MINISTER of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell in the House of Assembly.
By KHRISNA VIRGIL
Tribune Staff Reporter
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
WHILE Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell attempted to shut down critics of his handling of circumstances surrounding the recent release of two Cuban men from prison, the minister was on the defensive offering no clear explanation to questions on why the men were considered “national security risks” by the government.
Nor did he explain why he petitioned Cabinet in November to parole the two men and give them asylum seeker certificates. However, he called the assertion that he changed his mind on the matter “disgusting” and questioned if someone “stole” a Cabinet paper.
Speaking in the House of Assembly yesterday, Mr Mitchell launched an attack on critics, specifically Free National Movement Chairman Michael Pintard, attorney Fred Smith, QC, and the managing editor of The Nassau Guardian, saying these individuals had assaulted his integrity.
However, his attempts to relentlessly berate these individuals were thwarted by House Speaker Dr Kendal Major who agreed with several opposition members of Parliament that it was against parliamentary code to speak of private citizens in such a manner.
Still Mr Mitchell insisted that the recent backlash over Carlos Pupo and Lazaro Seara Marin, who were freed last week after three years in prison without cause, was manufactured by people whose “patriotism and sanity ought to be questioned”.
Fort Charlotte MP Dr Andre Rollins several times interrupted the minister to question why the men were deemed national security risks, but each time Mr Mitchell did not give a definite response.
“I cannot, Mr Speaker, refer to the matters at hand without dealing with the individuals who have perpetrated the specific mischief that I am seeking to address, namely Fred Smith, QC, a journalist, and Michael Pintard, the chairman of the FNM.
“I believe that anyone who knows my association with these individuals would know that it is not beyond conception or belief that what is published from their pens and what is said from their lips is entirely discreditable, given their strange personal animus toward this MP and their total preoccupation, I would argue infatuation, with a personality to the point where being ignored they seek to destroy. I pity them all. They must have sad lives indeed.”
He added: “Each of them in turn have determined for some reason or another that it is in their political or other interest to misrepresent what I have said and who I am in the hope that they can gain some mileage. Mr Smith wants to be a politician, but so far has not managed to get anyone to give him a nomination. When one saw the psychological meltdown, which took place on television on Monday last, one can understand why.
“When one examines the range of rash, untrue, false defamatory and irresponsible statements that he has made, there is no surprise that he has been rejected by every political party in the country. When one recalls that he urged migrants to flood the country with lawsuits in the expectation that the government would be bankrupted, then you are not surprised that people question his patriotism; others question his sanity.”
East Grand Bahama MP Peter Turnquest stood on a point of order noting that Mr Mitchell was openly criticising a private individual who did not have the same opportunity to defend himself at Parliament.
“I just wonder if this is not an abuse to the process,” he questioned.
Dr Major responded that he was inclined to agree with Mr Turnquest in light of the fact that “you are making a communication and it appears to be a little bit more personal to members outside of this place and that is ultra virus to the rules.”
Mr Mitchell went on to argue that an assault was launched on his integrity. He questioned where else was he to defend himself if not in the House of Assembly.
“What I am intent on doing this morning is set the record straight, including the motives which drive what is happening here this morning, it imputes of improper motive to me, how else am I to defend that?
“You will recall, sir, for example you have made this point about information which cannot be controverted, what appeared in the press on Monday last, where documents in my view which could only have been stolen out of the Cabinet. How did they get into the newspaper and what am I to say to that?
“It’s disgusting the assertion was made that I, Fred Mitchell, wanted these two Cubans released on parole and then changed my mind and now claim that they are security risks.”
Dr Rollins interjected saying it seemed Mr Mitchell’s frustrations were misguided.
“I am sitting here just like everybody else listening to the clear anger and distress from the member of Fox Hill,” Dr Rollins said. “It seems to me as though his anger and distress is misdirected if in fact he finds anything particularly objectionable, surely he must speak to his colleagues in the Cabinet of which he is a part to find out why they don’t share his view as these individuals are a clear and present threat to the security of this country. So after all, the Attorney General’s Office did not see fit to object to their release so his anger is misdirected.”
“Irrelevant - I don’t know what you are talking about,” Mr Mitchell responded.
Dr Rollins again stood to question the minister. However, this time he accused him of attempting to deceive Bahamians.
“He ought to be far more responsible in his utterances,” Dr Rollins said. “The issue here, sir, is, why is it that if these individuals were in fact a threat to national security, why did the Attorney General’s Office not seek to provide an objection to the acting chief justice to ask for their continued detention? That was not asked for so clearly the individuals of whom they speak were not deemed by the Attorney General’s Office to be a threat to national security.
“That is the issue at hand and he and his government should speak to it.”
Dr Major again called on Mr Mitchell to cease the personal attacks and stick to the parametres of a minister’s statement.
