by Edward Hutcheson
The ongoing problem with the expatriate population has more to do with the amount of access they have to a lifestyle that evades Bahamians who are just as or more qualified than they are, more so than the apparent topical concerns we point fingers at. Many of these persons who have come here on contracts or as consultants have found a way to “jump ship” and establish bulwarks for themselves, but this “establishing” is also a roadblock for those who are asked to “Believe in the Bahamas”.
The recent incident with the UBS executive may be an indicator that not even the Immigration Department know who is here legally, and the reality that persons of lighter hue and straighter hair have not had to labour under the same scrutiny as our darker, curly-hair brothers has not helped to remedy the situation at all.
I have empathy for the UBS official, but incidents of this nature could be avoided if the Department of Immigration and the relevant authorities are allowed to do their jobs, without fear or favour. If I have to be fingerprinted each time I leave this country, should there be exclusions for others who come into this country and carry on like perpetual tourists for however long they seek to stay here? Not to mention the additional well known practice of them hiring their friends from abroad and adding to the unemployment figures . However, what we are experiencing in this regard is only possible with the help of Bahamians who continue to sell their country for a couple of dollars. I would not want to have any job that is in the Immigration or Labour Department, but I would encourage those who have this awesome responsibility to do their jobs and let the chips fall where they may. I am prepared to see the decreased numbers at the annual International Food Festival and the decrease in the number of future Bahamians with “good hair”, but the spicy food will be missed.
January 22, 2014
Hutch, while I agree the illegal immigration problem needs to be dealt with, but there is a responsibility for the officers to operate with ethically and sensibly.
The UBS case is gross behaviour by all concerned.
One of the main problems between Bahamians raised in our culture, (criteria set thus because we are all, be it first or tenth generation, from foreign stock) and “new foreign arrivals” or those who we perceive as a threat is of our own doing:
we set the bar so low upon ourselves, and do all within our power as a society to “mow the tall grass” or local talent and in so many obvious and not so obvious ways.
Whereas the foreigner comes and quickly see the enormous potential here, unfettered by our baggage, prejudices.
What they do not see and could not see being such a hidden component but are soon faced with is the effects of the constant downward negative pressure Bahamians face from within, from other Bahamians.
Of course all foreigners eventually see and feel the unseen forces of the status quo, it is the running joke or gripe of the cocktail circuit,
and their reactions run the gamut of curiosity, confusion,outrage to hasty exit!
But some become a part of the system, depending how deeply they ingrain themselves with the powers that be, how quickly they assimilate into the game at play.
Like the water in a dirty bathtub, even though drained it still leaves a scum line that unless scoured out, pollutes the next bath.
Likewise even though players come and go, the systemic patronage and old boys network still rules and most importantly and detrimentally, controls.
Those Bahamians who leave, find themselves in a different world of opportunity, relatively unfettered by malice or jealousy, fear or favor.
Certainly nothing akin to the domestic cannibalism we practice.
So well put Oracle.. You have described the situation to a tee.. Nevertheless, lets not forget the fact that many expats come here not for opportunity where their skills, education and experience may be in demand, but to oversee their personal business and financial affairs free from government prying and interference..
The smart ones chose to live in one country, keep their assets in a second and be a citizen of a third nation.. The Bahamas, up until recently, has been an attractive domicile for permanent residency.. Such residency alone enhances the country’s attractiveness and reputation as an attractive place to live and reside.. Many such residents have made significant contributions to the development and growth of our country.. For this we always must be truly thankful..