No one is arguing that we don't have a serious illegal immigrant problem and there needs to be solutions that enable people to be treated with dignity and respect. They are human beings.

That said, preventing children from receiving an education is fundamentally wrong, and this is what we will be doing if a permit is instituted for non-Bahamian students. What family is going to be able to afford $125 for a permit other than maybe US Embassy staff children and children of foreign bankers?

Institute a registration program if you wish, but for no fee. The children born in the Bahamas, even to illegal parents have the right to apply for Bahamian ciitizenship once they reach the age of 18. Discrimination is a very dangerous road to go down -- the Haitians and Jamaicans today - who will we pick on tomorrow?

Many of "these people" are the children of immigrants who were born in this country, and who have lived and worked here all their lives. Get a grip Mad Hatter. There is no justification for the current actions of Mr. Mitchell and his thugs. These people cannot obtain passports from their "theoretical" country of origin because they have lived their entire lives thinking the Bahamas was their country of origin. There are no records of their birth in the country their parents came from. You can rail all you want about immigrants and responsibility, but to incarcerate these people is simply an outrage to any person who believes in basic justice.

"Many of "these people" are the children of immigrants who were born in this country, and who have lived and worked here all their lives."

And...?
Many of them are in The Bahamas illegally, and as such they should be subject to repatriation. There is no statute of limitations on being an illegal immigrant; as there should not be. However, those who lived and were born in the Bahamas prior to 1985 are granted citizenship. That is fair. More than fair.

Why should the Bahamas take on more than its resources can allow because people, such as Mr. Symonette buried their heads in the sand and allowed the problem to persist, and compound? And now he is essentially bragging about the great humanitarians he and the FNM were at the expense of the Bahamian public.

For all of you who cry foul, please explain how the Bahamas can possibly sustain the numbers of illegal immigrants and their offspring without pretending as if they are not a drain on the limited resources of the country. I think the Bahamas, and Bahamians, have been as compassionate and empathetic as they can be and it really needs to end. Maybe then the US and other world leaders may step in and assist...as they should have been doing all along.

you cant get all the illegal's and by removing schooling you have now just made a few thousand potential future thives and crooks , people have to live and eat and will do whatever they have to survive. if breaking into your house or stealing your copper so be it . they will learn at the only school they can go to the street and gangs .

While I agree that you cannot get all of the illegals out with this new policy it is definitely a deterrent.

Illegals continue to break our laws by showing up unchecked to our shores and taking advantage of the free health care and education without making any significant contribution to our economy besides putting a continued strain on it.

I agree that the fee should either be minimum or nil as most of them are very poor, but we cannot just continue to just ignore them. Something HAS to be put in place to curb or account for the thousands that reside here unknown to us.

While they cannot be arrested at the school, they should NOT continue to attend them unchecked. Isn't this why they come? So how do you stop or control it? By making it less easy to land and reside in our borders 'unchecked'.

I applaud the efforts of the Ministry of Immigration but I still say we left it too long and these persons now have a sense of entitlement. They will not lay down and take this policy easy.

Besides, if they are forced to obtain the passports of their nationality, which they proudly contend they are, then at 18 they cannot say they are 'stateless'.

I say do it the right way or go elsewhere.

Article 11 of the Haitian Constitution and UN declaration on what is stateless does not cover any Haitian anywhere in the world. The UN criteria for stateless is not an easy thing!!! Even the right to education is restricted to laws of a nation towards non-citizens and their immigration policy for regular migration. Irregular migration are subjected to policy of national migration. In other words, if national immigration laws/policy allows you into a nation. . .you will be educated. Also, children of irregular migrants are entitled to free education until laws and policies for migration demand that they leave their jurisdiction!!

Also, UN policy allows a nation that ratified a treaty that currently becomes a national concern and is likely to destroy its viability as a nation or prevent development of its own citizens. . .that nation can withdraw from carrying out that clause in the treaty that has evolved into a threat to their nation!!! An no international body has denied that the illegal migration problem in the Bahamas has became a "national threat" to Bahamian sovereignty. IMO/UN estimated that the illegal migration population in the Bahamas is 12 to 25% of it population!! Some schools are densely populated by migrants. . .Bahamian children have to wait to get in!!

