The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

RESIDENTS of Exuma have raised concerns that a foreign man, convicted in the Bahamas of a sexual offence, will be allowed into their community as a prominent figure reportedly lobbies for his release from the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.

Following his two-year sentence at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services for a sexual act on a minor in Exuma, the man was sent to the detention centre where a deportation order was signed.

This was confirmed by Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell, who said yesterday the man was being detained, but he has since appealed his planned deportation. The Immigration Board, Mr Mitchell said, is currently reviewing the matter.

However, Mr Mitchell said he would not go into further detail because of privacy issues.

According to sources on the island, the man who lived with his Bahamian wife in a settlement in Exuma, has inflicted fear in the hearts of families who believe other children could be targeted if he is allowed to re-enter the community.

They explained to The Tribune that they are worried that a prominent figure, with two well-known clergymen, on the island might sway the outcome of any decision that the Immigration Board makes.

The intervention, The Tribune was told, is based on the fact that the man has a family in Exuma who needs his financial support.

“Where in the world,” a concerned Exuma resident told The Tribune, “does it happen that a foreigner comes to a country, molests a child, is charged, serves time and is allowed to stay? Appealing a deportation order shouldn’t even be entertained. He should be sent away with swiftness.

“The main concern down here is that, upon the urging of this prominent figure and these two religious men, he will be sent back to the island.

“But we believe that no matter his status, whether he has a work permit or spousal permit, he needs to go back home. And if his wife has a problem with that and he is devoted to her then he will take her to live with him in his country.”

While Exuma MP Anthony Moss could not be reached yesterday, George Smith, who served as the island’s representative for 29 years, said he was aware of the concerns.

“I am the proud father of two young women,” Mr Smith said, “and I think I could pretty much express what most parents in this country ought to feel when it comes to the sacredness of our young innocent ladies and young boys. In such instances the children become the victims of men, in this case a foreign man or even a local man, who feels that to fulfil his animalistic desires he will pounce on a child.

“If anyone is trying to intervene or lobby on this man’s behalf, they too should be condemned along with him. Society should condemn them without doubt.”