The Tribune

By NICO SCAVELLA

Tribune Staff Reporter

nscavella@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Leader Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday criticised Prime Minister Perry Christie for not publicly condemning prominent attorney Wayne Munroe for suggesting that the country should start “flogging” illegal immigrants.

Dr Minnis said Mr Christie’s “silence” on addressing Mr Munroe’s “brutal and callous comments” suggests that the government agrees with Mr Munroe, QC, on the matter. He said Mr Christie should “strongly state his position” with regards to Mr Munroe’s comments so that the public “would not be left with the perception that his failure to admonish Mr Munroe is further evidence of (Mr Christie’s) weak leadership.”

However, Dr Minnis said the controversy surrounding Mr Munroe’s comments is likely “another issue which the Christie government would seek to sweep under the carpet”.

On Sunday, Mr Munroe, QC, told The Tribune that officials in this country should begin “caning” minors and flogging those over 18 who are caught entering the country illegally.

Mr Munroe also said that while “flogging” people may appear to be brutal, it would effectively serve as both a physical and psychological barrier for people seeking to continuously enter the country illegally.

He was contacted by The Tribune after he made several controversial posts on Facebook. In one post on the social media site, Mr Munroe also said he believes that the “price is too low” for immigration offences in The Bahamas and suggested that if illegal immigrants believed “we tortured and killed them, they might not come”.

“I would call upon Mr Christie to make a public statement condemning Mr Munroe for his brutal and callous comments and strongly state his position so that the public would not be left with the perception that his failure to admonish Mr Munroe is further evidence of the prime minister’s weak leadership,” Dr Minnis said in a statement.

He added: “We cannot continue to have a prime minister who brags about his government’s efforts on humanitarian and environmental issues on the international stage while he continues to ignore such issues at home.

“The FNM calls on (Mr Christie) to address this matter immediately with the understanding that silence gives consent.”

On Tuesday, Bahamas Bar Association President Elsworth Johnson condemned Mr Munroe’s statements, saying the “despicable” comments are “diametrically opposed to the preservation of human dignity”.

Grand Bahama Human Rights Association President Fred Smith, QC, has also called on the Christie administration to break its silence on Mr Munroe’s “vile and dehumanising” comments. He said the Christie administration should speak out against the “insane claims that could destroy the reputation of the Bahamas.”

Mr Smith also questioned why Immigration and Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell has remained quiet on the matter. He said Mr Mitchell should use the opportunity to make public policy clear.