Mr Mitchell also sought to clarify recent comments that he had launched an investigation into how the courts were persuaded to release the Cuban men.
He told reporters outside of the House that his only intention was to glean how Mr Pupo and Mr Marin were released despite clear instructions sent to public prosecutors that the government viewed them as national security risks and were not to be released.
He said a note was sent to acting Chief Justice Stephen Isaacs on Tuesday to clarify his previous statement and to say there was no disrespect to the court.
Comments
Honestman 8 years, 1 month ago
Mitchell made a complete idiot of himself in the House yesterday. He is probably the only one who can't see how foolishly he behaved. Something must have happened in Mitchell's upbringing that causes him to be unable to accept personal criticism in any shape or form. He comes across as a vindictive and hyper sensitive individual. He is someone who must never be allowed to ascend to the position of "Supreme Leader" of the PLP Mafia as he possesses many of the personality traits of a certain Robert Mugabe. As to his department's treatment of the two Cubans, what the heck are they trying to cover up? The one thing you rarely get from the PLP is the truth and I doubt we will get it in this case either.
ThisIsOurs 8 years, 1 month ago
He did speak of a little girl bullying him. He is very bitter, he needs to release the anger and the pain it is destroying him. He is brilliant and would be more so if he could get that out.
GrassRoot 8 years, 1 month ago
There are things that separate a Man from an Adolescent. There are too many "men" in the Bahamas that never passed the rites of passage. It is this "yes, but.." mentality that builds on a wrong sense of power, virility, ego and a total lack of maturity. This is what destroys this country and its families.
GrassRoot 8 years, 1 month ago
oh and yes, "integrity" you have to earn. its not God given.
TruePeople 8 years, 1 month ago
he just digging a bigger hole for himself, and you're totally right Honestman, making a fool of himself in the process. Instead of making personal attacks, he should just present the facts and let the people make their own minds up. The Truth should stand up!
Among his attacks on private citizens, he criticizes Mr. Smiths comments regarding bankrupting the Country. I find this laughable coming from a PLP as the PLP are the ones bankrupting the Country!
And good on Rollins for calling him out! Freddy actually saying that he can circumvent the law!!!! QUOTE - He told reporters outside of the House that his only intention was to glean how Mr Pupo and Mr Marin were released despite clear instructions sent to public prosecutors that the government viewed them as national security risks and were not to be released.
So Freddy can rig court cases? he can tell the judges and prosecutors what resolution they are to bring to a case, regardless of facts or evidence, or even an explanation of why these men are national security risks?! Apparently there is no need for a 'justice system' in his mind, especially since the courts tend to judge contrary to his personal whims! Courts are a mere formality in his mind, and the outcomes should be rigged, providing only the illusion of justice?
Fool is as Fool does! And his this case Freddyboy Fool is talking for itself. Shameful!
DillyTree 8 years, 1 month ago
Fred Mitchell is a disgrace to this country and is a national embarrassment. Until he is fired and put out of sight like the crazy uncle in the basement, he will continue to make a fool of himself and the Bahamas.
We clearly don't have all the information (and probably never will), but what I can't figure out is that if these guys are Cuban, why aren't they just returned to Cuba? As Cuban citizens, doesn't Cuba have to take them back? Seems the simplest solution, or am I missing something here?
Cas0072 8 years, 1 month ago
Did the opposition ask why their criminal records alone justified their rejections by the US, Cuba, and other countries, and left them ineligible for relocation assistance from the UNHCR? The fact that one previously escaped custody in the Bahamas as far back as 2001 and both attempted to escape and to commit arson speaks for itself. Instead of standing up for criminals who already have a lawyer, one would think that the opposition would be more concerned with the fact that, unlike the US and Cuba, The Bahamas apparently has no laws or treaties to ensure that this country does not become a haven for convicted criminals. With this dangerous precedent, why not do away with the clean criminal record standards for those trying legally to obtain permanent residence or citizenship status?
GrassRoot 8 years, 1 month ago
The Bahamas already IS a haven for convicted criminals.... certainly white collar ones....
My2cents 8 years, 1 month ago
So adding even more criminals into society is ok?
GrassRoot 8 years, 1 month ago
there more criminal walking the streets of Nassau than you can count for. Black Suits, loud mouths, kicking the laws and our Constitution with their feet, and hiding behind Parlamentarian immunity.
Cas0072 8 years, 1 month ago
I guess that's as good a reason as any to welcome even worse into society.
asiseeit 8 years, 1 month ago
Typical PLP, when caught with your pants down, attack the persons who point out your pants are down. There is no national security threat from these men, if there where "dread Fred" the cry baby would have told us what it is. The PLP mafia is killing this country from within!
Economist 8 years, 1 month ago
His behavour was disgraceful!
He may have been attacked in the press, so he can reply through the press, not behind the protection of the House of Assembly.
