Travelling while Black has always been challenging, but now Bahamians are likely to face even greater suspicion from authorities worldwide. This follows the recent call for an Independent Integrity Commission to investigate corruption after the indictment of 13 Bahamians on drug trafficking charges. These developments unfairly tarnish the reputation of all Bahamians, adding new hurdles for those who travel internationally.
> Call for an Independent Integrity > Commission Composed of International > Jurists
***We urge the establishment of an independent integrity commission made up of international jurists to ensure unbiased oversight, promote transparency, and strengthen accountability within our governance systems.***
>
In light of widespread public concern regarding corruption among Bahamian politicians and recent serious allegations—including the indictment by the United States District Court implicating law enforcement officials and politicians in a cocaine smuggling conspiracy—it is imperative for the government of The Bahamas to adopt a comprehensive approach to tackling corruption. Allegations of misconduct ranging from drug trafficking involvement to charges of rape, abuse, assault, kickbacks from contracts, and the misuse of public resources for personal gain highlight systemic issues that undermine the integrity of our institutions and erode public trust.
The perception that such abuses are normal underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms. We welcome Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis's commitment to introducing new legislation aimed at strengthening oversight of law enforcement agencies. However, addressing corruption effectively requires more than new laws; it necessitates the full implementation of existing measures such as the Freedom of Information Act and the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman to promote transparency and accountability.
Moreover, the government should consider establishing an independent integrity commission with adequate resources and authority to prevent, detect, and respond to corrupt practices. Engaging in cross-sector collaboration—with input from citizens, civil society organizations, and the private sector—is crucial in crafting legislation representative of community needs and effective in practice.
It is also essential to change the culture that perceives the misuse of public resources and other corrupt practices as normal. Public education and fostering a culture of accountability are vital steps toward restoring trust in our governance systems.
By taking decisive and comprehensive action now, The Bahamas can address these systemic issues, strengthen its institutions, uphold the rule of law, and restore confidence among its citizens and the international community. Combating corruption is not only a legal imperative but also a moral one, essential for the prosperity and well-being of the nation. > Party Name: **Better Bahamas** > **Better Bahamas** envisions a nation of equity, prosperity, and security where every Bahamian thrives through transformative leadership, sustainable development, and uncompromising dedication to the needs of the people - Join the movement.
The Bahamian people deserve transparency and accountability from their leaders and institutions, especially in the face of allegations as serious as corruption and drug trafficking. Of particular concern is the omission of the name of the unnamed corrupt politician reportedly implicated in the trafficking scandal. Failing to disclose the identity of this individual raises serious questions about the commitment to exposing and addressing corruption at the highest levels of governance. Transparency is not merely a legal or administrative obligation but a moral imperative to rebuild public trust and reinforce the integrity of the nation's institutions.
The reluctance or inability to name the alleged individual undermines the perceived seriousness of the efforts to combat corruption and casts doubt on the sincerity of initiatives aimed at ensuring justice. If the fight against corruption is to be effective, it must be unyielding, impartial, and inclusive of all levels of power and influence. The Bahamian people deserve nothing less than full disclosure, accountability, and an unequivocal commitment to eradicating corruption, irrespective of the rank or political standing of those involved.
> "It's the Islands, man," ..where > corruption is expected and accepted as > part of political life.
Simon's comprehensive analysis of the systemic corruption and cultural decay in The Bahamas is deeply enriched by an understanding of how normalized criminal behaviours and political manipulation contribute to these issues. Instances such as the unauthorized sale of medication from Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) and fraudulent activities involving vehicle license plates exemplify the pervasive acceptance of corruption at both micro and macro levels. These actions, seemingly trivial compared to grand-scale corruption, are indicative of a broader societal indifference to legal and ethical standards.
This culture of ignoring the law extends to everyday actions on the roads—running red lights, ignoring stop signs, and disregarding pedestrian crossings, which not only reflects a disregard for the rule of law but also poses significant risks to public safety. Such behaviours are often dismissed with remarks like "It's the Islands, man," suggesting a misleading perception that the relaxed cultural atmosphere justifies a lax attitude towards legality and order.
