The majority of voters on the tribune242.com poll have backed random ID checks as a method to tackle illegal immigration.
Random checks on the Eastern Road last week prompted Hubert Chipman, Opposition MP and Shadow Minister for Immigration, to say that the government should apologise and implement an identification procedure that does not involve profiling people.
But 73 per cent of those voting in the poll backed random ID checks.
‘Pat242’ was in support of the government’s latest move: “Makes sense to me. Bahamians often complain about the illegal immigration situation. Now a new tactic has been exercised now some of these same Bahamians have a problem with it. They properly have forged documents. Hats off to the immigration officers and continue to do your jobs and to persons who have a problem can suck a lemon.”
‘B_I_D’ took more of a middle ground: “I agree and disagree. I am a Bahamian Citizen. TECHNICALLY I don’t need to carry around ANY form of ID...if I get pulled over for a traffic violation, I have 24 hours to present my drivers license to the necessary police station...and that’s just my driver license. So if I do not carry that around, I will most definitely NOT be carrying around my passport, or proof of citizenship papers, so if I get pulled over, have no ID and no proof of residency, and I am going to get hauled off to the detention centre...yeah, I have a problem with that. I understand what they are TRYING to do, round up some illegals, but it is a very slippery slope.”
And there was a similar sentiment from ‘Hey’: “Yes, yes, yes to ID checks! But no, no, no to profiling people! There’s a difference.”
Comments
john33xyz 11 years ago
What a silly comment from Mr. "Hey". So you mean if there are a bunch of guys sitting on the wall at Montague and 10 are like black fellas and 10 are towel-heads - the Immigration officers should just choose at RANDOM who to ask for ID? That's funny (and stupid).
positiveinput 11 years ago
Why don't the government properly use the N.I.B. system. Have it that your picture is attached to your N.I.B. profile. Whereas in a traffic stop such as that of the Immigration or a police (road block or traffic accident), one would only need to remember their N.I.B. number which to the official when entered into their computer system which an on site vehicle is outfitted with, would reference to a picture of the individual and other relevant information (address, etc). The proper launch of this same system would also save time in future purposes such as having to obtained a voters card now that everyone who is able to vote is now accounted for. The need to carry around important document would be an option and in the near future could even network with banks when customers are cashing cheques.
pat242 11 years ago
The person who stated that they don't need to carry ID or it doesn't make any sense your so wrong, I agree with the random immigration checks, if the police stops a person and you refused to give name and address or a name and address he believes is false he can arrest you for that offense and hold you until he ascertained your identity. You may be an illegal immigrant. So if you have your I.D you wouldn't have to go through the inconvenience. Now that's my five cents.
SP 11 years ago
Random ID checks as a method to tackle illegal immigration is a major step in the right direction as this can also be used to spot check for illegal firearms.
However, random checks must also be complimented with fines for those that hire illegals. Enforce the law on such persons making them responsible for repatriation cost as well!
We have serious problems way past critical point because government is too slack with enforcement.
Getting rid of illegals will automatically cause a redution in crime as these people engage in "everything and anything illegal".
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