Bahamas: Bahamians fear for identity

bana2166 · Published by bana2166- 01-20-07

Bahamas: Bahamians fear for identity

Bahamians are becoming increasingly concerned that the identity of the country will be adversely affected if there is a continuous incursion of illegal immigrants and the influx is not immediately addressed, expressed Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell on Monday.

"There is a clear commitment by the Haitian government to stop the outward flow of illegal immigrants coming into The Bahamas, [but] I just don't think they have the resources to do anything about it. And what it means is that our resources, unfortunately, have to be used in that direction," Minister Mitchell told the press as he fielded questions on a number of issues of national importance from his Foreign Affairs office. Since the opening of the new year, 268 illegal Haitian nationals have been apprehended by the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. But despite this figure, Defence Force officials emphasized that they are committed to protecting the country's borders.

Last Saturday, 111 undocumented Haitian nationals were apprehended in the Ragged Island chain when their 35 foot sloop ran aground. Just two days before this apprehension, 55 Haitians were intercepted off the eastern point of New Providence last Thursday. And just hours before the new year, RBDF officers intercepted a Haitian vessel with 102 illegal Haitian nationals onboard, 11 miles off East End Point.

Meanwhile, Minister Mitchell said the government is committed at all levels to stem the flow of illegal immigrants entering the country. He commended the newly appointed Commodore of the Royal Bahamas Police Force, Clifford 'Butch' Scavella for his excellent job in the interdiction of illegal immigrants. He noted that Commodore Scavella has made it one of his top priorities to protect the waters of The Bahamas.

"We just have to continue to work along with the US and its resources to try and stop this [illegal immigration] and if not, to dampen it as much as we can. But certainly it is a serious concern throughout the country," Minister Mitchell said.