The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune Staff Reporter

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

WHILE he said he supports the government’s efforts to clamp down on illegal immigration, Democratic National Alliance Leader Branville McCartney yesterday urged officials to publicise investigation findings into alleged abuses of detainees by immigration officers.

Mr McCartney, a former state minister of immigration, also called on the government to punish any officer found to have contravened the department’s policies concerning interaction with detainees.

Mr McCartney, who is known for taking a firm stand against illegal immigration, struck a measured tone as he called for the government to “temper its new found zeal for the execution of immigration policies” and to boost its efforts to combat negative perceptions about its sanctioned immigration activities.

Mr McCartney warned that this country’s reputation and dependency on foreign investment could take a hit in view of human rights abuse concerns that some have expressed since a new immigration policy came into effect on November 1.  

Additional training for immigration officers and an improved public relations campaign that adequately addresses concerns of international partners may be needed to ensure the Bahamas minimises international fallout, he said.

His statement comes as Foreign Affairs and Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell prepares to address the Organisation of American States (OAS) on December 16 to defend the immigration policy after OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Inzulza expressed concern about it recently.

Mr Mitchell has said he is surprised by the controversy surrounding recent immigration restrictions.

He called a press conference on Sunday to address claims of abuse reported by this newspaper last week. He promised to have the complaints investigated and denied that any assault or battery of detainees took place during recent routine checks.

Mr McCartney said: “On November 1, the government launched a set of new immigration policies which it hoped would bring order and clarity to the country’s immigration laws. Unfortunately though, the government’s efforts have been tainted by allegations of widespread abuse and mistreatment of immigrants. In fact, it appears that the government’s efforts to craft a firm and fair immigration policy has instead created a public relations and human rights nightmare for the Bahamas – a precarious position considering our economic dependence on foreign investment inflows.

“The DNA’s position on immigration has not changed. The laws of the country must be enforced and those found to be acting in contravention of those laws must face the consequences. As a member of the global community, however, the Bahamas, like all nations of the world must ensure that any and all efforts to address illegal migration issues do not cause more harm than good. The government must ensure that all of its immigration policies are carried out in a way that is both legal and humane.”

“In the days following the launch of the new initiatives, countless stories, photos and videos of young children being carted away by immigration officers, separated from their parents and even housed at the detention centre have, and continue to paint the exercise in a negative light, drawing harsh criticisms from both inside and outside the country. In response, the government has attempted to bring further clarity to its intentions although so far, public commentary has done little to squelch the growing tensions.

“On Sunday, Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell maintained that none the fundamental human rights of any individual have been violated. However, recent media reports tell a different story. Allegations of assault on individuals with legal rights to be in the country, and persons reportedly being illegally detained have caused even greater concern and now warrant a full investigation as has been promised by Minister Mitchell.”

“It must not stop there, however. Once completed, the public must be made aware of the outcome of these investigations and any officer found to be acting outside of the law must be dealt with appropriately.”

Disciplining officers who have contravened the law would “weed out the bad apples within the ranks,” Mr McCartney said, adding that it would help prove the country’s commitment to adhering to international standards.

“As Bahamians it is important that we support the government and the immigration officers in their efforts,” he said. “It must be noted, however, that the use of undue and unnecessary force should not be condoned, or permitted. As has become evident by events on the world stage; abuses of power by any member of the armed forces could have dire consequences and could do irreparable damage to our already fragile communities. Added to the years of alleged systemic corruption which has existed within the Department of Immigration, such allegations of blatant human rights threaten to derail any real hope of bringing some resolution to this long standing problem.”