We've seen it all before. The PLP posturing that they know best how to run a private business from afar and attempt to dictate whom they should hire or who should be forced out simply because they have differences and the power to do it.
Ludwig von Mises speaks to this desire to control in his book, Liberalism. On page 67 he writes:
“There is an inherent tendency in all government power to recognize no restraints on its operation and to extend the sphere of its dominion as much as possible. To control everything, to leave no room for anything to happen of its own accord without the interference of the authorities – this is the goal for which every ruler secretly strives.”
Instead of focusing on improving the services provided by the Department of Immigration that falls under his purview, Mr. Mitchell (PLP Minister of Foreign Affairs & Immigration) sets the bureaucrats against the very engine of commerce that generates their income.
Refusing a work permit for an editor because The Tribune will not hire an understudy – that does not appear to be available – or agree to have this hire report to the department of immigration within four weeks to be interviewed – is appalling. The audacity!
Read more about this latest stunt here… and here…
Not only will this nationalist political ploy cause the government to lose revenue in these tough times, some landlord will lose a tenant that will no longer be here to buy groceries, and on and on. Not to mention the fallout with potential investors, Bahamian and foreign alike.
Having lived through similar antics by the National Socialists in Germany, Ludwig von Mises also wrote in Liberalism, (p.144) that;
"Nationalist policies, which always begin by aiming at the ruination of one's neighbor, must, in the final analysis, lead to the ruination of all."
Rick:
The PLP and their minions over the years know no other way to do anything other than through coercion and vicitimization.
I always refer to a small man in stature but a giant otherwise, Sir Etienne Dupuch who used the phrase, “A people get the government they deserve.” Unfortunately most of the voters in this country do not understand or care what good the former administration did for this country nor what the current one is doing to this country.
You are very right GQ.
The FNM are no angels, but compared to this lot maybe they’re saints? lol
The power of the irrational is formidable. Sadly the Bahamas for the most part is not run by reason. Irrational thinking drove Bank of America from our shores. HIS, the largest Japanese travel company, reestablished its head Caribbean office in Cancun, Mexico. The list goes on as irrational government policies and decisions continue to destroy the business climate of our country.
I see this policy as radical as opposed to irrational and one that will in the long run will place bahamians in positions to invest in our country themselves. This coming from an individual who works on a day to day basis for the past 10 years with ex-pats who live here free, health care is free, childrens schooling is free and transportation is provided. We have bahamians who are in their field who can do the same job as them but because we are “bahamian in the Bahamas” we are not considered. I agree fully that our permits should be meticulously screened, taxed and stipulated to ensure BAHAMIAN
Thanks for stopping by and commenting Mr. Whyms.
Following that line should the Bahamians around the globe enjoying similar benefits be sent home because there is someone in that country that might be able to do the job?
What concerns me about this policy against The Tribune in particular is it seems no more than political victimisation because of personal differences. Surely this cannot be considered logical public policy that encourages economic growth?
Of course most of us want Bahamians to succeed and there is nothing stopping us pooling our resources and investing in an effort to improve our own lot in life. Is there?
Discouraging business with these actions is self defeating. See today’s post: More from Fred Mitchell on Work Permits.
Kind regards,
Rick Lowe
Dear Minister,
May we please have a public accounting of the number of work permit applications that have been made in each quarter of the year; the sectors for which the permits have been made; the decision criteria used to assess the applications; and the rate at which decisions are made about the applications?
And whilst we’re at it, if not yet done, perhaps the decisions can be made public with the Government’s rationale for accepting/rejecting the application(s).
I think the simple steps above could go a long way in reducing the arbitrariness that now relates to your decision making.
Thanking you in advance
S3S
Now, now S3S. Do you expect them to hold themselves to standards similar to those they pass laws to hold the private sector to?