15729: Schweissing: Bahamas offers Haitians amnesty (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Daniel Schweissing <dan_schweissing@hotmail.com>

http://www.thenassauguardian.com

The Haitian dilemma
By KHASHAN POITIER Guardian Staff Reporter

Haitian nationals who have resided in The Bahamas illegally since 12 January
1985 will be permitted to remain in The Bahamas, while others will be
reviewed for immediate deportation. The agreement, signed by both countries
on Saturday, was not initially supported by Haiti.

A Bahamian delegation travelled to the island last week to settle an
18-month discussion on immigration and other related issues including
whether Haitians living in The Bahamas should be deported or remain here.

The Department of Immigration will accept nearly any type of proof of
residency, from receipts for utility bill payments to National Insurance
cards.

However, the Haitian government initially opposed the idea and suggested
that all Haitian refugees living in The Bahamas should stay, stated Attorney
General Alfred Sears, who was a part of the delegation.

He said: "It's in the interest of Haiti to have a safety valve for its
population, given the state of its economy. Also, these persons, when they
are not in Haiti, they send money back and the remittances that are received
from Haitian immigrants abroad, including The Bahamas, is an important
source of revenue for the country. So, from the government's perspective,
having a population outside that is industrious and that has worked in
another country is a benefit."

Considering what was best for The Bahamas, it was determined to keep the
January 12, 1985 date that was negotiated by the previous government, said
Mr. Sears.

Beyond 1985, he said the Bahamian Government has the right to choose anyone
with a "genuine" link with The Bahamas, whether by marriage, children,
businesses or other interests in the country.

"If, for example, someone is married and it's a genuine marriage and has
existed for a period of time, that could easily be established and that
person would be eligible for a spousal permit. If, for example, someone has
a legitimate business and established links — all of these examples
constitute genuine relationships," Mr. Sears observed, noting that approvals
will be made based on quality of proofs.

This moratorium, however, is not indefinite, as persons would have six
months to apply and benefit for amnesty.

Additionally, both countries agreed that Haiti should share in the
repatriation costs of illegal refugees from that country.

This year, The Bahamas has spent over $400,000 to repatriate some 2, 500
Haitian refugees.

The Haitian government agreed to become more proactive towards enforcing
their laws and prosecuting ship captains, refugees and destroying vessels
used for smuggling.

However, with merely 3, 500 law enforcers compared to 10 million people in
northern Haiti, it becomes increasingly difficult for the Haitian government
to seize and prosecute these offenders.

Nonetheless, Mr. Sears said the Haitian government seemed interested in
expanding a relationship with The Bahamas, not only in terms of immigration,
but economic development, education, business and investment.

In terms of education, Mr. Sears, who is also the Minister of Education,
said The Bahamas could share its expertise and resources with Haiti, which
has limited primary schools.

A Commission, comprising of Bahamian and Haitians representatives, will
begin bi-annual meeting in the capital in November to discuss the progress
of the agreements.

Posted Wednesday 28 May, 2003

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