The Tribune

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

AN immigration activist has warned that sweeping changes proposed by the Coalition of Independents risk undermining constitutional protections and lack clear plans for implementation.

Louby Georges urged scrutiny of the COI’s 100-day immigration plan, which centres on tightening border controls, expanding enforcement, and overhauling citizenship policy, including eliminating naturalisation.

The proposal outlines amending the Bahamas Nationality Act within the administration’s first week to remove naturalisation, followed by a referendum within its first year. However, citizenship is governed by the Constitution, meaning such changes would likely require constitutional amendment before legislative action.

The plan also proposes merging immigration and national security under one ministry, introducing a 30-day amnesty with biometric screening and status verification, and launching a digital portal for employers and landlords to verify immigration status.

Additional measures include suspending new work permits for Haitian nationals, reviewing existing permits, strengthening maritime border enforcement, closing selected shanty towns, creating regulated housing, and requiring health insurance coverage for immigrants.

While the COI said the plan is intended to restore control of the country’s borders and improve compliance, it does not fully outline how the measures would be funded or implemented within the proposed timeline.

Mr Georges said The Bahamas faces “real immigration challenges” but argued the plan appears driven more by “fear-driven narratives and political positioning” than by practical policymaking.

He said immigration cannot be addressed through “sweeping, reactionary measures” without considering long-term consequences.

“The suggestion to eliminate naturalisation, in particular, is deeply concerning,” Mr Georges said. “Throughout the history of The Bahamas, many individuals who were once migrants, or descendants of migrants, have gone on to become proud Bahamians and have contributed significantly to the development of this country across every sector.”

He said removing a lawful pathway to citizenship is “not only short-sighted” and warned against policies that are “draconian in nature”.

“Once you begin to restrict rights, pathways, and processes at that level, the consequences do not remain confined to one community, they extend across the entire immigration framework,” he said.

While he acknowledged that enforcement and accountability need improvement, Mr Georges said reforms must be grounded in the Constitution and supported by clear plans.

“Good governance requires balance, not extremes,” he said. “We must address immigration in a way that protects our borders while also preserving the rule of law, our constitutional framework, and the values that have shaped The Bahamas into what it is today.”

Organisation for Responsible Governance executive director Matt Aubry declined to comment on the proposal but urged voters to assess whether campaign promises are realistic and deliverable.

He said campaign pledges often fail to account for budget constraints and the time required to implement reforms.