The Tribune

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Re: Haitian Activist Backs Florida Politician 1,000% —The Tribune

Recent events concerning illegal Haitian immigrants have suggested that a vociferous anti-Bahamian fifth column may be forming here. It is notable that Jetta Baptiste, Louby Georges, Anson Aly, and to some extent even Ambassador Rodrigue, have all seen fit to issue some strident, and in my opinion not-so-veiled threats bordering on sedition, against The Bahamas. It is very clear where the loyalties of these people lie. Also, it is readily evident whenever a Haitian official visits, and frequently when illegals are asked to comply with Bahamian law.

Although many believe in the brother/sister-hood of mankind etc, Bahamians and Haitians (legal and illegal) have numerous huge differences. The Bahamas is at a bit of a disadvantage in that the Haitian community’s identity/culture appears to be more united and robust than our own. To expect such disparate cultures to mix harmoniously, even in a Christian nation such as ours, is possible but certainly asking a lot, especially in these hard times. World history teaches that if the problem concerning illegals is not dealt with properly, and soon, it is likely the spiteful emotions exhibited by some people will one day explode into outright violence.

As supposedly patriotic Bahamians, it is our responsibility to deal with the illegal immigration problem in a totally transparent and legal manner. As much as we would wish it, no one will do it for us. It is ridiculous to have photo-op meetings or talks with Haitian officials when it is decidedly not in their interest to curb the diaspora. The Haitian exodus acts as a welcome safety valve for the Haitian government who then no longer need to fear the discontent of those who leave. Much of the money they make abroad will be sent back to help their mother country.

Of course, the immigrants tend to have a strong work ethic and be among the more enterprising and gifted.

These traits alone might also be a significant intimidation to some, especially our numerous grade D Bahamians. Despite their many accomplishments, Haitians have a long history of expecting and receiving handouts which is probably even more deeply entrenched than with Bahamians. Let us recall that the Haitian people have done little of note with more than 200 years of independence.

Some will remind us of the many contributions made by Haitians to the Bahamas, and it should be pointed out that all contributions by legal immigrants will continue to be appreciated and welcomed.

Furthermore, we would welcome any donations toward the societal costs of illegal immigrants to The Bahamas.

For once, The Bahamas has the moral high ground, in that most reasonable people agree that the continued and costly influx of illegals of any nationality cannot be tolerated.

Few would deny the present dilemma is largely of our own making. However, if it is allowed to continue, as most suspect it probably will, that will also be our own fault because, much to their relief, we refused to hold successive governments accountable. Incredibly, we are likely to keep doing the same madness.
Mr Mitchell is in the unusual position of being in the right.

However, he should remember that he represents The Bahamas as a diplomat and resist the temptation of puerile ad hominem attacks on detractors here and abroad. A difficult propaganda “war” has been declared and we should be aware that innocent children, a looming Christmas, “discrimination” against illegals and various interpretations of Christian charity, morality and legality will be the clever pawns in a somewhat uphill battle. The conflict cannot be won by trading insults, undiplomatic name-calling or defensively wrapping oneself in a Bahamian flag. Such antics may go over quite well with some in the home audience, but definitely not with others. Of course, unwinnable and unseemly public bickering with the likes of Daphne Campbell and her allies should be avoided at all costs. Our government must find an intelligent and sustainable way of demonstrating continued humane and fair handling of all illegal immigrants. We must proactively emphasise the positives rather than just reacting raucously and denying the negatives.
We have to face that we are in the midst of a foreign invasion of our Homeland. Eventually, we can probably expect more threats, meetings, delays, moratoria, talks, ultimatums, court actions, and so on. A lack of fortitude and money etc, will probably result in the customary excuses and loss of official interest in dealing with a problem as frustrating as this. As usual, this will be to our own detriment.

KEN W KNOWLES, MD

Nassau,

November 16, 2014.