Dear Editor, Since the early 1980s, I can remember talk about illegal immigrants coming to The Bahamas. At the time, the only immigrants widely talked about were Haitian nationals. In addition, since the mid 1980s, The Bahamas has been starved for a long-term effective minister of immigration. The most notable minister of immigration, A. Loftus Roker, definitely left his mark on illegal Haitian immigrants at the time.
I remember quite vividly the fear that the illegal Haitian community had when Roker was at the helm and the jubilation experienced by them when Roker demitted office. Just as Haitians worldwide were celebrating the departure of Baby Doc Duvalier, Haitians in The Bahamas also celebrated the departure of A. Loftus Roker. Haitian nationals have continued to come to The Bahamas unabated, mainly because we lack an effective immigration policy and the political will to rectify this issue. They have integrated themselves into our society and now seem to be content with the Bahamian dream of owning a home, having several children and owning a car.
The same can be said of other nationals, particularly Jamaicans. But what about Chinese nationals? Not much is said about the illegal and legal Chinese immigration population in The Bahamas who pose a serious threat to the stability of Bahamian businesses. You see, Haitian nationals once lived in obscurity and just now they are starting to fit in. They appear to be content with owning very small home grocery businesses and "30 day" shops, albeit many of them are illegal. But now enter the Chinese. They have come under the guise of "We come in peace" but are putting many Bahamian companies out of business.
Haitian nationals are also in business on a smaller scale and they also take over land in our country even though their methods are unpopular. In a time when Bahamians can't afford to keep their mortgages and rent current, the Chinese are raking in the purchases of distressed properties and they are expanding their empire in our country. Haitian nationals are still squatting on Bahamian-owned land and they collectively pay rent to well-known Bahamians who see nothing wrong with non-adherence to our laws. We are thankful to China for the National Sports Stadium gift and the assortment of loans at exceptionally low rates. Thank you for your hand in Baha Mar.
We are also thankful for the many Haitian nationals who have valid work permits and who are contributing positively to our society. All across the Caribbean, China is funding projects and they are dangling their economic might in the faces of much weaker third world economies. But I wonder, what is their real objective? Is it just to help these countries or is it to take over the economies of these countries? We must remember that China needs fuel and they need a lot of it. The Bahamian people and The Bahamas government must be careful with the chess moves being made with China.
We must be mindful that we are no match for China on any platform and we must realize that Bahamians must be able and willing to buy land and operate successful business so that we can improve our economic might in our own country. Remember the immovable property act that was repealed in the second Ingraham administration? I wonder how many Bahamians are benefitting from this now.
Don't forget about our potential for the existence of oil which is estimated to be worth over $1 trillion. Don't forget about our untapped solar energy and hydro energy markets. Just as the government can borrow over $100 million for roadworks, can't they invest in projects that will net profits for the country? So while we are happy to pay an illegal Haitian national $70 per day to lay blocks, let us not forget that we are using a double-edged sword. So while we are happy to receive a loan at two percent interest and allow the Chinese to take control of prime real estate, the grocery food stores and other retail sectors in our society, let us not forget that we are again using a double-edged sword. We must begin to use our own skills and tap into our own natural resources. This will allow us to rely on ourselves for self sustenance and not rely on any country in the world for a slice of bread that we really ought to be getting for ourselves. The collective Chinese and Haitian connection poses the greatest risk to the stability of our country than all other nationalities combined. Bahamians can be seen flocking to Chinese-owned businesses and they woefully neglect their fellow Bahamian-owned businesses.
Bahamians must wake up and take notice. The Chinese have lulled us to sleep with their cheap prices and is fortifying its position in our country while we only worry about shanty towns and "Who delivers" and "Who Believe(s) in Bahamians". The government of the day must lead the charge and devise an effective immigration policy that will stem the flow of illegal immigrants coming to our country and they must vigorously ensure the survival of Bahamian-owned businesses. Are we agitating to be relegated to third class citizens? It's time to wake up from our 45 years of hibernation and as Bahamians start to realize the dreams of majority rule, which is ownership of the economy for the majority of people. The Chinese are realizing it and so are Haitian nationals who have surpassed their wildest dreams of life in The Bahamas. So why can't we? -- Dehavilland Moss
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