Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.
By RASHAD ROLLE
Tribune Staff Reporter
rrolle@tribunemedia.net
Minister of Transport and Local Government Minister Frankie Campbell does not have a Haitian passport, Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis told The Tribune yesterday.
Concerns about whether Mr Campbell had dual citizenship were raised after Mr Campbell referred having “two passports” on the Darold Miller Live talk show in a short clip that began circulating on social media last week. It is not clear when the show was taped.
Progressive Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts has since called on Mr Campbell to clear up the matter.
“Frankie Campbell made a statement on the Darold Miller show that he has two passports,” Dr Minnis told The Tribune on Sunday. “What he meant was like every other Cabinet minister who all have two, including myself, a red one a blue one, that’s what he meant.
“People should stop trying to spew venom or misinformation,” the prime minister added.
The red passport Dr Minnis referred to is a diplomatic passport given to high-ranking persons.
When asked if Mr Campbell has a Haitian passport, Dr Minnis said yesterday: “No - he has two passports just like me and every Cabinet minister. I spoke to Frankie Campbell and he will make a statement (in Parliament) when he arrives in town. People should stop trying to put out rumours and false information or misinterpretation (of Mr Campbell’s words).”
In the short clip of his interview on the talk show, Mr Campbell discussed how his Haitian mother arrived in the Bahamas on Potter’s Cay Dock in search of a better way of life.
“She is from the north of Haiti,” Mr Campbell told the talk show host. “She is 77 years old. She came here as an immigrant…on a boat…landed right there on Potter’s Cay…illegally…she told me that she had to wait in the cemetery for sometime overnight…hide she did Darold…she came here looking for a better way of life. I think (in) the process she found a better way of life but I’m satisfied that she has produced some children who would’ve contributed to the upliftment of the Bahamian community. I believe I am one of them.”
Asked by Mr Miller if he is “straight,” Mr Campbell said: “I’m privileged today to have two passports, so I’m legal Darold and for the record I don’t support in any way form or fashion illegal landings. . .”
Some in the PLP had latched on to Mr Campbell’s comments, suggesting he is running afoul of the law. The Constitution states in Article 48 that no person shall be qualified to be elected as a member of the House of Assembly who is a citizen of another country having become such a citizen voluntarily, or is, by virtue of his own act, under any acknowledgment of allegiance, obedience or adherence to a foreign power or state.
“There (has) been much commentary on social media surrounding recent comments made by the minister of transport and aviation while he was a guest on a local talk show,” Mr Roberts said at a party meeting Thursday.
“He said his mother came to the Bahamas illegally and that now he has legal papers and the proud holder of two passports. Many Bahamians interpreted that to mean the minister currently holds dual citizenship. I call on the transport minister to bring the rumour mill to an end and clarify his comments once and for all.”
When The Tribune contacted Mr Campbell yesterday, he said: “I don’t want to respond at this time. I’m satisfied that those who had the due diligence to do so, did what they had to do.”
Mr Campbell, who is in the United States, was referring to the vetting process of the FNM’s candidates committee.
He added that “responsible” people would have viewed the full video of his appearance on the Darold Miller Live show to see the context in which his comment was made.
Comments
BahamasForBahamians 7 years, 1 month ago
Lol.
And the lying starts.
Boy Hubert..... anyway...
realfreethinker 7 years, 1 month ago
Typical of the PLP to jump to stupid conclusions. In case ya'll didn't realize it the election was held May 10th and ya'll were haned ya'll ass on a silver platter. Get over it. Move on.
sealice 7 years, 1 month ago
Of course he's not a citizen just like Trump was right when he said Obama wasn't american......
BahamasForBahamians 7 years, 1 month ago
It is not the PLP demanding this you idiot @realfreethinker / @sealice.
It is the FNM's very own Omar Archer and Juan Mccartney that are demanding answers.
You guys are so political its the only thing you FNM fooktards hear smell and see.
realfreethinker 7 years, 1 month ago
Asshole the Pm said he does not have dual citizenship. Ya'll lame brain plps just won't go away huh?