Further complicating the landscape are the political dynamics where suppression and denial of opportunities for opponents—based merely on their political affiliations—are not only undemocratic but celebrated by some as accomplishments. This suppression of democratic processes highlights a perverse twist on political contestation, contributing to a cycle where corruption is expected and accepted as part of political life. This manipulation of democratic rights erodes trust in the political system and stifles innovation, as potential leaders without the "correct" political alignment are discouraged from contributing to public life.
The combination of these issues underlines the necessity for holistic reform. Addressing high-profile corruption while also tackling everyday legal transgressions that erode public trust and societal norms is essential. The challenge lies in fostering a cultural shift that promotes lawfulness and civic responsibility among the general populace. Such a shift requires concerted efforts from all sectors of society, including robust legal enforcement, public education campaigns, and community engagement initiatives that reinforce the importance of law and order for the well-being of all citizens.
The situation surrounding Geovani Rolle's murder, coupled with subsequent allegations of corruption among high-ranking law enforcement officers, profoundly complicates the quest for justice. The involvement of officials, particularly those arrested for their alleged roles in facilitating drug trafficking operations, points to potential conflicts of interest and casts serious doubts on the integrity of the investigation into Mr. Rolle's death.
Given the grave nature of these corruption allegations, especially concerning officials in critical roles at strategic locations like the Lynden Pindling International Airport, it's understandable why the Rolle family, and likely the broader public, would question the impartiality and effectiveness of the ongoing investigation. This case may greatly benefit from the oversight of an independent body or an external law enforcement agency to ensure that the investigation proceeds without undue influence and with transparency.
The necessity for the Rolle family to hire private investigators due to a lack of updates from the police highlights a significant mistrust in the investigative process, a sentiment echoed by many other Bahamian families in similar situations. This scenario underscores the urgent need for robust systems to ensure accountability within law enforcement agencies, not only to address this particular case but also to restore public confidence in the system's capacity to handle internal corruption and related criminal activities effectively.
The case of Geovani Rolle's murder, entwined with allegations of corruption within Bahamian law enforcement, may just represent the tip of the iceberg in terms of systemic corruption in the Bahamas. This scenario underscores the broader issues plaguing governance and public trust in the nation's institutions. As the community grapples with these challenges, it becomes increasingly clear that creating "A Better Bahamas" is a collective responsibility. The call to action, "A Better Bahamas starts with you," resonates deeply, emphasizing the role each citizen must play in rebuilding and reinforcing the foundations of a transparent, accountable, and just society.
Corruption in the Bahamas is deeply rooted and continues despite being exposed for many years. It often gets worse under the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) administrations, with more high-level officials involved. Past efforts to stop corruption weren't strong enough. They often only touched on the surface problems without addressing the deeper issues, especially under PLP leadership. To make a real change, the Bahamas needs stricter international oversight and stronger local actions to increase transparency and accountability.
> Tensions between the United States and > the Bahamas over allegations of > corruption and complicity in drug > trafficking.
This is the headline of a 1983 New York Times article from the early 1980s indeed parallels current issues. Despite decades passing, the themes of strained international relationships, accusations of corruption within the Bahamian government, and ongoing challenges with drug trafficking remain relevant.
The detailed account from 1983 highlights similar patterns of behaviour and governance issues that seem to persist in the region. These historical snapshots are crucial as they provide context to understand how deeply entrenched these problems can be and how they can impact diplomatic relations over the years.
The article underscores the complexity of tackling transnational crime, especially when it intersects with national sovereignty and corruption. It also reflects on the difficulties in enforcing international law enforcement cooperation when domestic laws and practices may inadvertently shield such activities.
This continuity of issues suggests that resolving them requires not just local reforms but also sustained international cooperation and possibly new strategies to address the root causes and not just the symptoms of such systemic problems. This headline from a 1983 news article reflects issues that still resonate today. Despite the passage of decades, themes of strained international relationships, accusations of corruption within the Bahamian government, and ongoing challenges with drug trafficking remain relevant.
