Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday defended the government's handling of the matter involving a Bahamian man of Haitian descent who made
"perceived threats against the state".
Mitchell also said the relevant authorities determined not to prosecute Anson Aly after taking an "objective view" on the matter.
Aly threatened violence against Bahamians in an interview with ZNS news while his illegal home was being demolished in a shantytown off Joe Farrington Road last week.
He threatened to put the Colombian necktie "on these people".
The Colombian necktie refers to a method of murder that involves a victim's throat being cut horizontally.
Aly also said, "They have to understand that there are more Haitian-Bahamians in this country than Bahamians. And we [are] not scared. They don't want to start something that they can't finish."
His comments infuriated many Bahamians and reignited national debate on the illegal immigration problem in the country.
Many people expressed anger on social media and on talk shows, particularly after Aly was released from police custody on Wednesday without charge.
"The matter was referred to the Royal Bahamas police force and the immigration department," said Mitchell, who called in to the Star 106.5 FM talk show "Jeffrey" with host Jeff Lloyd.
"They examined the matter, the matter was taken as high as the DPP (director of pubic prosecutions) and the decision was made that there was no basis for charges.
"That is an objective view. The minister of immigration does not decide that.
"That was the view of the authorities that were charged with that responsibility.
"But my responsibility and the government's general
responsibility is to preach peace and good order.
"That is what we have done. How that translates into grandstanding, only The Guardian and God will know.
"I'm not the minister of social commentary. I'm the minister of immigration."
Mitchell said the government made the right decision when it referred the threat to authorities.
Police released Aly from custody on Wednesday. After his release, he apologized for his comments, saying his emotions were high during the demolition.
Mitchell said Cabinet will be briefed on Aly's matter.
"It has to be reviewed and considered and all the rest of it," he said.
"But for the moment the appropriate thing was done with referring the matter to the authorities and the authorities made the decision and there was no political interference in that matter.
"All of us have an obligation to be reasoned and keep everything in balance and in context and not to allow our emotions to get carried away with things because we are responsible for the peace and good order in society."
At a press conference on Sunday, Mitchell said the government took the matter seriously.
In an editorial, The Guardian questioned the point of "Mitchell's press conference and so-called tough talk".
Mitchell responded, "I've never seen such stupidity and illogic in my life."

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