MAN THE WHOLE WORLD UNDERSTAND THE CASE THE BAHAMAS IS IN. . .NO OTHER NATION WILL TOLERATE IT!!

Noticed that Mitchell keeps using that term " national security" to persons like OAS etc.

With the average BGCSE grade being a "D", perhaps lower, would they really be missing out on an education? The current quality of education received does not translate into a future filled with intellects, professionals, low crime, peace and love between between legals and illegals. Part of this problem stems from overcrowded classrooms, that stems from illegal immigration.

With that said, should illegal immigrant kids be denied an education while they are on Bahamian soil? I say "no". If in the beginning however, the new rules only serve to identify illegals for later processing and repatriation...it's better than the nothing that existed before. If persons decide to keep their kids out of school for this reason, they are the ones denying them this basic human right. Anyone who lives in any country illegally, should know or assume that one way or another they would be identified and repatriated.

On another note, whenever opponents of the new immigration policies speak, in particular politicians, it would be helpful for those of us who support them to hear an alternative plan that does not assume:
i. unlimited resources: jobs, classroom space, medical care, etc.
ii. call for immediate inaction, because of assumed mistreatment or targeting of Haitians.
Because Haitians are the largest group of illegals in the Bahamas, they will alwats appear to be a target.

School for the children will not be restricted, But they will have to pay a fee. We all have to pay VAT to maintain these schools and many persons do not have any children. when National Medical Insurance comes in place we will have to pay that also. It can not be right for some to pay and others send millions back to their home Country. The Bahamas has been slack to long and it is time to have some regulations in place. NEVER mind Mr. Symonette it is International practices that we follow and not FNM practices. Other Countries as he said are not as lack as the Bahamas, that is why the Bahamas has been taken advantage of by the illegals. The Party is over now the Piper must be paid.

One must remember the experience of the average Bahamian is not the same as Symonette. he does not have to sit on a chair when he is sick, while illegals lie down. so he can say anything he wants he does not walk in our shoes. and he does not know our stories

what free heath care ?????? and dont illegals pay vat when they buy food , gas . so are they not supporting the system as well , would christ turn them away .

YOU ARE BEGINNING TO SOUND SILLY WITH THOES JUVANILE QUIBBS LIKE "WOULD CHRIST SEND THEM AWAY" OR SOME THING LIKE THAT!! WOULD CHRIST LIKE FOR YOU TO NOT EDUCATE YOUR OWN CHILDREN BECAUSE CHILDREN FROM ANOTHER NATION IS SITTING IN YOUR CLASS ROOM AND YOUR CHILD CAN NOT GET IN?"

We cannot afford to help Haitians anymore. Our own people are suffering more than they are and we must concentrate on helping our own now.

Let the Haitians take it to Jesus, their Voodoo gods or Fred Smith in Prayer. They can take it anywhere else but NOT HERE!

Comrades it would be cruel and unfair for a government to further complicate the lives of illegal parents, by preventing their children rom attending our public schools, find paychecks, move on to other people's land, hook up illegal power connections or access our hospital and clinics and social assistance services. In other words, how unfair it would be to the 100,000 here illegal, to be asked to join the already thousands of citizens, isolated from earning paychecks, be defenseless in a country of plenty and being turned down government financial assistance. Why do we not deport their parents, before they can cry foul against the people of Bahamaland? How much are taxpayers spending on introducing students into classrooms, who do not speak or read English as their second language?

Lamenting what the Bahamas cannot afford in terms of border protection and documentation points to the need for alternate measures. Polices can always be re-evaluated, and long before the country unravels in the manner described. Doing nothing has not worked under any administration, and that is the only alternative the article seems to provide.

So .......... I hope all them WHITE foreign chirren sitting up in the elite private schools get their student visas too. The politicians have one standard for the public school immigrant chirren and then turn a blind eye to the schools where their children go to school.