The detailed account from 1983 reveals similar patterns of behaviour and governance issues that continue to affect the region. These historical snapshots are crucial for understanding how deeply entrenched these problems can be and how they impact diplomatic relations over time. The article highlights the complexity of addressing transnational crime, particularly when it intersects with national sovereignty and corruption. It also emphasizes the difficulties in enforcing international law enforcement cooperation, especially when domestic laws and practices may inadvertently protect these activities.
The persistence of these issues suggests that resolving them will require not only local reforms but also sustained international cooperation and potentially new strategies to address the root causes rather than just the symptoms of these systemic problems. Tensions between the United States and the Bahamas have arisen due to allegations of corruption and complicity in drug trafficking.
From critical domestic concerns—such as the state of healthcare at PMH, infrastructural inefficiencies, and shortages in essential services—to international controversies, these issues are interconnected and symptomatic of a broader governance crisis. The culture of turning a blind eye to corruption has not only weakened national institutions but has also allowed criminal activities to transcend borders, tarnishing the country’s international standing.
To address these challenges, The Bahamas must commit to a comprehensive approach that tackles corruption and inefficiency at every level. This includes enforcing anti-corruption laws, strengthening conflict-of-interest regulations, improving transparency in public procurement, and regulating campaign finance. Moreover, fostering a culture of accountability within public institutions is critical to restoring both domestic and international trust.
The government’s response to the current crisis will serve as a litmus test for its commitment to reform. While addressing these allegations with integrity and transparency is paramount, the government must also recognize that this is part of a broader issue requiring sustained attention and action. Only by breaking the cycle of neglect and addressing the root causes of corruption can The Bahamas secure its place as a nation of integrity, progress, and respect on the world stage.
The allegations of corruption within Bahamian law enforcement, including the involvement of a "high-ranking politician" in facilitating drug trafficking as detailed in a U.S. federal indictment, highlight a critical moment for the nation. These issues erode public trust in local governance and draw international scrutiny, threatening The Bahamas' reputation on the global stage. This crisis reflects a broader pattern of systemic corruption and inefficiency, as outlined in numerous international reports that have long highlighted corruption as a pervasive issue in the country.
According to Section 4 of the U.S. Department of State’s reports, corruption in The Bahamas extends beyond isolated incidents. These reports cite instances of cronyism, kickbacks, bribery, and organized criminal activity involving senior immigration officials. Allegations of bribery schemes to sell passports and visas, as well as accusations of immigration officers soliciting bribes for better treatment of detained migrants, paint a troubling picture of systemic failures. The reports further highlight the government's inability to enforce contract and procurement laws effectively, with limited application of conflict-of-interest and anti-corruption clauses. Nepotism, exemplified by a government corporation chairman awarding a contract to his daughter, underscores the deep entrenchment of favouritism within the system. Additionally, the lack of regulation in campaign finance systems leaves the door wide open for quid pro quo donations, further entrenching corruption.
The Church Hill Project is another stark example of the consequences of allowing domestic corruption to fester unchecked. In this case, Bahamian-linked criminal activities spilt over into Canada, exposing how local failures can create international complications. Similarly, reports like the U.S. Department of State’s Investment Climate Statement and International Narcotics Control Strategy Report have consistently highlighted financial crimes and governance issues, further corroborating the notion that The Bahamas struggles with addressing corruption at its core.
These revelations point to a cultural problem where corruption and inefficiency are often tolerated or ignored until they escalate into crises that draw global attention. The current situation, involving alleged collusion between law enforcement and political figures, exemplifies this dynamic. It underscores the urgent need for systemic reform to prevent The Bahamas from being defined by these recurring scandals.
IslandWarrior says...
Travelling while Black has always been challenging, but now Bahamians are likely to face even greater suspicion from authorities worldwide. This follows the recent call for an Independent Integrity Commission to investigate corruption after the indictment of 13 Bahamians on drug trafficking charges. These developments unfairly tarnish the reputation of all Bahamians, adding new hurdles for those who travel internationally.
