From Bahama Islands Info

NASSAU, Bahamas — The new immigration policies came into effect on Saturday, November 1 and in the wake of a routine spot check by the Department of Immigration, images and commentary were posted in social media including an upload to i-cnn blogspot. The images and commentary suggested night raids, the deportation of Bahamian children and the detention of children at the Carmichael Road as a result of these routine checks. They were all inaccurate and misleading to the general public.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Hon. Fred Mitchell, hosted a press conference on Sunday, November 2 at the Lynden Pindling International Airport upon his return from a trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where he participated in an anti-piracy conference. He sought to address some of the misinformation being circulated within social media.

On the images of children being escorted by Immigration Officers, the Minister explained that during the spot check on Saturday morning, the adults at the home in question fled the scene, leaving the children behind. The Immigration Officers took the children into protective custody for their own safety wellbeing and the children were later released to an adult relative. The Director of Immigration, William Pratt applauded the humane actions taken by his officers in the in the circumstance given its sensitivity.

With respect to children being detained at the Carmichael Road detention center, the children in question were among a group of illegal migrants aboard an interdicted vessel traveling in Bahamian waters and were detained along with their parents and subsequently deported to their home country along with their parents.

Both issues were clarified during the Q&A period of the press conference.

Please find below the text of the statement delivered by the Minister at the press conference.

Statement by Fred Mitchell MP

Minister of Foreign Affairs at LPIA

2nd November 2014

Yesterday the administrative measures announced by the department on work permits, certificates of identity and residency permits began. I am providing a copy of the public service announcement that was sent to the press on the matter.

There was a routine interdiction exercise yesterday which resulted in some 76 arrests. Some elements in the community are transforming that into something which it is not.

From the time I became minister, there have been interdictions every day, every week. Yesterday was no different from what the Department ordinarily does and should not be used to inflame passions.

It appears now that some political operatives have gotten into the matter with a view to seeking to sow the seeds of division; I ask them to desist. I ask the leaders of the Opposition parties to speak to trolls on social media to resist the temptation to sow seeds of discord. I have asked our supporters to do the same.

This is not about FNM or PLP or DNA.

There have been no reports of any abuse or corruption by immigration officers to the director arising out of yesterday.

Some people have expressed concern about children and I would only say that we are seeking the intervention of the Department of Social Services where this is necessary.

I am advised that no interdictions took place at night.

I wish only to add that there needs to be balance in all that we do in this. I ask everyone to resist an “us or them situation.” I am not in that. Neither is this government. This is simply about enforcing the laws of the Commonwealth in a calm and quiet manner.

The job has to get done to protect our borders. Neither fear, nor incitement should come out of this.

These measures announced are of general application and are not targeted at any particular national group.

No one should seek to play the victim in this.

We shall continue to work along with all national groups in the best interests of our country. If there are any complaints please advance those to the Director.

Thank you.

For more on this story go to: http://www.bahamaislandsinfo.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=19517:mitchell-addresses-misinformation-surrounding-new-immigration-policy&catid=34:Bahamas%20National%20News&Itemid=147

Related story:

DNA press release: Crafting a firm and fair immigration policy

Former US President Ronald Regan once said that “A nation that cannot control its borders is not a nation.” For years, successive governments in this country have failed to adequately control our borders and have failed to effectively address the long standing socio-economic problems stemming from the movement of illegal migrants across our borders. The absence of firm and fair immigration policy has given rise to resentment, anger, hatred, frustration and fear that has, particularly in recent weeks, spilled over in the public domain.

On November 1, this Christie led administration took the first of what will undoubtedly be a series of difficult steps to securing sustainability for future generations of Bahamians.

As a former Minister of Immigration, I understand all too well the challenges associated with this process. Regardless of those challenges however, THE LAWS OF THE BAHAMAS MUST BE CARRIED OUT!

While the Democratic National Alliance commends the government for finally taking seriously its responsibility to protect our borders, this issue cannot – as has been the case with other matters – be allowed to become overly politicized or emotionalized. Instead, a sound and humane approach which does not destroy the dignities of our fellow brothers and sisters –particularly children – should be taken to facilitate immigration reform in this country.

As Bahamians, we can no longer abdicate responsibility for the role successive administrations have played in allowing this matter to grow and intensify. We must not pretend that systemic corruption within the Department of Immigration which has manifested in the sale of passports and travel documents, the bribery of immigration officers, the over-charging of applicants and the general exploitation of the current system, has not also contributed to the critical situation which now exists.

It must be noted that while Haitian migrants continue to make up a large segment of the country’s illegal immigrant population, Haitians should not be the sole target of such efforts. With that in mind the DNA calls for balance on the part of officials as they work to weed out persons of ALL nationalities living and working in the Bahamas illegally. As these efforts continue, the DNA calls for calm from Bahamian citizens and legal residents as immigration officials work to carry out their duties as mandated by law. We should all refrain from making derogatory and/or negative comments about any group of people on social media or any other forum but must work along with the government to ensure the success of these new initiatives.

As part of its push this government must also focus on a bi-partisan approach to formulating a clear and concise immigration policy. A policy which targets not only illegals but those who harbor, aid and abet them as well. As an addition to the current policy changes, the DNA recommends that the government go a step further by enacting legislation which would bring about the swift prosecution to those Bahamians found harboring those here illegally. The law must also hold repercussions for legal residents who also harbor illegals including the possible revocation of their legal status.

During a press conference to be held on Thursday November 6, 2014, The DNA will present its full position on the current immigration policies and future changes to the law as well.

Certainly the failures of former governments are now wreaking havoc on our modern day Bahamas. The many issues resulting from illegal immigration did not occur overnight and will not be solved overnight. It will take a sustained effort on the part of all the relevant authorities and Bahamians across the country. Decisive and Balanced Action must be taken as we work to protect our country for generations of Bahamians to come.

Branville McCartney

DNA Leader