Who is in charge of our government

Mon, Apr 29th 2013, 10:11 AM

Silence is acquiescence. Are we to accept then that our prime minister and deputy prime minister profess the same anti-foreign sentiment as is being expressed by Immigration and Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell?
If not, they should stand up and make a clear and comprehensive statement on this government's position on immigration.
The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) is at an interesting place. After winning the Elizabeth by-election, the last general election and then the North Abaco by-election, this party was on a roll. But after the failed gambling referendum, persistent problems with crime and high unemployment, new confusion on the gambling question and questions on the logic of some of the PLP's immigration policy, the shine is tarnishing on the gold rush ship.
There is need for an immigration debate. There is likely also a need for new immigration laws. Just as we need to work on our longstanding illegal immigration problem, we also need to be more liberal in welcoming in people who have skills that do not exist in The Bahamas. They can become part of our community and help grow the economy. What has happened instead is a discourse from some members of the PLP Cabinet, pinning the foreign worker as a major cause of all economic evil.
The immigration episode at Atlantis, though high profile, is not an isolated incident. Respected employees on work permits in other businesses have faced the inquisition of labor officials followed by the Department of Immigration in a manner and tone that was unfitting.
The PLP's mandate to put Bahamians first is admirable. However, the PLP increasingly appears to lack the tact to respect the present business climate. We recognize that these are difficult times, but spewing xenophobic rhetoric will not foster economic development. Simply being a Bahamian does not make one qualified to engage in a technical position. And so, such a sentiment of entitlement encouraged by the government generates a vindictive culture motivated by simply expecting rather than doing and earning.
We would urge the prime minister to make a statement on his government's immigration policy beyond merely answering reporters' questions on the latest immigration debacle. If Perry Christie, as PM and minister of finance, would make a sober pragmatic statement on the need to balance maintenance of the immigration laws of The Bahamas with ensuring businesses can function with a responsible mix of Bahamians and necessary foreign expertise, he would quell the growing concerns of the business sector as a result of Mitchell's remarks and tone.
Until then, we find it a contradictory undertaking to spend taxpayer money lobbying for foreign investment while spewing contempt for the foreigner.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian

 Sponsored Ads