It was a cowardly act.
banker 8 years, 1 month ago
This is all you need to know about Fred Mitchell. He needs help:
Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a disorder that is characterized by a long-standing pattern of grandiosity (either in fantasy or actual behavior), an overwhelming need for admiration, and usually a complete lack of empathy toward others. People with this disorder often believe they are of primary importance in everybody’s life or to anyone they meet.
People with narcissistic personality disorder often display snobbish, disdainful, or patronizing attitudes. For example, an individual with this disorder may complain about a clumsy waiter’s “rudeness” or “stupidity” or conclude a medical evaluation with a condescending evaluation of the physician. The pattern is stable and of long duration, and its onset can be traced back to early adulthood or adolescence.
Symptoms of Narcissistic Personality Disorder
In order for a person to be diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) they must meet five or more of the following symptoms:
*Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
*Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love Believes that he or she is “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people
*Requires excessive admiration
*Has a very strong sense of entitlement, e.g., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations
*Is exploitative of others, e.g., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends
*Lacks empathy, e.g., is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
*Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her
*Regularly shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
Narcissistic personality disorder is more prevalent in males than females, and is thought to occur in around 6 percent of the general population, according to research.
paul_vincent_zecchino 8 years, 1 month ago
There's a lot of narcissistic personality disorder going around of late, seems to affect many in high places and it knows no geographic boundaries.
themessenger 8 years, 1 month ago
Amen Banker, Frederick the Great is truly a legend in his own mind.
jus2cents 8 years, 1 month ago
Is the PM ok? He looks a little unwell in this photo.
BMW 8 years, 1 month ago
Stress killing him
birdiestrachan 8 years, 1 month ago
If Mr: Mitchell will not explain why the Cubans are a security risk. The investigative reporters from the news media can investigate why the Country in which they were born Cuba. and the USA refuses to allow them into their Country. Is the Bahamas any less?. There is another side to this story, besides Mr. Mitchell. It is important to look at both sides. These men are not saints and Mr: Mitchell is not the devil.
My2cents 8 years, 1 month ago
Accepting criminals into the general population is a national security risk. Their legal homeland, native homeland and the UNHCR would not accept them because of their criminal behavior. What further explanation is needed? Should we also allow Fox Hill inmates into the general population with a free slate? Some of you really cannot be serious with your faux outrage over the so called mishandling of this Cuban situation.
GrassRoot 8 years, 1 month ago
you are talking about Freddie and the AG for not bringing charges within 36 months of the lock up? Yes, I agree the both belong in front of a court.
My2cents 8 years, 1 month ago
And the criminals of Cuban descent deserve a second chance?...In Bahamas? Fred Mitchell is not the monster you dependent thinkers make him out to be. He is challenged with outdated laws that do not reflect the current norms in the wider world. Both the FNM and PLP (Fred Mitchell included) are responsible for this Cuban debacle. After 9/11, considering the close proximity, laws should have been in place to facilitate persons like these criminals that nobody is willing to accept. Why these laws do not exist should be the foremost concern.
ThisIsOurs 8 years, 1 month ago
It's a conundrum!! They haven't committed a crime in the Bahamas, but nobody wants to take them....
My2cents 8 years, 1 month ago
A criminal background check is a part of the legal immigration process. People with criminal records in their homeland are denied work permits and legal residence status in Bahamas...as in most countries. Because they did not commit a crime in Bahamas, does not mean they are not criminals and therefore, should be welcomed with open arms.
My2cents 8 years, 1 month ago
Clearly dummy, you are the one with your head up your a ss ! That explains your dumb a ss overly emotional hysterics. They had no trial? So get them a trial date as they wait in prison. Absolutely do not release known criminals into society with a clean slate! Trial or not, these criminals were imprisoned where they belonged until another country was willing to accept them. Currently, there are no laws with regard to this situation...and so it is an option to imprison them for three years. Seems like Fred Mitchell attempted the best legal route by presenting this situation to the immigration board, who denied their release. The only real tragedy in this matter is the number of dumb as Bahamians who think detaining the Cubans is the real issue here. The fact that no laws exist to handle situations with rejected illegal aliens who are also criminals is another tragedy.
My2cents 8 years, 1 month ago
I'm more concerned about the dumb as Bahamians who support Fred Smith and his quest to turn the Bahamas into a safe haven for illegals and international criminals. You think this looks bad? Let's revisit this conversation when terrorists via Bahamas target the U.S. It's exactly the third world you seem to want for the Bahamas.
At present there is no law that determines how a unique situation like this is to be treated. The DOI attempted to deport these criminals quickly, but could not. They took them before the immigration board to decide on their release or incarceration, it was determined they remain in custody. No where in the constitution does it say that known international criminals/ illegal trespassers cannot be held indefinitely. So the Bahamas does not have to be Cuba in that regard because no laws were broken.