BahamasForBahamians 7 years, 1 month ago
Fook off you FNM fooktard! 2 minutes ago you were saying the PLP is demanding this
This is not a PLP issue now go fook yourself or Travis!
realfreethinker 7 years, 1 month ago
the election over,you do realize that right? Get a life move on. ya'll ass got stumped 35-4.I know yoo are stilling hurting,but this too shall pass
BahamasForBahamians 7 years, 1 month ago
Stick to the topic idiot.
It appears as if your still stuck at the election.
This post is about Frankie's dual citizenship issue being raised by other FNMS.
fooking idiot.
sealice 7 years, 1 month ago
Buddy all i was doing was comparing idiots ... you fit right in......
TalRussell 7 years, 1 month ago
Comrades! If I were the PM I wouldn't get so reassuring cocky....if the much bigger question is, whether or not can the red shirts party's vetting of 2017 General Election candidates can pass a real closer independent (outside the confines the party) vetting examination of the financial and other declarations contained therein them documents?
PM, you can settle all by making public, the red shirts elected to the House, or appointed to the Senate, or political appointees, 2017 General Election's candidates disclosures? She ain't going go away so make them public cause things has ways leaks out by those red shirts with access who does eventually become disappointed in their own governing party's failures, shortfalls and letdowns? PM. time get "straight" with the public about some people who made their way into government because of May 10, 2017?
jackbnimble 7 years, 1 month ago
Persons have been saying for years that if we don’t get a grip on this illegal immigration issue we will soon have a Haitian PM and this is just the precursor to it. We’ve left it too long and it’s gone too far. They are here and have infliltated the highest ranks in government. Reality check - they walk among us!
Now what do you think will happen at cabinet level when decisions are made that can adversely affect illegals. Don’t mind what Frankie say about not supporting illegal immigration. If he can brag about getting ‘straight’ through an illegal entry by his mother and now ascending to the highest ranks in Givernment, do you honestly think he would vote against any such decisuons. Reality check - he’s there to make sure it doesn't happen!
DEDDIE 7 years, 1 month ago
Too late! Haitian descendants includes, the first black member of parliament, a governor general, several cabinet ministers, speaker of the house and also several senators. Those were only first generations. I will not venture into third and forth generation descendants. Blacks at one point were not allowed and today they dominate the legislative branch.
SP 7 years, 1 month ago
Way too late. Former PM Hubert Alexander Ingraham is 100% Haitian and clearly demonstrated who he considers 1st in the Bahamas after Haiti's 2010 earthquake and Freeports financial meltdown when he told Bahamians to ignore the plight of homeless Bahamians living on the beach and in cars and told Bahamians to send all donations to Haiti's earthquake victims instead. Perry Gladston Christie also has Haitian roots.
In fact, PM Sheriff Minnis is the first "real Bahamian" to serve as Prime Minister.
It's no wonder Haitians are the most fiscally upward moving ethnic grouping in the Bahamas today!
sheeprunner12 7 years, 1 month ago
This is one of the silliest points in the Constitution ........ even though there are thousands of Bahamians with TWO or MORE passports in this country ....... the Constitution does have a veiled threat of withdrawal of citizenship for someone who has another passport, but how many times has it been carried out????? .......... this too should be amended
licks2 7 years, 1 month ago
Old elitists thinking. . .they were scared of the "white-man". . .taking over they lands by right. . .
sheeprunner12 7 years, 1 month ago
Licks, what the hell does this have to do with the white man?????......... Black and white Bahamians take advantage of dual nationality status ..... The issue is raised about a Haitian-Bahamian ....... do you remember another American-Bahamian MP????? (Ryan Pinder)
licks2 7 years, 1 month ago
Go read our Constitution. . .the black elites at that time put all kinds of crap in there to prevent them British (white) and pop Symonette them from gaining any ground through having constitutional rights. For example, after 1973 all British Citizens had to pledge alliance to the new kids on the block. . .or be deprived of their citizenship in the new independent colony!! Those who resisted such draconian requirement were given a respite by the Queen by the right to hold duel citizenship with Britain and the Bahamas. So to counteract that "bump in the road". . .Article 48 was interjected into the Constitution where no person holding two passport. . .with the restriction aimed at the "old whiteman British". . .the dregs of the ole guard of the colony masters thrown out at independence. . .hence they cannot hold two passports if they ever wanted to be elected to HOP. . .they had to give up their British documents. . .and if they do that. . .in that 1973 geopolitical global community. . .they could not become British again!! That trick rid us of all vestiges of the "old whiteman dem". . .further more. . .if any one of "dem white peoples dem" from the old colony challenged that rule and possibly win through the PC. . .the black fellas dem interjected where the GG reserved the right to revoke their Bahamian status at any time. . .without question or appeals. . .the fix was in for them whiteman dem! They were effectively locked off from Bahamian politics as through their right as British and Bahamian citizens. Read Article 7 along with 48 and you will see the plan to rid us of them whiteman hold-over from colonial times. Only barrier to holding duel citizenship to Bahamians is Article 48 and the GG power of revocation. . .all aimed at whiteman dem left over from the colony days!
