15746: Bellegarde-Smith: The Bahamas and The Haitian dilemma (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: P D Bellegarde-Smith <pbs@csd.uwm.edu>


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