FNM TOWN HALL MEETING: FNM leader Michael Pintard (pictured last night, third from left) said that Immigration Director Keturah Ferguson was purportedly concerned that some people became naturalised Bahamians without renouncing their citizenship, a potentially significant breach of the law. Photos: Moise Amisial
By LEANDRA ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
lrolle@tribunemedia.net
IMMIGRATION Director Keturah Ferguson was purportedly concerned that some people became naturalised Bahamians without renouncing their citizenship, a potentially significant breach of the law.
Ms Ferguson purportedly sent a July 13, 2022, email about the matter to Permanent Secretary Cecilia Strachan, Immigration Minister Keith Bell and other top officials, according to a document Free National Movement Leader Michael Pintard released last night.
Mr Pintard did not disclose the entire email chain or reveal how officials responded to the purported email.
Ms Ferguson did not respond to a Whatsapp message on the email’s veracity before press time. Immigration Minister Keith Bell could not be reached for comment.
Ms Ferguson’s purported email said: “It has been brought to my attention that the department has been swearing in individuals without renunciation, contrary to the requirements of the Bahamas Nationality Act Chapter 190.
“Kindly advise under what legal grounds are we covered by not following the law. I await your urgent response.”
The constitution mandates that people renounce their citizenship to become naturalised Bahamians.
The Bahamas Nationality Regulations prescribes how people who cannot renounce their citizenship may become Bahamian citizens. Some, for instance, must fill out a form and commit to not claiming the protection of the other country.
Mr Pintard told The Tribune that Ms Ferguson has access to files and knows the policies surrounding exceptions.
“We know that, yes, a spouse, a woman who is married to a Bahamian man, doesn’t need to renounce her citizenship,” he said during the town hall meeting. “We know that minors in that scenario don’t have to renounce their citizenship, but what about all the other categories of persons?”
“The minister was busy approving persons, causing them to be approved even though they did not renounce their former citizenship. People were being naturalised.”
“Again, we have the memo where persons are saying: We are concerned that the law has not been followed in terms of this person being able to get permanent residency or citizenship.
“Every Bahamian ought to be concerned about what is motivating Keith Bell and his colleague to make the kind of decisions that they’re making and then have the audacity, the arrogance to say, man don’t say nothing, don’t answer no question.”
The FNM has scrutinised Mr Bell in recent weeks, alleging he superseded the conclusions of senior immigration officials a number of times, raising questions about whether laws were broken.
Following the controversy, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said immigration matters would be reviewed and better practices implemented. However, few details about the probe have been given, and officials have not answered press questions about the status or scope of the review.
Comments
TalRussell 9 months ago
....Stop it! — Comrades, don't 'some of the tales' you hear spoken by the RedMovement — Are intended to tugs away at your brainpower, — Yes?
birdiestrachan 9 months ago
Mr pintard , and his party will do any thing for power the spy bill then pass it against VAT then increase it toggie and boggie , mrs Ferguson is showing her colours as she assist them in their endovers
ExposedU2C 9 months ago
This comment was removed by the site staff for violation of the usage agreement.
TalRussell 9 months ago
Watch live video feed FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried leaves court --- Even though the RedMovement doesn't wish the colony's popoulaces'. watch. --- Yes?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5wRN...">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5wRN...
mandela 9 months ago
If this is true, then it should not matter who is bringing this unlawful, unnational act to the forefront. Citizenship is something to be cherished. If naturalized persons, who want to hold a Bahamian passport as citizens of the Bahamas MUST renounce/ give up their rights to any other country and swear on the Bible their allegiance to the Bahamas flag, if this is not done they should not become a Citizen of this great country. If this is indeed happening whether it's under the PLP, FNM, DNA, COI, or any government this amounts to treason to the Bahamas and the Bahamian people. Bahamians should indeed be concerned. The government has to bring some clarity to this and other questions surrounding the Immigration Ministry and its Minister of Immigration.
Sickened 9 months ago
Both Customs and Immigration have always simply been a source for personal wealth. Protecting our borders and the consolidated fund were always a distant second.
Bahamianbychoice 9 months ago
I get the impression Mr Pintard is cherry picking Ms Ferguson’s comments in order to try and get traction. Ms Ferguson is well aware the Constitution speaks to the fact that the sitting Minister has the perusal to make exceptions if he/she feels it is in the best interest for the country. Exceptions have happened under all administrations and Mr Pintard is ware of this. I also think it is quite hypocritical that Mr Pintard speaks to any immigration issue given he and the former immigration Minister championed a change to the law that immediately created unemployment and significantly impacted those Bahamian families effected by the change. A more important question regarding immigration, is why does the law not allow Bahamian women to pass on citizenship to their children automatically as it does for Bahamian men? Especially, given that approximately 70 percent of Bahamian families are headed by single mothers. What is Pintards position on this..and maybe Ms Ferguson should be questioning the present Government on this.
Commenting has been disabled for this item.