air and sea infrastructure and connectivity, and to broaden economic and trade relations through the implementation of the revised trade and economic cooperation agreement between CARICOM and Cuba.

The declaration also hails progress in the negotiations to expand market access and improve economic cooperation under the trade and economic cooperation agreement. Heads of state noted a desire to conclude negotiations by the end of the second quarter of 2015.

December 10, 2014

thenassauguardian

Who is Jetta Baptiste?

By Monte A. Pratt:

The Ungrateful Traitor, Jetta Baptiste

WHO IS THIS WOMAN THAT IS ATTACKING THE BAHAMAS? – NB: This is a Facebook Post I made a week ago in response to one of Ms. Jetta Baptiste Haitian supporters:

Well, let me deal with your first question.  Yes, for your information, as a former business owner in Freeport, I do know a LOT of Jetta Baptiste's activities and her Haitian Bahamian Society in Grand Bahama.

Firstly, Jetta Baptiste grew up in Grand Bahama, where she got her education and learn her profession, as a News Reporter / Writer with The Tribune and The Freeport News.  She and her family were well accepted in the Grand Bahama Community, where they eventually received Bahamian status and passports.

Yes, I know quite a bit about Ms. Jetta Baptiste, as President of the Haitian Bahamian Society, and of her charitable works through her Jetta's Multi-Service Centre, 37 Hearne Lane,Freeport.  Ms. Baptiste did an EXCELLENT job in helping HER PEOPLE in getting the Bahamian people.

You see, my businesses and many other businesses in Grand Bahama, then made donations to many charities and organization.  This included Ms. Baptiste's organization, The Haitian Bahamian Society that collected food, clothing and donations to send to Haiti during disasters.

Ms Baptiste was a driving force behind this, as she met with church and business leaders in Grand Bahama on sending relief to Haiti.  As a result, Grand Bahamians, individuals, charities, businesses and churches, ALL give food, clothing and donations to relief the Haitian people displaced by hurricanes that hit Haiti.

This is the very same, Ms Baptiste that is now posting all these MEAN and NASTY statements about the very same Bahamians that helped her PERSONALLY and her Haitian people collectively.  Ms.Baptiste, how soon she can forget how the Bahamian people helped her and her Haitian People during the many disasters that hit HER country.

I note here, the TRUTH is, Ms. Baptiste once applied to Government for Creole Language / Radio Station.  This application was REFUSED, and it is alleged, PM HAI, responded to her: this is The Bahamas, and not Haiti.

I now believe, this radio license refusal is the ROOT of the HATE Ms. Baptiste now hold in for The Bahamas.  She now only proves to be an OPPORURTUNIST, by the agenda she is now promoting all this FOOLISHNESS in the media.  She and Mrs. Daphne Campbell are two of a kind, opportunist.

For this reason, I am VERY ANGRY with Ms. Baptiste and her efforts to damage The Bahamas, as it is because of The Bahamas, Ms Baptiste is who she is today.  She is now in America working, because of the knowledge she gained from Bahamians, who trained her in profession works.

YOU HAITIAN PEOPLE ARE TOO UNGRATEFUL...  It is no wonder, you get one disaster after the other.  Our God does not sleep.  The TRUTH is, you people need to turn from your WICKED WAYS!!

 Monte A. Pratt - Facebook CrossFire
 

Go to Haiti instead of The Bahamas Ms. Daphne Campbell

By Dennis Dames:

I have been following the illegal immigration debate in our beloved country with great interest.  I was moved to provide my views on it in writing after hearing Ms. Daphne Campbell, Democratic member of the Florida House of Representatives give her take on the matter.

Like so many Haitians and those of Haitian descent, Ms. Campbell wants to dictate immigration policies to the Bahamian Government.  She sounded crazy when she said: The Bahamian government officials have one week to apologise and reverse the new policies, or she will travel here with a delegation to address them face-to-face.

Ms. Campbell needs to travel to Haiti instead of The Bahamas to insist to the Haitian Government and people there that they need to plug the illegal migration of Haitians from Haiti.  There is where the outrage should be Ms. Campbell.

For too long the government of Haiti and the elite Haitians have turned a blind eye to the pressing and vexing matter of illegal migration from its shores.  The Bahamas has been delinquent in dealing vigorously and effectively with illegal immigrants for too long.  It’s about time that we restore law and order in our land, and addressing the illegal immigration issue is a major component in our crime fight.

It’s illegal and immoral Ms. Campbell, for illegal Haitians in particular – to feel that they and their children have rights to be citizens in a country where they have entered illegally and have babies galore.  It’s utter madness.

So, instead of advocating the boycott of The Bahamas by all and sundry Ms. Campbell, you should let Haitians leaving Haiti illegally know that they should boycott The Bahamas on their way north and join you in Florida.  That’s a better proposition.