EDITOR, The Tribune.
I write to share my views on Minister Fred Mitchel’s recent threat about the possible revocation of Mr. Sarkis Izmirlian’s Bahamian permanent resident status because of personal opinions Mr Izmirlian shared about the leadership of Prime Minister Perry Christie.
While my personal time and your letters space do not allow me to comment at length, I think it is important to remind Minister Mitchell that we are a country of laws, and that those laws are interpreted by our courts. If the courts of our country agree with Minister Mitchell that criticism of the Prime Minister by a permanent resident amounts to behaviour that is not in the public interest and therefore merits the revocation of his immigration status, our country is in deeper trouble than I thought.
Personally, I support the freedom of conscience and speech of all people in The Bahamas, whatever their immigration status. Further, it seems to me that Minister Mitchell’s threat to revoke a person’s permanent resident status for subjective reasons is what is really not in the public interest, and I believe all right thinking Bahamians should object to such threats.
As I consider Minister Mitchell’s threat, I can’t help but think about the famous words of Martin Niemöller, the Protestant pastor who was an outspoken critic of Adolf Hitler, and who spent seven years in Nazi concentration camps as a result. Niemöller said, “First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out— because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out— because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.”
In my view, Bahamians who feel it is perfectly fine for Minister Mitchell to threaten permanent residents and trample on their freedom of conscience and speech are short sighted. Instead, they should heed Niemöller’s words. Today, the threat is against permanent residents; tomorrow, it could very well be against citizens. In both cases, we can only pray that another important branch of government, the judiciary, will protect our constitutional rights.
PASTOR CEDRIC MOSS
Nassau,
August 4, 2015.
Comments
Sickened 9 years, 4 months ago
I agree with you Pastor; Fred's comments were unnecessary and short sighted. Fred's temper surely got the best of him and I hope that he can control himself going forward. Fred should also apologize, which I sure his mind is telling him to do, but his ego will not allow. If he can no longer control his temper, then he needs to vacate his office.
birdiestrachan 9 years, 4 months ago
Pastor Moss the bible says, that the tongue the smallest member of the body can cause a whole lot of trouble. One may have the right to speak. but is always important what one let come out of their mouth. . I do not agree with what Mr Mitchell said. But Mr: Sarkis is also wrong , but you seem to think he has the right to say what ever he wants. What about when Butler Turner told off Mr: Ruffin. Did you rebuke her? But I am thanking God Who is a JUST Judge. who even earthly pastors will have to give an account of their actions to
sansoucireader 9 years, 4 months ago
Yes, I always remember Martin Niemoller's famous words. "Then they came for me-and there was no one left to speak for me". I already believe the PLP/Minister Mitchell are fans of Nazi Germany's way of doing things, and Mitchell's words enforce that belief even more.They are all power hungry and believe you must believe what they believe. Would not be the least bit surprised if next they do start to take away passports of Bahamians who dare to question them.
Reality_Check 9 years, 4 months ago
Re-post: Fred Mitchell's head has never been screwed on straight and he has always been most uncomfortable in his own skin. Fred's efforts to re-write history to his liking are well known to all who know him for what he really is: An imbecilic pseudo-intellect! Lest we forget, Fred Mitchell in the late 1980s, while head of his newly formed political party, "The People’s Democratic Force", burned a copy of the Bahamas Constitution. According to The Tribune reporting of this event, "The bold protest was held at Mr Mitchell’s favourite watering hole for launching his protests — the fig tree in front of the Supreme Court building in Parliament Square. About 100 curiosity seekers gathered to watch the spectacle." The Tribune article went on to quote the following declaration by Mr. Mitchell at the time he burned The Bahamas Constitution: "So this afternoon, we send a message to the man most directly responsible for this state in our country, Sir Lynden Pindling, because as Prime Minister he is responsible for appointing the Chief Justice. We burn this constitution to light a fire for freedom. We will present to the Prime Minister the ashes of this constitution, as a reminder of how our country is being destroyed.” Fred would have us all believe that foreigners previously welcomed and living in our country for many years have no rights under The Bahamas Constitution. Christie should never have appointed this perpetually angry tootie-fruity tart to the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs. There has never been, and likely never will be, an individual more ill-suited for that position than Freddy Boy!
mr1969mr 9 years, 4 months ago
I agree and kudos to the pastor for speaking out. Its a real shame how these politicians have become so corrupt and destroying the country as we once knew it. These politicians no longer care about the Bahamas and its people, it seems they are only in position to line their pockets and make an grand exodus from a country that is falling apart and will fall apart even further as relations between the United States and Cuba grow. i think these politicians need to be held accountable and each and everyone one of them from the top to the bottom, be investigated
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