Anyway ........... Fred shouldn't have an issue cuz he een get NO chirren........ Brent chirren went to school in Canada and England etc ............ so he een gat no horse in da race.

Again............ these politicians doon care about US!!!!!!!!!!

I have no problem with student visas for non-Bahamians to attend any school in our country ......................... its about time

Hey........THE BAHAMAS CANNOT EDUCATE ITS CHILDREN AND HALF OF DAMN HAITI TOO!! THIS NEW POLICY HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH SCHOOLS. . .THE GOVERNMENT WANT TO KNOW WHO THE HELL IS IN WE COUNTRY!!!

YINNA JUST HAVE YINNA HEAD "YOU KNOW WHERE". THE FOOLISHNESS OF TELLING BAHAMIAN PARENTS THAT THERE ARE NOT ENOUGH SPACE TO GET THEIR CHILD INTO A GOVERNMENT SCHOOL IS JUST NONSENSE!!!

NO CHILD CAN GO TO SCHOOL INUSA, CANADA, OR ANY OF THE EURO COUNTRIES WITHOUT A STUDENT VISA IF THEY ARE NOT CITIZENS OF THOSE NATIONS! No illegal Bahamian can go to school in Haiti without a student visa!! Student Visas for USA are now about $300.00.

The free ride is now over dudes. . .WHY DO YOU THINK THAT OAS, AMNESTY AND OTHERS ARE SAYING THEY ARE WATCHING FOR POSSIBLE ABUSE. . .THEIR OWN COUNTRIES ARE NOW ENGAGING IN SUCH MEASURES AS WE ARE NOW TAKING!!

THE NEW YORK TIMES SAY WE ARE TARGETING HAITIANS! THEY JUST HAPPEN TO BE THE BIGGEST TARGETS OUT THERE. . .AND IT IS DAMN PERSONAL. . .WITH ALL OF THEM WHO COME HERE AND ACT LIKE THIS NATION IS NOT FOR BAHAMIANS!!

It is the Governments duty to already know who is in this country. Our Government has had the duty to do this for decades.

If they don't know then we need an Inquiry as to how we got here, who is responsible for the mess, and how do we fix it.

We need to stop blaming everyone else. We, Our Governments have had the responsibility, what have they done?

Nine months ago I wrote to the minister of Immigration , and a part of that message reads..... " Peoples, we have to make everyone who are here illegally and those on the run from the law very uncomfortable as it stands they are too comfortable" We don't know who we have here in the Bahamas. So it's very true licks2. we just have to flush them out of hiding !

The *New York Times" is aware that people of Hispanic background are "targeted" in the southwestern United States. The problem is that, as most people are fully aware, Haitians comprise the vast majority of illegal immigrants in The Bahamas. No one can deny that there are other nationalities represented but the fact remains that Haitians are the majority. It is just a shame that the United States will not go into Haiti and spend some of that money that they are wasting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Instead of blowing people up in the Middle East the Americans could teach the Haitians how to read and write and use birth control. Of course Haiti has no oil like Iraq so it might be a hard sell to take constructive action in a vastly overcrowded and environmentally devastated country occupying less than half of a not very large island.

Remember, broke azz Bahamians are doing the same thing. It is something that same indicative of poor people regardless of the nationality.

There is nothing wrong with this policy. Many persons saying that Haitians etc. can't afford $125 PLEASE.I know many Haitians who have more than one child in Private School's. So please stop this thing but they cant afford it.

The fact is, if we don't nip this thing in the bud, it's gonna blow up in our faces. Don't mind the noise in the market. The majority of Bahamians support Mr. Mitchel's policies and those of you who talkin' bout Haitians can't afford it talkin a bunch of shit! I know many Haitian men who have children here for one woman and children in Haiti for another woman. If they would only stop breeding like gad dam rabbits they wouldn't have to send every penny they earn back home! Oh and I am not talking arbitrarily, I can always back up my statements.

No, the fact is that it has already blown up in our face.

All we have done to fix this is what we do to fix all our national problems....talk.....talk....talk and do nothing to fix the problem.