On ORG calls for deliberate action on corruption
Posted 1 December 2024, 4:51 p.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
> Call for an Independent Integrity
> Commission Composed of International
> Jurists
***We urge the establishment of an independent integrity commission made up of international jurists to ensure unbiased oversight, promote transparency, and strengthen accountability within our governance systems.***
>
In light of widespread public concern regarding corruption among Bahamian politicians and recent serious allegations—including the indictment by the United States District Court implicating law enforcement officials and politicians in a cocaine smuggling conspiracy—it is imperative for the government of The Bahamas to adopt a comprehensive approach to tackling corruption. Allegations of misconduct ranging from drug trafficking involvement to charges of rape, abuse, assault, kickbacks from contracts, and the misuse of public resources for personal gain highlight systemic issues that undermine the integrity of our institutions and erode public trust.
The perception that such abuses are normal underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms. We welcome Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis's commitment to introducing new legislation aimed at strengthening oversight of law enforcement agencies. However, addressing corruption effectively requires more than new laws; it necessitates the full implementation of existing measures such as the Freedom of Information Act and the establishment of the Office of the Ombudsman to promote transparency and accountability.
Moreover, the government should consider establishing an independent integrity commission with adequate resources and authority to prevent, detect, and respond to corrupt practices. Engaging in cross-sector collaboration—with input from citizens, civil society organizations, and the private sector—is crucial in crafting legislation representative of community needs and effective in practice.
It is also essential to change the culture that perceives the misuse of public resources and other corrupt practices as normal. Public education and fostering a culture of accountability are vital steps toward restoring trust in our governance systems.
By taking decisive and comprehensive action now, The Bahamas can address these systemic issues, strengthen its institutions, uphold the rule of law, and restore confidence among its citizens and the international community. Combating corruption is not only a legal imperative but also a moral one, essential for the prosperity and well-being of the nation.
>
Party Name: **Better Bahamas**
>
**Better Bahamas** envisions a nation of equity, prosperity, and security where every Bahamian thrives through transformative leadership, sustainable development, and uncompromising dedication to the needs of the people - Join the movement.
On ORG calls for deliberate action on corruption
Posted 1 December 2024, 9:14 a.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
The Bahamian people deserve transparency and accountability from their leaders and institutions, especially in the face of allegations as serious as corruption and drug trafficking. Of particular concern is the omission of the name of the unnamed corrupt politician reportedly implicated in the trafficking scandal. Failing to disclose the identity of this individual raises serious questions about the commitment to exposing and addressing corruption at the highest levels of governance. Transparency is not merely a legal or administrative obligation but a moral imperative to rebuild public trust and reinforce the integrity of the nation's institutions.
The reluctance or inability to name the alleged individual undermines the perceived seriousness of the efforts to combat corruption and casts doubt on the sincerity of initiatives aimed at ensuring justice. If the fight against corruption is to be effective, it must be unyielding, impartial, and inclusive of all levels of power and influence. The Bahamian people deserve nothing less than full disclosure, accountability, and an unequivocal commitment to eradicating corruption, irrespective of the rank or political standing of those involved.
On US Embassy: We are committed to work with Bahamas to combat corruption
Posted 30 November 2024, 7:26 p.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
> "It's the Islands, man," ..where
> corruption is expected and accepted as
> part of political life.
Simon's comprehensive analysis of the systemic corruption and cultural decay in The Bahamas is deeply enriched by an understanding of how normalized criminal behaviours and political manipulation contribute to these issues. Instances such as the unauthorized sale of medication from Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) and fraudulent activities involving vehicle license plates exemplify the pervasive acceptance of corruption at both micro and macro levels. These actions, seemingly trivial compared to grand-scale corruption, are indicative of a broader societal indifference to legal and ethical standards.
This culture of ignoring the law extends to everyday actions on the roads—running red lights, ignoring stop signs, and disregarding pedestrian crossings, which not only reflects a disregard for the rule of law but also poses significant risks to public safety. Such behaviours are often dismissed with remarks like "It's the Islands, man," suggesting a misleading perception that the relaxed cultural atmosphere justifies a lax attitude towards legality and order.
Further complicating the landscape are the political dynamics where suppression and denial of opportunities for opponents—based merely on their political affiliations—are not only undemocratic but celebrated by some as accomplishments. This suppression of democratic processes highlights a perverse twist on political contestation, contributing to a cycle where corruption is expected and accepted as part of political life. This manipulation of democratic rights erodes trust in the political system and stifles innovation, as potential leaders without the "correct" political alignment are discouraged from contributing to public life.
