NASSAU, BAHAMAS — Official Opposition leader Michael Pintard last night called the government’s policy framework on Immigration “deeply disappointing” as it lacked practical steps to address the immigration crisis beyond the standard government interventions.
Davis revealed the policy during a national address that was broadcast last night.
Pintard said: “We expected to hear more about his Plan of Action to Halt and Reverse the establishment of unregulated communities throughout The Bahamas: We clearly need dramatic housing increase to make provision for housing ownership, rental, and or leasing. Furthermore, we need urgent land reform, which is an urgent priority where Bahamians who have long waited for crown land and/or leased land for entrepreneurial and residential purposes.”
“This is especially crucial given the fact that migrants are occupying such land illegally, having not followed any legal process. There is a need for careful studies of this issue (how many Haitian nationals are in the Bahamas, how many have status, and if so what type, what is the impact on our health and social safety net, etc) so that we can make evidence-based decisions.
“The Prime Minister must also address the backlog applications for work permits, visas, permanent residence, and citizenship in a careful, responsible, and transparent way. He must also have the courage to design policies and initiatives that address the employment gaps in The Bahamas in the blue and white-collar fields.”
Pintard noted Davis also did not indicate how the government’s initiatives would be funded and underscored the need to engage international stakeholders and raise resources to address gaps in capacity.
“His remarks failed to explain why his administration failed to stop new construction of unregulated homes on public and private land,” Pintard said.
“This action was not hindered by the court injunction recently lifted. His claim of only one boat making it to shore was surely a result of bad information. However, even if it were true PM Davis must be aware that many migrants are flying into The Bahamas with visas and melting into the population because we have not done a stellar job in monitoring, tracking, and interdicting such persons. This is precisely why he should have talked about strengthening such surveillance units and auditing all forms of visa issuance and work permits.”
Pintard also called for more information about the country’s engagement with international stakeholders, including Haiti, CARICOM, the OAS, and multi-agencies of The United Nations and the European Community. He questioned whether the country had committed to peacekeeping forces and if so under what conditions.
“There is a need to raise resources to address the gaps in our system and to build capacity to address the additional burden that irregular migrants put on our system,” he said.
“We will not go it alone. We are on the frontline! Assistance with repatriation inclusive of resettlement assistance is crucial. The Bahamas may partner with specific agencies that help particular demographics in our country. He should have signaled his intention to engage the population in a candid discussion and a thorough examination and debate about the pathways to a Bahamian citizenship. PM Davis must be upfront about our need to lead a forensic audit of the work of government agencies whose work intersects with migration and immigration.”
Pintard added: “The Prime Minister’s address should have also made it clear that his plan addressed other migrants coming from other jurisdictions. Sadly, the brazen attempt to seduce the Haitian community before the election caused PM Davis to identify himself as someone other than a proud Cat Islander and now he must explain the laid-back approach while failing to act with a sense of urgency while being humane.”
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