Without a well thought out national immigration policy with a realistic plan of action this knee jerk plan will also fail.

Comrades take your hypertension prescription pills and grab your interpreter, then go online now and listen live to:

Kreyol Connection with Louby Georges
7:30pm to 10pm

www.guardiantalkradio.com

http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2015…

It was interesting to read all the comments. Everyone running their mouths with foolishness and not a single attempt at solving the problem.

Come on people, this is a serious problem. Let's use this opportunity to come up with suggestions that are workable, legal and will benefit this country.

And what is your suggestion??? The policies that are being implemented by Fred will at least put a dent in the immigration problem, once they are enforced. Sorry but diplomacy goes out the door when it comes to my well being. The hardcore fact is this is a situation where you have to take tough measures or we will all find our selves scratching our heads wondering where our county gone. These policies that are now being brought to the forefront are a dam good start. There will always be issues when dealing with massive changes. As the old saying goes, if ya don't like the heat in the kitchen, then LEAVE!

First, we have spent hundreds of millions of dollars on the defence force and it boats. I would send the big ones that seem to always be tied up near Prince George Dock, and the next size up that are always tied up at Coral Harbour to sea. I would position them off the Haitian coast, just as US President Clinton did with two US Coast Guard Cutters, which by the way were not much bigger than our Defence Force boats. They will turn back the Haitian vessels, just as the US Coast Guard did.

We have to stem the flow or nothing we do on land will be effective.

Second, I would consider granting citizenship to those who have been here over twenty years and are making a valuable contribution to our society.

Thirdly, I would consider granting residence, with the right to work in the business for which they are trained or skilled to those who had been here for over fifteen years and can show a connection with the country (Bahamian wife or husband with or without children).

For those who have lived here for over ten years I would consider granting a work permit. Again they would also have to show a connection with the country (husband /wife).

The others I would give 60 days to pack up and leave or face deportation.

Just some ideas.

Your "solutions" would be plausible if you could also advise where the funds would come from to expand coverage of the seas and the approval of citizenship (and all of its benefits) for large blocks of people at a time. Suggest solutions that will work in the economic climate in which the ministry has to work, and not from an unknown place of unlimited resources. At least the minister detailed the specific measures that the funds collected would support. Because you don't agree with it does not mean that it is not a possible solution, or part of it? You seem to believe that Bahamians take pleasure in seeing Haitians in the plight in which find themselves. I doubt that is the case. For many, any action is long overdue.

...think that it cost too much to educate the children of illegal immigrant parents in our country? Think about how much it will cost to restore and rebuild the infrastructure, social legal, and economic systems of a country overburdened by poor, uneducated and unemployable children and adults (all born in the Bahamas). The ignorence and shortsightedness of our misdirected political leaders, will soon prove to be much more costly than educating those helpless, but innocent children. God help us all!

**Solution.....Get rid of the illegal immigrant parents and children now**

This is not rocket science.

And how do you propose that is accomplished? Details please.

To all my Comrades crying how bloggers are racists, There was no mention of Haitian nationals anywhere in Minister Freddy's statement. In fact, in excess of 5000 student permits are presently held by white and other than Haitian nationals. The minister is only demanding that the schools abide by the student requirement work permit law, presently on the books but not being enforced. Why should the parents/guardians of the 5000 students abide by the law and not all others? If you are a foreigner and you don't have $135 to put your child in a taxpayers funded school, then you should not be allowed remain in Bahamalander, based upon the pure economics of having insufficient funds support your own family.. We need get out business as a nation that adopts foreigners. I am confused, why student permits are being so misunderstood by Tribune bloggers? Why is it we sell our prized beach front lands to the rich foreigners, or we turn over our social services, schools and hospitals to illegals?

THANK YOU.WELL SAID TAL!!!!!!!!100,000,000,000%

Thanks TalRussell, for our benefit and education, would you please quote the section of the law.