The combination of these issues underlines the necessity for holistic reform. Addressing high-profile corruption while also tackling everyday legal transgressions that erode public trust and societal norms is essential. The challenge lies in fostering a cultural shift that promotes lawfulness and civic responsibility among the general populace. Such a shift requires concerted efforts from all sectors of society, including robust legal enforcement, public education campaigns, and community engagement initiatives that reinforce the importance of law and order for the well-being of all citizens.
On FRONT PORCH: Rotten at our core - The social collapse of The Bahamas
Posted 29 November 2024, 5:42 p.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
> The Corruption Hole Deepens
The situation surrounding Geovani Rolle's murder, coupled with subsequent allegations of corruption among high-ranking law enforcement officers, profoundly complicates the quest for justice. The involvement of officials, particularly those arrested for their alleged roles in facilitating drug trafficking operations, points to potential conflicts of interest and casts serious doubts on the integrity of the investigation into Mr. Rolle's death.
Given the grave nature of these corruption allegations, especially concerning officials in critical roles at strategic locations like the Lynden Pindling International Airport, it's understandable why the Rolle family, and likely the broader public, would question the impartiality and effectiveness of the ongoing investigation. This case may greatly benefit from the oversight of an independent body or an external law enforcement agency to ensure that the investigation proceeds without undue influence and with transparency.
The necessity for the Rolle family to hire private investigators due to a lack of updates from the police highlights a significant mistrust in the investigative process, a sentiment echoed by many other Bahamian families in similar situations. This scenario underscores the urgent need for robust systems to ensure accountability within law enforcement agencies, not only to address this particular case but also to restore public confidence in the system's capacity to handle internal corruption and related criminal activities effectively.
The case of Geovani Rolle's murder, entwined with allegations of corruption within Bahamian law enforcement, may just represent the tip of the iceberg in terms of systemic corruption in the Bahamas. This scenario underscores the broader issues plaguing governance and public trust in the nation's institutions. As the community grapples with these challenges, it becomes increasingly clear that creating "A Better Bahamas" is a collective responsibility. The call to action, "A Better Bahamas starts with you," resonates deeply, emphasizing the role each citizen must play in rebuilding and reinforcing the foundations of a transparent, accountable, and just society.
On Did drug conspiracy sway murder probe?
Posted 29 November 2024, 12:07 p.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
Corruption in the Bahamas is deeply rooted and continues despite being exposed for many years. It often gets worse under the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) administrations, with more high-level officials involved.
Past efforts to stop corruption weren't strong enough. They often only touched on the surface problems without addressing the deeper issues, especially under PLP leadership. To make a real change, the Bahamas needs stricter international oversight and stronger local actions to increase transparency and accountability.
On PM: ‘The tree will be shaken until every bad apple falls’
Posted 28 November 2024, 2:21 p.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
> Tensions between the United States and
> the Bahamas over allegations of
> corruption and complicity in drug
> trafficking.
This is the headline of a 1983 New York Times article from the early 1980s indeed parallels current issues. Despite decades passing, the themes of strained international relationships, accusations of corruption within the Bahamian government, and ongoing challenges with drug trafficking remain relevant.
The detailed account from 1983 highlights similar patterns of behaviour and governance issues that seem to persist in the region. These historical snapshots are crucial as they provide context to understand how deeply entrenched these problems can be and how they can impact diplomatic relations over the years.
The article underscores the complexity of tackling transnational crime, especially when it intersects with national sovereignty and corruption. It also reflects on the difficulties in enforcing international law enforcement cooperation when domestic laws and practices may inadvertently shield such activities.
This continuity of issues suggests that resolving them requires not just local reforms but also sustained international cooperation and possibly new strategies to address the root causes and not just the symptoms of such systemic problems. This headline from a 1983 news article reflects issues that still resonate today. Despite the passage of decades, themes of strained international relationships, accusations of corruption within the Bahamian government, and ongoing challenges with drug trafficking remain relevant.
