Fred Mitchell is a disgrace to this country and is a national embarrassment. Until he is fired and put out of sight like the crazy uncle in the basement, he will continue to make a fool of himself and the Bahamas.

We clearly don't have all the information (and probably never will), but what I can't figure out is that if these guys are Cuban, why aren't they just returned to Cuba? As Cuban citizens, doesn't Cuba have to take them back? Seems the simplest solution, or am I missing something here?

Not just the African countries. Have you seen what the Chinese have done in Central and South America?

SMH, Reverend, you're too far gone to reason with. Just from your remarks I can tell you're the racist one. God help you!

Reverend, did you even read the comments made before making your own remarks? Mr Lighbourn stated that making free zones to encourage business in these areas (yes, where the population is predominantly black) is idiotic, as so few of them can even pay their light bills, let alone have money to start a business. His point was that the people of those areas need more than just a "free zone", they need real help if they are going to create business opportunities. He is for economic growth and supports it, just not Minnis's lame attempt at "pie in the sky" ideas. How is that racist? If anything, this is a man who wants to help people -- whatever colour they are!

And if he were indeed a racist, then why would he donate his own time and money to freely help the people in East Street with food and fellowship each weekend? Think before you spout your hatred and your own racist views.

With less than 2 months to go, the Carnival committee has not put in place even an iota of organization or publicity. They complain that there were very few foreign visitors at last year's Carnival, yet haven't put out advertising or marketing to bring those visitors in. When will they do this -- a week or two beforehand?

Why would tourists want to come for Carnival is we can't even get our growing crime rate under control?

Once again, more wastage of money, more kickbacks and vanishing money. And for what -- a naked hustlers parade and a few ill-attended concerts. And let's not forget the fiasco of having to pay back vendors for their losses!

So much more could be done with the money -- hurricane relief, reducing crime, establishing more social and work programs, reducing the ever-growing national debt -- all so much more worthy than a feel-good Carnival in such dire and dangerous times.

It's wonderful that Mr. Pintard has addressed this absurd issue, but as the reputed leader of the FNM, where is Mr. Minnis's outrage and condemnation? What a poor leader this man is when he cannot even rise to the occasion to condemn such a vile accusation against one of his own party members made by another member.

Surely he must have learned something from Ms. Rolle's vitriolic outburst of not 2 weeks past? Nope? Once again, he only confirms his lack of leadership.

If this happened near Devil's Backbone, why did the captain even attempt taking the damaged boat back to Nassau with passengers on board? An idiotic decision.

Why get a new starter gun -- just ask the Chinese for one of their riot grenade launchers -- same thing if you listen to Bernard Nottage's "truth". They aren't harmful, just for the use of the people of the Bahamas...

Cancel it.

It's a complete waste of time and money when the country has so many other more pressing matters to deal with.

The Straw Market needs some serious cleaning up. Not just the garbage and sour smells, but also the vendors and their behaviour too. Yes, there are some very nice vendors there, but the majority are pushy, aggressive and nasty. If they can't police themselves, then they should expect to be policed until they are brought into line.

And if they can't conform to the rule after 3 warnings, then they should be made to leave. The tourists deserve better, and this behaviour only serves to drive the visitors out of the market. These people seem to have little sense in their own welfare!