Thanks

Comrade do you think the parents of the 5000 plus student permits volunteered to donate permit fees to public treasury? The law is clear and explicit when it says that any law a school may operate under, that when it conflicts with the immigration law, the immigration reigns supreme.

Went to Bahamas Laws On-line and looked at the Immigration Act, don't see any law requiring this. Please help.

Comrade go over immigration department and request a photocopy of why student permits are mandated by Bahamaland's immigration law.

Called, no one could give me the law.

Education is not FREE. The government (TAXPAYERS) spends on average $4,000 for each student to attend PUBLIC schools and an additional $10 MILLION for the 15,000 private school children. This is a good sum for a third world country ...................... for what its worth. BUT THE PROBLEM IS ........... ARE WE GETTING ANY VALUE FOR THE MONEY??????

THESE PEOPLE JUST DON'T WANT TO FOLLOW THE RULES AND LAWS OF OTHER PEOPLE COUNTRY.THIS COUNTRY HAS OPERATED SLACK FOR YEARS.NO ENFORCEMENT. JUST DO AS THOU WILT,COME AS THOU WILT............... WE AINT GAT TIME FOR NO MORE SLACKNESS.JUST PAY "THE EVER LIVING FEE". VAT GOT INTROUCED IN JANUARY THIS YEAR AND EVERY "LIVIN" BAHAMIAN,TOM AND HARRY HAVE TO PAY,NO EXCUSES. In Haiti education is not free. Its either you pay or stay home. Ya make noise, ya suffer the blasted consequences.

TRUE

Yet some biased person will say its false calling good evil and evil good.

We are the ones who allowed the people to come here and have children here. Our Constitution gives persons born here the right to become citizens at the age of 18.

The students should not be punished by us because we failed to stop their parents coming here 15 or 20 years ago. They should not be punished by us because we are slack. We have to pay the price for letting this get to the crisis that it is today.

We want to be an independent nation but we don't want the responsibility that goes along with it. The responsibility of defending our own boarders. We have the equipment, we just don't use it.

The children have been in school for years and immigration could have been making proper investigations for years BUT THEY DID NOT.

You need to ask why, who is responsible? It is not the children.

Is this policy stating something that some persons are failing to understand or do you want it to be broken down smaller.Yes it was a mistake for the many years for slackness to go on in this country but FINALLY the government is having the balls to correct the error of its ways.THE BAHAMAS IS NOT DENYING CHILDREN EDUCATION.THE POLICY IS TALKING ABOUT PAYING A FEE.DO NOT TWIST THE FACTS.THERE ARE HAITIANS THAT HAVE THEIR CHILDREN IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS.SOMETIMES MORE THAN ONE.Every immigrant including Haitians have until September to save up for this fee.When we apply for a visa do you think the United States care if we don't have the money.Fees were increased and we still have to pay.Please lets stop being SO biased.THEY ARE NOT BEING DENIED.IN FACT THESE NEW POLICIES WILL HELP THEM TO WALK AROUND FREE AND NOT AFRAID.PLEASE GIVE THE GOVERNMENT A CHANCE TO DO ITS JOB.

You consider picking on defenseless children means having "Balls"? WOW!

Wow you sure are hard to convince.ITS NOT THE CHILDRENS FAULT.ITS THE PARENTS.If I don't work to put food and water in my house for my children to survive.Who in this world do you think is primarily to blame for their death? THE PARENTS.BUT I DONT EXPECT FOR YOU TO ADMIT THIS.

Yes and also tell their parents that their children that they chose to have should not be punished by saving up to pay the fee and don't go on in life thinking that they can get everything in this life for free. I tell my son this all the time.It instills morals and values.

We get it Economist. It's the government's fault. Neither administration gets a pass on the problems they created. But neither should the illegal immigrant or their offsprings.

If this were a step, coming after others dealing with the parents, in a well planned immigration policy, no problem.

Yall who get a problem with what Fweddy is doing ........... please go to Haiti and experience their public health and education system .......... if you find one. The haitians who come here are very lucky to find themselves in a country where the can experience the rudiments of a civilized country ................ regardless of how bad we Bahamians talk about our country.