The Tribune

IMMIGRATION Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday underscored the importance of a unified stance from parliamentarians as the government pushes its new immigration policy.

Pointing to the policy’s direct impact on youth unemployment, Mr Mitchell advised businesses to “get with the programme” during his contribution in the House of Assembly yesterday.

Mr Mitchell said: “Immigration policy is going to be used to force this issue if the business sector will not get with the programme. So I am asking them to get with the programme.

“I also ask my parliamentary colleagues not to go wobbly on immigration because the usual suspects are out there making noise about this policy. It is the right policy.

“Let them bray if they will but also let them conform. It is important that we speak in parliament with one voice on this: Bahamians first – there will be no exceptions.”

Mr Mitchell said while he looks forward to substantial population growth in the future, he also understands the country has to look for the next big project to this sustain expansion.

He said: “There will have to rapid infrastructure development, planning, new rules of social behaviour and plenty of new capital.

“What then must be our next big project?

“After all it is construction which drives spending in this economy.”