We allow tens of thousands of newly minted Bahamians to actively participate in our electoral process without issue. So I have no problem with a 15 year permanent resident, possibly Bahamian, who has invested almost a billion dollars (billions if project proceeds) commenting on Bahamian politics. He is more than entitled to do so...it does not mean the electorate will or should necessarily fall in line with his position.

However, instead of focusing on the facts or remaining objective regarding the Bahamar debacle, some would rather have us focus on the nerve of this 'foreigner' injecting himself in our politics. It's not that serious, but Bahamians are pretty obvious. Just remember 'pride comes before the fall'.

In plain English, Voltaire: Did I mention reading the doctor's report? Or did I say, based on the excerpt? But I will read the report, and if in "plain English" his results are indisputable, meaning no other examiner could have determined otherwise...I can concede that. Unlike some of us, I am reasonable and unbiased.

Its not the end of story as it could still have been as a result of an accidental discharge. Furthermore, a bullet entering the cheek could also exit the neck. What is the rock solid distinction between both scenarios? That essentially was my question. Medical examiners and doctors are not always right, another could come along and arrive at the oppose conclusion.

I'm sorry, I'm not in the medical field. But does the excerpt below mean without a doubt Justillien was intentionally shot? Could it still have been an accidental discharge of the weapon? Does it dispel the theory that he could he have been shot in the cheek and exited through the back of the neck? If so, how?

"CT scans (a series of x-rays) taken of Justilien’s brain, facial bones, and neck showed “cerebral atrophy”, a shrinkage in brain tissue, “comminuted displaced fracture of the left maxilla,” meaning the bones in part of his face were in many pieces and not aligned and “a soft tissue hematoma on the left side of the neck with subcutaneous emphysema,” or swelling with blood."

Procrastination, I agree, is the real reason for the backlog. Prior to the mandatory deadline to replace obsolete passports and the immigration regulations...I thought the process was painless. I received my passport a week earlier than I was quoted.

“Xenophobic rhetoric in anti-immigration politics”…really? There is nothing discriminatory or unique about the Bahamas’ immigration policies when compared to other 21st century immigration policies. Haitians simply feel targeted because they are the largest group of immigrants. However, no immigration law or policy singles out any specific group. It also does not distinguish between children of illegal or legal foreigners, with regard to applying for citizenship at 18. The failure of illegals to accept an iota of responsibility for their actions and the unfortunate situation it places their children, prevents discussion. In a perfect world, no child should be faulted for their parents’ action or denied an opportunity to succeed…but in reality everyone is impacted by the decisions and legacy of their parents.

The role that illegals play in an economy like the Bahamas, is that it takes jobs out of the market for Bahamians. An illegal who rooms with 5 others, and splits a $25-50 per week in illegal rent, little or no utilities, can always perform the job more cheaply. If we disagree on how illegals benefit an economy with 15% unemployment, overcrowded schools and taxed resources…where is the common ground?

Evidently Nicole is not smarting from what you believed to be an "epic" intellectual thrashing. However, it's ironic that you used the word myopic because "Myopia describes the intellectual space your writing occupies".

Those who simplify opposition to illegal immigration as "xenophobia" are extremely narrow minded. In reality there are logical reasons why a small, developing nation would not welcome scores of illegal immigrants and promote an anchor baby state. But of course, you couldn't see that and that's not what the "victims" want to hear. Also, FYI, global realities are here and illegal immigration is a common one for many countries...but I am not surprised that you can't see that.

I don't agree that a2z proved your point...but you proved mine by contradicting yourself. Xenophobia allegations end all logical, practical and honest discussions because both you and I know that Bahamians are not xenophobic. Most important, these emotional and exaggerated statements promote discord. As a result we lose the opportunity to find common ground and a mutually beneficial solution. At the end of the day the "pure" but average Bahamian, expat, legal or illegal immigrant or foreign investor are all victims of inept and corrupt governance.

You are correct many Bahamians are of West Indian or some other descent. So are we are multi-heritage and xenophobic? Or do you simply have no logic to support your biased view?

It clearly is misused. Poor leadership, an uniformed electorate and corruption are some of the things handicapping this country, not xenophobia.