NASSAU, Bahamas -- After a full day of meetings with the OAS CARICOM caucus, the representatives of the Inter American Human Rights Commission and the OAS Secretary General, Jose Miguel lnsulza, Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Fred Mitchell told the media that "the meetings all went well," "there was a useful exchange of views on migration issues" and "everyone seemed well informed and it is obvious they have been following the issues." The meetings were held on Monday, 15th December in Washington DC.
The Minister also advised that he took the opportunity to specifically refute the allegations made by local attorney and Grand Bahama Human Rights Association (GBHRA) head Fred Smith QC who characterized the Bahamas immigration policy as "institutional terrorism"; "ethnic cleansing" and conditions at the Carmichael Road Detention Center as "Auschwitz in The Bahamas." The GBHRA made these allegations in a series of press releases following the implementation of the new administrative measures on 1st November.
"I told them that these are very serious allegations, absurd and simply untrue. I told them - the OAS and the Inter American Human Rights Commission - (that they) are welcome at any time to visit the facilities and examine our practices" said Mitchell.
Mitchell further revealed that he advised his OAS colleagues that there was near universal support among Bahamians for the new administrative measures of enforcement of existing immigration laws and that the routine immigration interdiction efforts "will continue in a humane manner but we will do nothing to show that we are stepping back from the position that everyone who lives in our country must show that they have a right to live and work here or leave."

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