By KHRISNA VIRGIL
Tribune Staff Reporter
kvirgil@tribunemedia.net
THE Free National Movement stands “shoulder to shoulder” with the Christie administration as it executes new immigration restrictions that were implemented earlier this month to tackle illegal migration, said party leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday.
Dr Minnis said the FNM was of one accord with the government regarding the protection of the Bahamas’ sovereignty.
He told reporters that the actions being taken by this administration were right and will benefit the Bahamas in the long-term. The public support from the FNM came in the midst of criticisms fielded at the government by global human rights watch dog Amnesty International.
He spoke during a press conference held in his office at Parliament Street.
Dr Minnis said: “Despite our policy and other political differences, we are one when it comes to protecting our sovereignty. The FNM believes that the actions being taken by the administration are right and will redound to the benefit of the Bahamas in the long-term.
“As we have publicly stated, the FNM is at all times deeply conscious of the need to execute public policy in the most appropriate way. We consider the preservation of human rights to be a paramount concern and in that regard, are committed to protecting and preserving the dignity of the individual at all times.”
Dr Minnis said he was in talks with Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday to reiterate his support. He added that the opposition looked forward to working with the government on the new policy which took effect November 1.
“I wish to advise the public that earlier I spoke directly with Prime Minister Christie to reiterate the points addressed.
“I advised the prime minister that I have directed the shadow minister of immigration, Hubert Chipman, MP, to work closely with Minister of Immigration and Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell on this issue. I have asked the prime minister to likewise direct his immigration minister to work closely with the opposition.”
The FNM also recognised the work of Department of Immigration officers who are on the front lines of immigration roundups.
“They do their work under the most difficult, stressful and at times dangerous of circumstances,” Dr Minnis said.
“We thank them for the work that they do on our behalf every day. To date, while we have been apprised of some concerns, our inquiries have confirmed that our men and women have conducted themselves with the highest levels of professionalism and sensitivity. We encourage them to maintain their high standards,” Dr Minnis said.
Free National Movement Chairman Darron Cash, St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman, Richard Lightbourn, Montagu MP and Senator Carl Bethel also attended the press conference.
Comments
Publius 9 years, 5 months ago
Minnis is "shoulder to shoulder" with government Ministers on many things known and not yet known...
SP 9 years, 5 months ago
The PLP receives overwhelming support in a pole and suddenly the FNM is in "shoulder to shoulder" with them on this issue.
Where was this "shoulder to shoulder" support prior to the pole?
Dr. Minnis and the FNM are playing a very transparent strategy which should be considered insulting to any thinking individual.
TalRussell 9 years, 5 months ago
Comical these politicians, ain't they? Did they switch some red House MP's, cause I knows not some these faces? PM Christie may be publicly saying how he welcomes Comrade “Bouncy” Minnis’s knee-jerk support but he knows too damn well, how the red shirts leader has consistently bounced from first supporting the government’s Numbers and Constitutional Amendments referendums to voting against them in House of Assembly, then later allowing Papa Hubert lead the “NO VOTE.” PM might saying one thing to media but all we knows how he must be laughing heartily at this faint hope promise. How can Minnis possible pledge the red MP's will be following him - when he's never been successful in pulling that trick off, since becoming leader? Do you think he cleared this with Loretta?
Comrade Red shirts, there you have it, your two ‘declared’ Leader choices for November 21st. it's down to either Leader “Bouncy or Leader ‘Like A Wreaking Ball?”
Minnis thinks he can fool PM, again and again?
……….//https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kjmjq...">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kjmjq...
Emac 9 years, 5 months ago
It doesn't matter what the reason is for the FNM party siding with the PLP on the new immigration policies. What really does matters is that they have stated their stance publicly. This shows that Bahamians stand united in their quest to rid this country of illegal immigrants. We need to stop looking at these important issues through party colours and come together to bring resolve to this most pressing problem.
duppyVAT 9 years, 5 months ago
There is absolutely wrong with the Opposition standing in solidarity with the Government on national issues such as illegal immigration. I sure hope this dream of a National Development Plan really be an inclusive bi-partisan/stakeholders NDP for our country.
TalRussell 9 years, 5 months ago
The issue is not, if all Bahamalanders and residents should be united to protect the sovereignty of Bahamaland. Comrades before you sing sweet praise you Jesus - let me ask, if you were asked to to think of the ethical people you know, what is it with them that impresses you most. Is it you can trust them in their total honesty. I am no fan of Papa Hubert but many reds believe you always know where he stands. That he is no wishy-washy leader. Even Minnis and Loretta, says when Papa tells you, he'll do something, you can take his word to the bank. You be the judge? In fact how, many times did Minnis and Loretta stand before the media to fake singing each others - thank you Jesus praises?
Stapedius 9 years, 5 months ago
Good, now hopefully people can come together on other issues of national importance and move this country forward. Let us show the world that we can be a successful, hardworking country. I can't say how genuine this is by Minnis but it feels good to know that we Bahamians are standing together on something. Political parties have strangled the energy and creativity of this country. Bahamians we are one. I don't care if you're red, blue, pink, black or white, I want to see the people of this nation working together.
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