by Rick Lowe
The Punch editorial of Thursday, November 15, 2012 raises some interesting questions on illegal immigrants and the myriad of problems associated with them, which is compounded by the fact that successive governments have not really attempted to find a permanent solution. That is if there is one without Haiti being able to enjoy consistent economic growth so people will stay at home rather than risk their lives for a better opportunity.
Deportation or repatriation on a consistent basis is certainly important as is legitimising status for many in the Haitian community that know no other home but The Bahamas.
No doubt more can be done on both counts.
The editorial suggests however that former immigration Minister Branville McCartney was tough on illegal immigrants "but he was stopped by then-PM Ingraham."
It goes on to suggest that successive governments have been loathe to deal with this matter as they're afraid of losing the Haitian vote.
However, as I recall, Mr. McCartney was rounding up illegal Haitian immigrants just days after the devastating earthquake in Port 'au Prince, Haiti of January 2010, and he was directed to release them, presumably because there was no place to send them in the circumstances.
Seems the former Prime Minister made the correct and humane decision when he was "forced" to release those people rounded up immediately after the earthquake.
It was Mr. McCartney's action that was found wanting in the circumstances and he then chose to resign and form his own political party as a result.
So while there must be a sustained effort to stop illegal immigrants, we do ourselves and children born in our country a disservice to continue to leave them stateless.
In other words this subject is a little more important than a minister of immigration dressing up in "fatigues" and rounding people up for the camera.
Like most things, the need for immigration reform has eluded us, for some strange reason.
Progressive countries around the world have made immigration work in their favour, while we comfort ourselves in continually being victims of an unstoppable global process.
Having a significant proportion of any one nationality or ethnic group (many illegal) is neither healthy socially or economically. We need immigrants but we need to define the type of immigrant we need and proactively ‘recruit’ them.
Thanks S3S, but how does that stop the flow of Haitians and how to handle the stateless individuals in our midst through no fault of their own?
Perplexing to say the least.
But politicising it the way McCartney did, and others before him, brings no real solution.
S3S your position as to the consequences of immigration is very well put.. In twenty years our Bahamas could very well have a significant majority of its population being of Haitian origin.. The same is true for the United States as the country eventually will have a Hispanic majority.. This is gradually changing the social, economic and political character of both countries.. Only time will tell what the final outcome will be for the future of both countries..
As Rick points out politicians only talk and complain about the dynamics of immigration but offer no real or meaningful solutions.. The same can be said again about the United States where illegal immigration is totally out of control with no workable solutions.. The world is changing rapidly and we must learn to adjust to its new realities before it overcomes us our senses of rational reasoning and judgment..
S3S, please may I ask what would you recommend as a possible solution to our immigration problem and issues if you were in a position of political influence?? Your perspective would be thoughts for discussion.. Hope you will share your ideas and thoughts on this pressing problem which effects us on a daily basis..
Hi Rick, Tradewinds,
Immigration is an emotive issue that has divided societies for decades. Unfortunately, my recommendations are awaiting a future Blog.
In a nutshell, The Bahamas does not monopolise the ‘Haitian’ problem. Instead, it is shared with the USA, which is the preferred destination for most, so therefore the problem must be more equally shared, e.g. the costs of repatriation and the costs of policing their movement through the waters of The Bahamas. Being from the southernmost island (and the one that is closest to Hispaniola), isn’t it strange that we have no Haitians living there (despite a stable, though small economy that could probably absorb a few) and none that I can remember, even in my childhood?
As for a solution, like most social solutions, it would have to be comprehensive, involving a mix of nationalisation; repatriation; a significant increase in penalties for illegal human transport; and the criminalisation of some related activities.