TalRussell 7 years, 1 month ago
Comrade Jackbnimble, persons over many years seemed to have had developed good 'honourably grips' whilst serving as members House of Assembly and Senate, in various Bahamaland governments, such as the UBP, PLP, and yes even the Red Shirts.
birdiestrachan 7 years, 1 month ago
roc wit doc talking about spewing venom or misinformation that is how doc won the election. not only is doc a saint, he can read minds, now that he is PM. But doc does not know what the man meant. dim, dim. doc.
Economist 7 years, 1 month ago
So what if he did have dual nationality. There are thousands of Bahamians who have US Citizenship and no one says anything about that.
Let's not be hypocritical.
My2cents 7 years, 1 month ago
At the very least someone seeking to be a leader in a country should commit to having that passport alone. Why have leaders with allegiances to other countries and the ability to jump ship at any time? Not to mention impact laws that favor their other nationality?
My2cents 7 years, 1 month ago
@Deddie typical deflection from the real topic. We are all descended from somewhere else or can claim another nationality. However, no Haitian or other passport holder, dual or otherwise, has been knowingly elected to the Bahamas HOA. As it should be. However, with all of the concessions demanded for Haitians and the constant disregard for the law where Haitians are concerned, it is not far fetched that a Haitian national could be a minister or prime minister of the Bahamas.
Campbell is intelligent and I am sure aware of the context of his response. He was asked about his Haitian heritage and responded accordingly mentioning his two passports. He should now go beyond words to prove that he does not hold a passport of a 2nd nationality. Even Haiti is strict about this - their former first lady was disqualified because of her dual nationality.
CatIslandBoy 7 years, 1 month ago
Bradley Roberts is just doing what he has always done best - stirring up controversy where there is no basis in fact. The PM Minnis said that he spoke to Mr. Campbell who assured him that he does not have a Haitian passport. I believe those two men over any lying PLP.
TheMadHatter 7 years, 1 month ago
None of this matters. Our country's real capital is in Port au Prince anyway.
Well_mudda_take_sic 7 years, 1 month ago
Mr. Campbell himself has firmly planted the seed of doubt in the minds of many Bahamians on a subject of great interest and intense sensitivity. This matter cannot now be put to rest without Minnis as PM providing the public with credible independent verification (hard evidence) that Campbell does not hold a passport issued by the Haitian government. Anything less than this, should not satisfy the Bahamian people on this matter. It is no longer good enough for Campbell and/or Minnis to simply proclaim that Campbell does not hold a Haitian passport. If Campbell does indeed have a Haitian passport, Bahamians are naturally and rightfully suspicious that even the Haitian government itself would not want this most chilling fact to be known from the standpoint of their own interests in influencing certain decisions made by our government.
DEDDIE 7 years, 1 month ago
I will be quite surprise if he holds a Haitian passport. Haitian Bahamians treat their Haitian ancestry like a plague. Even though Fred Mitchell policy require them to get a passport or get kick out of school,they choose the latter.
licks2 7 years, 1 month ago
I await to hear his meaning. . .I must agree that his comment could go in either direction. . .I know him personally. . .and he will know what is the ramifications of holding two passports and run for parliament! I was apart of a research assignment of which he was apart. . .quite an adept person. . .further more. . .until 2014 he could not get one anyhow. . .I tell you he is aware of the Ryan Pinder "cock-up". . .I wait to see!
Truism 7 years, 1 month ago
LMAO. It's amazing when persons try to present themselves as an authority and only serve to expose the level they will slink to to appear to have an inside track. SAD!!
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