The detailed account from 1983 reveals similar patterns of behaviour and governance issues that continue to affect the region. These historical snapshots are crucial for understanding how deeply entrenched these problems can be and how they impact diplomatic relations over time. The article highlights the complexity of addressing transnational crime, particularly when it intersects with national sovereignty and corruption. It also emphasizes the difficulties in enforcing international law enforcement cooperation, especially when domestic laws and practices may inadvertently protect these activities.
The persistence of these issues suggests that resolving them will require not only local reforms but also sustained international cooperation and potentially new strategies to address the root causes rather than just the symptoms of these systemic problems. Tensions between the United States and the Bahamas have arisen due to allegations of corruption and complicity in drug trafficking.
https://www.nytimes.com/1983/09/28/us/u…
On PM: ‘The tree will be shaken until every bad apple falls’
Posted 28 November 2024, 11:05 a.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
Yeah, you don't know Wayne ...hahaha
On Munroe denies role in cocaine scheme
Posted 28 November 2024, 10:09 a.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
From critical domestic concerns—such as the state of healthcare at PMH, infrastructural inefficiencies, and shortages in essential services—to international controversies, these issues are interconnected and symptomatic of a broader governance crisis. The culture of turning a blind eye to corruption has not only weakened national institutions but has also allowed criminal activities to transcend borders, tarnishing the country’s international standing.
To address these challenges, The Bahamas must commit to a comprehensive approach that tackles corruption and inefficiency at every level. This includes enforcing anti-corruption laws, strengthening conflict-of-interest regulations, improving transparency in public procurement, and regulating campaign finance. Moreover, fostering a culture of accountability within public institutions is critical to restoring both domestic and international trust.
The government’s response to the current crisis will serve as a litmus test for its commitment to reform. While addressing these allegations with integrity and transparency is paramount, the government must also recognize that this is part of a broader issue requiring sustained attention and action. Only by breaking the cycle of neglect and addressing the root causes of corruption can The Bahamas secure its place as a nation of integrity, progress, and respect on the world stage.
On Munroe denies role in cocaine scheme
Posted 28 November 2024, 9:42 a.m. Suggest removal
IslandWarrior says...
> Bahamian Corruption Crisis Gone Global
The allegations of corruption within Bahamian law enforcement, including the involvement of a "high-ranking politician" in facilitating drug trafficking as detailed in a U.S. federal indictment, highlight a critical moment for the nation. These issues erode public trust in local governance and draw international scrutiny, threatening The Bahamas' reputation on the global stage. This crisis reflects a broader pattern of systemic corruption and inefficiency, as outlined in numerous international reports that have long highlighted corruption as a pervasive issue in the country.
According to Section 4 of the U.S. Department of State’s reports, corruption in The Bahamas extends beyond isolated incidents. These reports cite instances of cronyism, kickbacks, bribery, and organized criminal activity involving senior immigration officials. Allegations of bribery schemes to sell passports and visas, as well as accusations of immigration officers soliciting bribes for better treatment of detained migrants, paint a troubling picture of systemic failures. The reports further highlight the government's inability to enforce contract and procurement laws effectively, with limited application of conflict-of-interest and anti-corruption clauses. Nepotism, exemplified by a government corporation chairman awarding a contract to his daughter, underscores the deep entrenchment of favouritism within the system. Additionally, the lack of regulation in campaign finance systems leaves the door wide open for quid pro quo donations, further entrenching corruption.
The Church Hill Project is another stark example of the consequences of allowing domestic corruption to fester unchecked. In this case, Bahamian-linked criminal activities spilt over into Canada, exposing how local failures can create international complications. Similarly, reports like the U.S. Department of State’s Investment Climate Statement and International Narcotics Control Strategy Report have consistently highlighted financial crimes and governance issues, further corroborating the notion that The Bahamas struggles with addressing corruption at its core.
These revelations point to a cultural problem where corruption and inefficiency are often tolerated or ignored until they escalate into crises that draw global attention. The current situation, involving alleged collusion between law enforcement and political figures, exemplifies this dynamic. It underscores the urgent need for systemic reform to prevent The Bahamas from being defined by these recurring scandals.
- continue in reply:
On Munroe denies role in cocaine scheme
Posted 28 November 2024, 9:41 a.m. Suggest removal