The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune

The policy of the Minnis government to expunge criminal records for what could be described as ‘minor – not serious crimes’ – raises a serious issue of rights of an Employer and right of foreign governments to know if that person applying for employment or a VISA or Residence has been sentenced by a Court of the Bahamas?

Yes, government might think this is easy but there are serious consequences attached which they probably have not thought through.

So J Rolle is sentenced by a Magistrate…serves his sentence, six-months or say max two-years, the crime for which he was found guilty of is one where the record will be expunged - he or she is released and bingo goes to try to get a job. The employer has all the right to ask do you have a criminal record? What if the person is a prolific thief?

He/she wants to get a US VISA - the US Embassy Consular people will ask do you or have you been found guilty in a court? Expunged or not sorry Prime Minister those people have a criminal record and the employer and Foreign Embassy have all the rights to ask and get the right answer.

Politics must never try to muddle in the fight against crime and the Courts – never they don’t mix.

ABRAHAM MOSS

Nassau,

February 3, 2020.