The Tribune

Irregular migration, including human smuggling and trafficking in persons, is a complex challenge which the United States and The Bahamas continue to address as neighbors and partners. 

Migrants from various nations see opportunities for economic stability and improved quality of life in The Bahamas and The United States. 

While many of these migrants are economic migrants seeking a better life, there are also those trying to escape persecution.

One of the key challenges authorities face when dealing with issues of illicit migration, is to separate those who need protection from those who seek to enter our nations to commit crimes or even acts of terror.  This is not an easy task. 

The United States and The Bahamas face the challenge of irregular migration together. Our countries have successfully worked hand-in-hand to combat illicit smuggling and trafficking.

The United States Government deeply values its partnership with The Government of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and will continue to seek to advance collaborative initiatives with our Bahamian partners on the issue of irregular migration and illicit trafficking.

Our long-standing partnership is one based on shared responsibility and mutual respect. It is a partnership based on shared approaches to shared challenges.

Under the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), the United States, The Bahamas, and our regional partners are achieving results in efforts to reduce illicit trafficking, advance public safety and security, and promote social justice.

Programmes through the Embassy’s International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Section (INL) have enabled the provision of training and acquisition of equipment for the Ministry of National Security, the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, which help to enhance effectiveness and interoperability with United States law enforcement agencies, so that we can jointly investigate and address transnational crime, including human smuggling and trafficking in persons.

In addition, the United States continues to support the Royal Bahamas Defense Force (RBDF) and the RBPF in the execution of search and rescue cases in an effort to promote security and maritime domain awareness and develop a more effective maritime end-game capability.    

As its long-standing partnership with The Bahamas continues, the Embassy recognizes that the task is not complete and that there is much more work to be done.

The RBPF, RBDF, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, and Office of the Attorney General will remain important partners in the joint fight against transnational crime.

The United States will continue to seek ways to deepen and broaden our security partnership, which has become a valued cornerstone of our bilateral relationship with the Bahamas.

JOHN DINKELMAN

US Chargé D’Affaires

Nassau

February 19, 2014