The RBPF conducts raids, law enforcement agencies the world over conducts raids where criminal behavior is suspected. You should quote me the law that says that raids against suspected illegal activity is illegal. Show me the law that says suspected criminals are guaranteed legal representation. Also, I made no such claim about the creation of the detention center.

You have been biased in every post of yours that I have read. Nowhere, did I assert that the PLP is worthy of trust as I do not subscribe to PLP or FNM politics. However, I can admit when if there some good or something at all being done (even in one area) regardless of politics, and this includes public figures Fred Smith. However, I have yet to see him suggest anything impartial or for the good of Bahamians in this debate. But like I said, I am open minded and rational.

He is whining. Mr. Mitchell wanted to set a professional tone by asking him to withdraw the accusations made against the department of immigration, he refused. Just as he is quick to blame the government for individuals' actions, he made claims of the department that are unfounded. Accusations such as the rape, the pregnant woman...were addressed. But Mr. continues with the villainization of this group of individuals. As head of this ministry, I cannot blame Mitchell for not wasting his time. Regardless of whether they have a face meeting or not, his concerns, even his lunatic accusations, have been addressed. Is he hurt that Mitchell will not meet? Again, why does it matter?

Fifth time, in these discussions I will ask, which law(s) is being broken?

Our constitution does not guarantee everyone accused of a crime with legal representation. If that has changed, I am not aware. It does not prohibit raids where illegal activity is suspected. Allegations of abuse are being investigated, and the rapist is being prosecuted. And yes, I do not believe most of the abuse allegations. What else would I expect of individuals who cry foul when forced to face the consequences of their illegal action?

I, and most Bahamians prefer a law that is clear, concise and leads to the repatriation of illegals and their Bahamian born children. Why should anyone who enters the country illegally, and has children, be granted citizenship simply because...? The Bahamas cannot afford such a policy. However, there is a clear path for their children unfortunately, and minister Mitchell seems to be making that attainment even easier. While Mr. Smith is protesting even that, because the only thing he seems to want is to overburden the Bahamas financially, and physically, with unsupportable numbers of immigrants.

Do you have evidence that Fred Mitchell or any government official participated in the KKK demonstration? We cannot hold the government responsible for the heinous actions of individuals. Nor should we as rational persons, imply it without proof. With that logic we can hold Fred Smith accountable for the threats made by Anston Ally.

Also, it's not that Mr. Smith was 'right', we were all aware of deplorable conditions at the detention center, like we do of Fox Hill. Yes, the attention brought to it did result in some changes. However, like I comment in another discussion, even a broken clock is right twice per day. For the other 23.98 hours, it is useless.

Like another commenter has posted, he is coming off of what he believes is a win, and feels as if he now has leverage. He does not. If his "fostering" ties is anything like his idea to ignore illegal Abaco immigrants, provide legal representation for all suspected illegals, or anything that further burdens the Bahamian public...he needs to stop. Like I said before, the Bahamas should not be held hostage by this or any group.

Also, yes Fred Smith is truly thin skinned. You had it right the first time. He is the one who is clearly making it personal. Mr. Mitchell, seems to want to keep emotion out of it by deferring to a public vs. personal dialogue where tensions are most likely to flare. Fred Smith is the only one whining about not meeting face-to-face.

You are clearly wearing blinders.

Also, this issue is not an international sensation, sorry. Baby North West's camera shopped "blue eyes" will produce a much bigger hit.

Because the government does not provide five star accommodation to detainees, legal representation to all just off boat or not, requires persons within its borders to be documented it is not "unethical, immoral or corrupt". Fred Smith, and you are reaching. He wants only to hold the Bahamas hostage with unfounded claims and exaggeration of isolated incidents to the international press. His actions will get nowhere!

@Economist, @DonAnthony, @lkalikl and @guyfawkes - the country was defamed by Fred Smith and company. Tone is irrelevant, content is everything. To say that immigration policies are being followed, rather than law, is a lie. If you disagree, tell me which policy does that? He was clearly and simply being disagreeable in order to falsely show a government that harasses and intimidates, while presenting no proof. Mr. Smith clearly feels no government intimidation. If so, he needs to be clear about these tactics and provide the proof, rather than falsely representing the actions of private individuals as government endorsed. To imply that is also defamatory to the country.

If Fred Smith were honest with the commission he would have been warned about his erratic, irresponsible behavior instead. Did Mr. Smith mention his idea of a government revolt on national radio? Did he mention his partial acknowledgement of defaming the country...where he agreed to tone it down, if illegals in Abaco are ignored? Did he mention that he promotes disrespect of our immigration authorities by falsely claiming they have no arresting powers? It sounds like Fred Smith is the one playing games. The fact that Mr. Gomez was there, shows that he is not being ignored. Why should it matter who the official is? Mr. Mitchell is clearly not the one personalizing this "sensitive national issue".

Comparing the Bahamas to Nazi Germany, operating a concentration camp - sounds like lunatic ramblings to me. His concerns are being addressed by the government, why does it have to be Mitchell personally? This is not a personal war between the men. It would be offensive if our highest ranking immigration official took the time to meet with an individual who is bent on destroying the reputation of the country.

There are persons on both sides of this debate that ignore facts, including you, so give that a rest please. The only proven claims are related to the conditions at detention center. But like we know of conditions at Fox Hill, nothing was done. Fred Smith claims are not being ignored. Every legitimate claim he has made has been denied, disputed, is being investigated or in the case of the rapist, a criminal prosecution is taking place. Don't be an alarmist and take isolated instances as the norm, it is not, and most common sense individuals accept this fact. Also, there has been an almost daily exchange between the GBHRA, and others on this subject. This man is not being ignored, although he should be. His requests on how illegal or possible illegal should be handled is ridiculous. There are some things that the government should absolutely not entertain, such as providing legal representation for every potential illegal immigrant that comes to our shores. I would prefer that money be spent to improve our other criminal detention center. He is a just a loudmouth who is overlooking the fact that at the end of the day, the people he claims to be fighting for are the ones who will benefit. Bahamians will not benefit from thousands being placed into an already tight job market, or from the watering down of our culture and heritage to accommodate illegals and the so-called "belongers". Fred Smith needs to get a grip. But his real intention to encourage as much illegal immigration as he could into the country by placing an unrealistic cost to the repatriation process.