15952: Schweissing: Bahamian Bishop calls for the Haitian crisis to be properly handled (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Daniel Schweissing <dan_schweissing@hotmail.com>

Bishop calls for the Haitian crisis to be properly handled

Publication Nassau Guardian
http://www.thenassauguardian.com
Date June 16, 2003
Section(s) National News

By SEAN INNISS GUARDIAN STAFF REPORTER

Pastor of The Cornerstone Zion Church International Bishop Andrew Stewart
said he would like the Haitian crisis to be properly dealt with, in order to
avoid what can happen if it is allowed to go unchecked.

Bishop Stewart was speaking at a press conference held at his church, which
is located on Lincoln Boulevard. He was joined by the "Friends of Haiti"
Community, Reverends Jean Yves Gelin and Prud Homme Gladys.

He said while there is agreement that more needs to be done to accommodate
Haitians, many Bahamians have expressed their concerns on talk shows and
other forums about the potential threat of having too many Haitian
immigrants entering the Bahamian society.

However Bishop Stewart along with Reverends Yves Gelin and Gladys said they
were concerned about the "fear factor".

"We are aware of such consequences but to allow our fears to make us void of
reason, fairness and justice is unwise.

"The Haitian dilemma for The Bahamas is not one dimensional and cannot be
solved from a one dimensional approach of repatriation," said Bishop
Stewart. However, he did admit that repatriation must take place, because it
gives The Bahamas a sense of control.

Bishop Stewart noted that there are other issues such as assimilation and
integration that involves naturalization and legalization. He said
naturalization must also be considered in addition to the repatriation
process (naturalization is the granting of citizenship to somebody of
foreign birth).

Bishop Stewart called on the government to place the same amount of energy
put into naturalization as it does with issues of diplomacy.

Responding to the positive developments resulting from talks between the
governments of The Bahamas and Haiti, Bishop Stewart said he is thankful for
the successes and accomplishments.

He praised Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell for being able to have
Haiti placed on the agendas of CARICOM and the Organization of American
States (OAS).

"What the minister has accomplished went beyond our wildest imagination in
such a short time. Congratulations minister," said Bishop Stewart. He said
the United States contribution of $70 million and a trade agreement between
The Bahamas and Haiti will serve as the beginning of several progressive
strides to come.

Posted Monday 16 June, 2003

_________________________________________________________________
MSN 8 helps eliminate e-mail viruses. Get 2 months FREE*.
http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus