Are these images verifiable? There seems to be a lot coming out from the Tribune on this. Day after day they seem to have unfettered access to images and statements made by the abused. I see the political game has begun. They will attempt to hang this issue around the PLP's neck like an albatross. Really tired of the way we do things in this country. Same old cycle of nonsense. Can we vote for the aliens from Mars the next election? The FNM sucks and can't get their act together because of emotions and the PLP is no better. We are too emotional in this country. We want good leaders who make logical decisions. Granted, not every decision will be liked by everyone but for crying out loud lets make some big decisions that moves this country forward.

So sick of hearing about this Cuban nonsense, when the water pressure in my home sucks because W&S who can't get its act together always has some issue with pressure. Then there's this shambolic phone company called BTC Lime that has made us the communications laughing stock of the region. When are we going to get fed up with excuse after excuse they lay upon us? We need some big things to happen for us in this place. But we appear to delight in petty politics and theatrical performances in Parliament. The government and opposition need to work together more to resolve some serious national issues. We have no real major idealogical differences between the two major parties. So I cannot see why we haven't made sense enough to progress forward.

I honestly don't think you folks read things well. I very clearly stated that we should be critical of any government that represents us. And who may I ask called you a traitor? Not I. So redirect your issues dude. What gets me with Bahamians is that we are so eloquent when insulting and tearing each other down. And 'to lose the plot,' is an expression very often used in literature. No need for semantics here dude. I have simply stated that we make everything of national importance a political argument. We never seem to have clear discussions on the issues in this place. Its always that we must find every means to gain political points. Anyhow, when we are ready to stop these tribal dialogues between Tal and a few others who engage in these party talks please let the rest of us know. Stop hijacking, sensible discourse with total rubbish and petty politics.

I can't see why every story has to be a PLP vs. FNM on here. We really are a bunch of suckers in this lil country of ours. When Bahamians are beaten in Cuba we don't hear a word from these Bahamians who are so quick to tear down our own. Where is your outrage and disgust then? I don't care who's in power we are all Bahamians and we really need to start acting like we have some interest and respect for 'we.' That doesn't mean that common sense and human decency should be thrown out the window. But I think it does mean that yes we can and should be critical of any government that represents us . But what I've been seeing and hearing from many Bahamians on this issue is just plain nonsense. Why is it always Ingraham or Christie or whoever? Why can't the conversation ever be about what and how we the people of this nation feel about these attacks on our credibility as a people? We always seem to miss the big picture because we appear to so easily descend into these petty arguments and small time politics. Seriously, who are we in this 40th year? Better still, who have we become in this 40th year? We a re losing the plot in this nation.

Very true banker. I don't see why we are trying to make an international event out of this. Let us do what we think is right and in the best interest of our country and move on. As I posted before. Its no use we carry on with people who simply want to carry on in the media. We already know that Americans enjoy the media coverage that they too often get. Especially the politicians. So why give them ammunition? The deal is done. Curtain call.

You are hilarious dude. Always expect a funny comment from you. That phrase sounds so Bahamian.

Let's move on. It makes no sense being in a war of words with people who want to bully you. Bullies will always be bullies. There is no changing that. The deal is done. Curtains please. But again I plead with our government to get serious on this immigration stuff. Please can we really build a serious Naval force that will deter people who want to run rampant in our borders? It seems like these NGO's are out to get us from every angle. When it aint the economic rating firms its the OECD. When it aint them its the human rights people. I agree that we are not a perfect country but we are far better in terms of freedoms and rights than many other countries. This includes countries that the US has cozy relations with. Like I said before, no weapon formed shall prosper ........... Love my 242.

What's funny is that the many Cubans who we have welcomed into the Bahamas have yet to defend the name of this country. Where are your voices in all this? That's why it is really important to be sure of who we allow into this country. I am open to people from anywhere in the world coming and enjoying this place we call home. But I have to say we need to have more loyalty and respect from those who come to live with us.

Thanks for that. I am probably too young to know that bit of history so its great that you can fill in the gaps for us. I appreciate it.But still I think the policy has its political and racial bias. This is a point that has been argued by many illegal immigrants coming to the United Staties. I once heard a Mexican make the point and in some respects he is correct. Most of the Southwestern US was once Mexican territory and they are geographically joined yet there is no special conditions for them. I wouldn't talk about Haitians. Their supporters have argued for years that the policy is not fair and that Haitians are in just as much economic turmoil and danger at sea as Cubans. The Cold War is over and Castro has one foot in the ground. Isn't about time the US rethink its policies. But, in saying that I would also say that we as a country really need to sort out our immigration policies. I'm all for migration of people, but we need to make clear policy decisions so that we don't find ourselves in such awkward positions. Again, thanks for the history. I will take the time and go look this info up.

Don't worry man. She's simply pandering to the South Florida block of voters who are by and large Latino Americans. Remember that there is always an election around the corner, so the right things must be said.

So true man. It amazes me the attention that Cuban asylum seekers get in comparison to Haitians. Haiti with its social, political and economic turmoil can't even get meaningful help from the French who once enslaved them. Yet, everyone is up in arms about Cuba. The whole 'Wet Foot, Dry Foot' policy began under Clinton was unfair and had racial discrimination written all over it. The Cuban-Americans would have thrown a fit had the same policy been applied to Haitians who were adrift at see and found their way to U.S. shores. You, see the policy is only suppose to be for them. No one else has suffered hardship more than them it seems. Pathetic.

True Panama and Central and South America are options for shopping. But it would be good if we tried to improve the language teaching in this country so its easy to do business in these countries. But I must say. Panama was quite out of order offering asylum based on total crap about Cubans being mistreated in the Bahamas. It would have been more friendly in an international relation framework to monitor the situation and approach the Bahamian government privately. It reminds me so much of what one of my professors use to lament in my International Law class. That is 'there are no friends in international politics, only interests.' But looking at this situation the Cuban detainees stood a better chance of asylum had their supporters in Miami kept their mouths shut. Their constant attacks on the Bahamian government only inflamed an already tense situation. But as I said in an earlier response, I think we need to have a more streamline repatriation policy to avoid situations like this. We also need a sensible immigration policy in this country that is welcoming to those who mean this country and its people good.