Letters to the Editor: How are ‘plague ships’ allowed in The Bahamas?

Dear Editor,

I wish to call your attention to Bahamian flag ships anchored in the Bahamas, and those hiding out in Bahamian waters while avoiding arrest for crimes committed elsewhere.

I question if and how these ships were able to get permission to carry on this kind of activity when Bahamians are being housed in tents.

The Bahamas is listed among countries least prepared for a future epidemic, but is this really true?

These “Bahamian” ships are enjoying a luxury that true citizens of this country cannot. If they carry the Bahamian flag and that makes them Bahamian, why are they (the “plague ships”) not charged duty on the value of the ship by Bahamas customs after 48 hours’ entry into Bahamian territorial waters? If they cleared Customs and laid up, what kind of clearance did they receive and from whom?

You are either one or the other. If you are seeking friendly passage, you continue on your way. But if you take up residence here in The Bahamas, you should pay the same as I do. I pay real property tax, I pay customs duty at every entrance, I have to have a sewage system to safely dispose of human waste and I have a garbage truck that removes my household trash. How long can our ecosystem tolerate the dumping of human waste in the water? For free?

This is what happens to a nation that believes it has no natural resources and allows its “sun, sand and sea” to be used as a dumping ground for “plague ships” and hideout for those who do not wish to honor their financial obligations.

If you think about it, allowing them here gives us a bad reputation — a reputation we spend millions each year to advertise.

Anonymous


  • To have your letter to the editor published, email eyewitnessbahamas@gmail.com. Please note letters should be under 500 words and refrain from using profanity, slurs or otherwise offensive language.

Polls

How do you see St. Barnabas MP and FNM Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright’s move to throw the mace out of the House of Assembly?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Polls

How do you see St. Barnabas MP and FNM Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright’s move to throw the mace out of the House of Assembly?

View Results

Loading ... Loading ...

Add New Playlist

Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?
Hide picture