13397: Schweissing: Nassau Guardian: Haitian Migration Problem Won't Be Solved Overnight (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Daniel Schweissing <dan_schweissing@hotmail.com>

Bahamas
The Nassau Guardian Wednesday, October 16, 2002


Haitian migration problem won't be solved overnigh


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


By TAMARA McKENZIE

Guardian Staff Reporter


Minister of Foreign Affairs and Public Service, Fred Mitchell, explained on
Wednesday that it is his belief that the recent influx of Haitians to The
Bahamas is mainly due to excellent weather conditions that has existed over
the last three to four weeks.


"The winds have been blowing from the South East, making the journey
relatively smooth and quick. The feeling now is that migration is not so
much related to the politics of Haiti, but to the economics and the fact
that the weather is simply good at this time of the year," he said.


Meanwhile, Minister Mitchell, who was speaking from the Ministry of Public
Service, said that "proposals" to continue bi-lateral talks between the
Bahamian and Haitian governments continues to be evaluated. He explained
that Bahamian government officials will attend the United Nations General
Assembly meeting in New York, of which he has received word that President
Jean Bertrand Aristide, along with the Foreign Minister of Haiti are also
expected to attend.


"The Prime Minister of The Bahamas is expected to go to New York as well,
but the decisions are just now being taken and are subject to some
confirmation. Our view is that if it is possible for all parties to be in
New York at this time, it would be convenient to have some kind of
bi-lateral talks between us, so we can advance this process further," he
said.


As the recent influx of Haitians that migrated to The Bahamas has included
law enforcement officers, Mitchell said that migration of such individuals
may either indicate that a militant element has been introduced in Haiti or
the level of desperation has reached a point where public servants in Haiti
now realize that there is no future in the country. "My own view is that
it's the latter," he said.


In response to individuals that are taking it upon themselves to interdict
Haitians rather than law enforcement officers, Minister Mitchell charged
that the government is against vigilantism of any kind. He said that there
are authorities who are trained to deal with such situations and if anyone
happens to be aware of information, it should be brought to the attention of
authorities, rather than taking such matters into their own hands.


Meanwhile, Minister Mitchell said the public psychology of Bahamians on the
issue of illegal migration flows has to change, as it is not a problem that
can be swiftly solved by the government.


"This is not a problem that the government can simply use a guillotine and
say, the problem comes to an end today. It is an issue that has to be
managed and it is going to be with us for a long time," he said.


The Foreign Affairs Minister said the interdiction of Haitians must be
carried out responsibly to ensure that there is humane treatment of
individuals and interception is carried out without indignity. He also added
that the rights to property should be respected, while ensuring that all
international and domestic obligations are carried out.


"We do not wish to have South Africa apartheid type pictures and activities
going on in this country and this is not the way that things ought to be
conducted. We all have to realize that all of us came here on a boat or a
plane, its just a question of what generation we came," said the Foreign
Affairs Minister, who added that at the same time, the government has a
responsibility to its legitimate citizens to protect the economy for
Bahamians.


"We are determined to carry out this mandate and manage this issue on behalf
of the Bahamian people. It's a delicate balance, but we would not want to
encourage Bahamians to take the law into their own hands, as the government
agencies are competent and able to carry out legal functions with humane
consideration for those involved," said Minister Mitchell.


© 2002 The Nassau Guardian


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