Only in the Bahamas do you have jacka sses who are more concerned with the so called inhumane treatment of foreign criminals than making the country better for all. We should all, including the "outspoken QC", be advocating for tougher immigration, border protection, human trafficking and proactive national security laws...not the plight of two low lives who deserve to be in prison.
I would expect better from someone with more common sense, but you prove yourself to be a typical dumb a ss...rowing about PLP and FNM when the problem at hand is much greater than that. But I guess that's how trained sheep are programmed to behave.
BMW 8 years, 1 month ago
This country is challanged with outdated politicians! Really need forward thinking BUISNESS persons in the HAO instead of this all for me crowd. Time to change the status quo and give both(well they both from the same nest) the red shirts and yellow shirts the boot.
Economist 8 years, 1 month ago
What is the real story?
Mr.Mitchell did not produce a single paper from the US or Cuba or Panama or Sweden to show that we had asked them or that they had refused or that we had asked.
Tell us the truth please.
TalRussell 8 years, 1 month ago
by TalRussell
Cas0072 8 years, 1 month ago
The opposition is pathetic. Their "smoking gun" has been revealed to be no more than a procedural communication to the board, which is a process with which these former government ministers,MPs, and candidates should be familiar. Either they intentionally misrepresented the point of the document to feed hysteria and launch a personal attack on the minister, or they simply didn't know. Sad either way, and it is this undue focus on personality over substance that is behind their unraveling.
In truth, the detainees were not denied due process or held without reason. The constitution holds that illegal entry is a summary offense for which a trial is not necessary and that people guilty of this offense can be detained for however long it takes to deport them. The immigration board also has the authority to decide who is undesirable, and the message of their undesirability was pretty clear. The only trial that they were denied was the one where they should have been made to answer for the alleged escape and arson attempts. The government dropped the ball in not giving them credit for the time they earned in Fox Hill.
bluesky 8 years, 1 month ago
Where is the outrage from the Christian Community for the outspoken QC mockery of God.
BMW 8 years, 1 month ago
He was not mocking god, he was praying to god!
My2cents 8 years, 1 month ago
He was mocking God. You, I, and the staunchest Fred Smith supporter know it was for dramatic effect, he was clowning around...not praying from the heart.
TalRussell 8 years, 1 month ago
Jamaica Votes 2016: Live stream of the 2016 General Election Results
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banker 8 years, 1 month ago
What blows me away are the apologists. Yes we have archaic laws, and yes the Cubans are illegals, and yes the US will not take them back. The BIG ISSUE here is none of this. It is the perfidy of Fred Mitchell. Why does he say one thing at one time and the diametrically opposite at a later date. The bottom line, is that he says whatever is expedient at the time. There is a word for that in the English language: LIAR! Bottom line. You can't believe a damn word that comes out of Mitchell's mouth. He doesn't belong as a Minister, a parliamentarian, and he is not even classed as a decent human being. He is a stranger to the explicit truth.
NassauBoy77 8 years, 1 month ago
In typical PLP style, when we do not wish to or have no intelligent reason to support our stand, we lodge petty attacks to appease the illiterate of the electorate.
Cas0072 8 years, 1 month ago
If the issue is the length of their detention, not being tried for the offence of illegal entry, or that Mitchell's resolution was rejected by the board, then it is most certainly the laws that need to be fixed. Laws were followed. No matter how many times and how many ways people twist this fact to state otherwise. I would also like to know why the AGs office failed to defend the decision of the board. Whether attorneys from the AGs office agree with a certain stance or not, that is what they are paid to do. The bottom line is that people are making this about Fred Mitchell because of preexisting dislike for the man. That is very obvious.
My2cents 8 years, 1 month ago
@ lkalikl, Again this is proof that you are nothing but an emotional nutcase. You must be referring to the constitution in your head that states what you want it to state, because the immigration act clearly states that people who are caught entering the country illegally are automatically guilty of illegal entry and can be detained until whenever they can be deported. Typically, it should not take three years, but these two criminals made their own bed when they got caught in the wrong country. As I stated in response to your other non-sensical ramblings . . . until the constitution is amended it is what it is, even when it falls short.
However, if you truly believe what you say is indeed constitutional (not simply accepting your leader's position), please cite. I can work with the facts, not emotion.
My2cents 8 years, 1 month ago
You are wrong again, which happens when you speak from emotion and not facts. They can be detained for as long as it takes to deport them. And the immigration board absolutely has the legal authority to decide their fate. Furthermore, there was due cause. The courts do not always get it right, that is clear, and they certainly bungled this one.
The only reason the Bahamas would become a third world hell hole is due to the simple minds such as yourself that can only think in terms of petty party politics, not detention practices. First world countries such as the U.S. hold persons deemed national security risks indefinitely, as do other countries. Please do some research before you type another ignorant, emotional, post.
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