The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I have often spoken about the concept of “certainty” and why it is important to the success of any endeavour.

It is essential that stakeholders know the ground on which they stand. We, the citizens of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, are stakeholders in the development of this beautiful country.

We need to know with confidence our rights and obligations. We need to know with confidence the steps that our government is taking to address the matters that concern us.

This administration has left us uncertain on the matters which matter to us. We are uncertain of the plan to address escalating violent crimes. We are uncertain of the plan to save the National Insurance fund.

We are uncertain of the plan to remedy the water supply problems in Eleuthera. We are uncertain of this administration’s plans to address shantytowns.

We are uncertain of what additional measures this administration will take to combat the illegal immigration crisis in The Bahamas.

I regret the National Address by the Prime Minister did very little to provide that certainty.

The illegal migration of persons from Haiti to The Bahamas has been a long-standing issue. If you have the benefit of owning a copy of Mr Hubert Ingraham’s “I Say What I Mean and I Mean What I Say” I commend to you, pages 906 to 927, his Op Ed published in The Tribune on the 19th February 2004, almost exactly 19 years ago.

Since the 1970s, the presence of large numbers of undocumented Haitian nationals have had an adverse impact on our national resources.

Successive governments have sought to address this issue by prosecuting offenders, deporting illegals, and strengthening our borders. It is clear, however, that despite these well-meaning attempts, we have been unsuccessful on stemming the flow of Haitian nationals seeking to enter the Bahamas outside of the lawful avenues.

We must look at addressing the issue further upstream. This is an issue that The Bahamas as one of, if not the main, country adversely impacted by this unlawful movement of persons.

This is an issue which we must take the lead. We ought to be the leading voice and advocate for resources to assist the restoration of democracy to the Republic of Haiti.

This long-standing problem is not one that can be resolved by one administration. It is an issue that requires long term and short-term solutions.

There must be a bipartisan approach. I commend the Leader of the Opposition for calling for the establishment of a select committee on Immigration.

This must be more than just a public relations exercise.

I call upon the government to demonstrate political maturity and the dedication to national development so that the Select Committee can come up with real solutions which enjoy wide support and provide our people with reassurance that our future is secured.

Thank you for this very valuable space and may God continue to bless the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

SEN HON MICHELA

E BARNETT ELLIS

Nassau,

February 20, 2023.