There is absolutely nothing wrong with Bahamians wanting the bahamas to maintain a predominately Bahamian identity. And to ensure its resources are used primarily for the benefit of Bahamians. People like Fred Smith and other Haiti-adjacent individuals simply want to use Bahamas for its resources, and what it can provide for Haitians until there is no more. Treating people humanely does not mean one has to fall under the weight of trying to support another. It more accurately reflects crabs in a barrel, and ultimately benefits no one. But what do I care if I'm the crab at the bottom pulling others down?

Intelligent people need to bring ideas, enforce and create laws that benefit the Bahamas, not Haitians. They would also not enflame tensions between two groups. As I see Haiti embroiled in more violent civil unrest, I fear for the future of the Bahamas if the recklessness of Fred Smith and company go unchallenged and uchecked.

A prominent Haitian official confidently claims 200,000 Haitians are in Bahamas, the fact that their birth rate outpaces Bahamians and thousands more come annually...they have all but wiped Bahamians out. They are the real xenophobes. The only step left is to provide amnesty and birthright citizenship to all. This is when they will come out of the wood works. Their actions to discredit Bahamas in the international press is calculated. And just one way of pressing for the acceptance of mass Haitian immigration status. And why Fred Smith is so adamantly opposed to any method that would provide a means of deciphering who is who, in this country.

Just as Haitians can celebrate what is uniquely Haitian, centuries later, Bahamians should have that same opportunity. It doesn't matter if it's not as glorious as the Haitian revolution. Which too many Haitians in 2019, believe they are owed by Bahamas and the world. Despite what Haitians think of their one historic feat, they did not free Bahamian slaves. And Haitians did not "make" the Bahamas what it is. But they will definitely play a major role in its downfall. And I'm sure they'll celebrate their quiet revolution as outsiders, in their new country.

There are too many logical arguments by intelligent, non xenophobic individuals to always use such a ridiculous and childish argument to silence useful discussion. How is one to respond? With an equally outlandish quip like, "da's ya ma"? How about the government listen to the concerns of the people who elected them to serve instead? But it seems they're doing the opposite.

Ensuring the makers of those vile and threatening voice notes are identified and prosecuted is one thing. Trying to control free speech is absurd, and out of line. Meanwhile, Haitians are free to bad mouth the Bahamas all over international media without reprimand. Does that sound like an anti Haitian government to you?

I've read first hand accounts of individuals in Abaco of Haitians gone wild, and this note being in response to that. I've seen videos of burnt bodies and claims Bahamians are killing Haitians. And foreigners taking to social media with matter of fact tones that it is happening. It's not the frustrated and angry words of Bahamians that make them believe this. Its the reckless use of "xenophobia" by silly people who refuse to acknowledge the real issues that created the Haitian stigma.

It is also bringing out the worst in our Haitian brethren. I have never heard so many complaints by people who escaped with their lives and are being accommodated same as Bahamians, by Bahamians. Thank you seems to be in short supply.

On social media and the international press, Haitians are giving the perception that only they sufferred as a result of Dorian. I've heard complaints about food not being Haitian food, that juice is being withheld from Haitians as an act of xenophobia, another one needs answers from the Bahamas government while many Bahamians silently accept the unprecedented circumstances and challenges the government is faced with.

First hand accounts at the government complex in Abaco revealed it was unsanitary, and Haitians were using corners as bathrooms. But in all fairness the super dome after Katrina was also nasty beyond belief.

@Jimmy Z Your type written words and format is scrambled. So I have to conclude that is also your state of mind. You’re not capable of having an open mind.

I agree. So much focus has been on Haitians, it’s almost like Bahamian lives were not lost or devastated as well. I hope those living with family get as much assistance because that is not a permanently long term solution for anyone.

The country was not prepared for a category 5 hurricane or to shelter so many people. Of course the conditions are unsatisfactory...but it beats homelessness. Adults should understand this and express more gratitude for the assistance they are receiving, but I’ve heard mostly complaints. Even a 13 year complained about mistreatment to NY Times about not receiving juice, because she is Haitian, should show more appreciation.

The government did all they could to warn residents of the Mudd and Pigeon Peas. They had defence force officers walk through those villages with a creole speaker on a bullhorn. Thats as stern a warning as it could be. The only thing they could have done further would have been arrest...and as he states arbitrary arrest is unconstitutional. And despite those villages being destroyed, the other QC would have been seeking damages for the arrest that saved their lives.

Why don't they provide incentives for Bahamians abroad, to buy and build in the devastated areas? Why do we have to sell a portion of the country to China? Why would anyone think this is a good idea?

I don't understand. This is exactly what Bahamians should do...do it yourself or pay the cost for a Bahamian. You cannot be a part of the problem then complain about the side effects.