"CONTROLLED" is a poor choice of words. As the writers of the editorial could use a little "CONTROLLING" as well, given that some of theit views are likewise on the fringe.

The protesters were barking at the wrong trre, and should direct their protest to an entity that could speak to it.

Racism, hate, ignorance. Call it what you like.
Is a result of lack of education, thinking, caring.
Science, makes abundantly clear that there is no basis, none, for racism. So, it is not as if our poor educational "system" is not coming back to haunt us. The educational system, it must be said is not only our school system. It is what is seen and heard at home, in the office, from our "leaders". I maintain that we have failed on all accounts to make ourselves decent, civilized people. Yes, we see it going on all over. Does this make it right?

Racism is targeting someone or group due to their race, Haitians are members of the same race, so we can be sure this isn’t racist.

We can objectively consider these actions as driven by nationalism, often these tactics are referred to as xenophobic in nature.

Xenophobia, well that runs very deep in our society, sanctioned by most of the political elite. All but a few Bahamians have strong xenophobic views, the nation is proud of this! So you’re preaching to the wrong choir with this article.

You might address the logic, or lack thereof , as we are a nation of such lousy people, that xenophobia doesn’t make sense, as anyone who comes from anywhere will most surely be an improvement over our own homegrown excrement we call “real Bahamian”.

They are exercising their constitutional right to freedom of speech and the right to assemble.
The Bahamas will remain behind because even those who purport to be exposed and fair minded, who also happen to be the so called leaders and the prominent class, prefer to shut down the rights and opinions of others rather than acknowledge that they have that right. That is the real reason the gender referendum failed. Far too many "educated" people showed that they were incapable of intelligently presenting their views or exercising their powers of persuasion, so they lashed out like idiots at anyone who did not agree with them.

It is interesting too that when the outspoken QC degrades ALL Bahamians in the most outlandish terms, while showing much insensitivity to real victims of concentration camps and ethnic cleansing, he is commended for his harshness and his disgusting tirades are excused simply as freedom of speech. In the US and elsewhere, where freedom of speech is respected, even those considered to be hate groups have the right to express themselves and they do so peaceably. This small group of Bahamians also conducted a peaceful protest. People opposed to the message of any group have the right to oppose in the same fashion.

Very balanced and intelligent comment. Especially your pointing out how differently our "intelligentsia" treats Fred Smith's disgusting, contemptuous and yes, RACIST comments (caught on tape labeling "black Bahamians" as xenophobes). He is treated like some kind of patron saint of free speech. But when poor, marginal and, yes, perhaps misguided people cry out it is condemned by our intelligentsia. Shame on them.

Unfortunately it will get worse. This Government is the same as all others, when things look bad for them they will bring out one of the three bogey men. Those being immigrants (Haitians in particular), sissies and the white man. It helps as too many of us Bahamians are easily swayed by them making it seem as these 3 groups are the problem, rather then the Government (be it FNM or PLP) who have contributed to nearly all our social ills over the last 40 years. But as long as we fall for it they won't change and will continue on their corrupt ways until we collapse.

**When government lights its own kind fire, this had be the long expected kinds flame ups to follow!**
Where was newspaper's editorial supposed blind and deaf at since they had know that it would be only just a matter of time before **the real on and off ugly face of government's** harsh and rough treatment of comrade Haitians - regardless how long living or even born here - **would make its way to our colony's street corners and jibs,** yes, no ....

Dear Editor in all your brilliance, you must admit that it becomes disheartening that

when 100 illegals are deported 58 who were unable to sneak in come

Rights Bahamas is a Haitian organization.
It is a never ending circle. the illegals keep on coming. does the Editor with the bleeding heart. and a Christian with out sin say what is the solution,

The Bahamas is supposed to be a democratic nation, meaning people are free, not controlled. So why should a group of peaceful individuals exercising their democratic and constitutional right be controlled? Haitians, including illegal ones, freely express their views and anger toward the PM and any situation they find undesirable. I've never seen a politician or editorial trying to control their animosity. I think a more fitting editorial would condemn public authorities
and public platforms that denounce people who embracd democracy. This is more concerning than anything.

When the foreigner staying in the gym recorded the video inside the gym and then sent the video all over the world to the UN, to this rights group, to that rights group complaining about this wrong and that's wrong, they don't have space allocated for sex, and this and that, all while getting 3 meals a day, a roof over their heads and bed to lay on and bath facility. They, the ungrateful foreigner who sent out the video got exactly what they were looking for. Why should OSB and friends and like-minded persons allow you Mr. Foreigner to talk negatively about the Bahamas and we sit down and say yes Mr. Foreigner, you're right Mr. Foreigner we will try and serve you better Mr. Foreigner? I don't think so. Pure Bahamians who were affected by Hurricane Dorian they are not sending videos to this rights group and that rights group, no, we ain't laying down and playing dead so that you can live off us and then slowly turn the Bahamas into a shantytown.

well said