If you read the Bahamian constitution, you will clearly see that the immigration minister has the the right to implement and enforce policy. But even so, I ask again, for the third time in these discussions, which policy is superseding the law?

They have concerns based on the unreliable information that Fred Smith and company put forth. That is not truly based on their OWN observations, but rather what was fed to them. It is now their obligation to investigate.

Detention has to be the first resort, history has proven this. The irresponsible actions of Brent Symonette and the FNM oversaw the release of known illegal immigrants. How did that work out? At the very least Voltaire, be realistic and sincere in what you present as an unbiased opinion. The cost to track and locate illegal immigrants when they have an army behind them is not something the government can consistently do. You know, as well as I do, that no illegal immigrant will attend an immigration interview. Like Fred Smith, you are deferring responsibility for intentional illegal acts to the government, and ultimately to innocent Bahamians.

There is nothing wrong, inhumane or illegal of placing blame where it lies.

The so called Human rights defenders are not under attack, if we want to be honest. The government, if you are keeping up with the news, are the ones under attack for trying to bring some order to illegal immigration. Again, this is one of Fred Smith's exaggerations. This group will side with anyone who claims to be pro human rights, while claiming the government to be anti human rights.

DonAnthony, I have no problem with all sides trying to reach a compromise on illegal immigration. However, we must all be realistic and realize the limited resources of the Bahamas. The department of immigration, and rational thinking Bahamians, have essentially conceded that there will be some give and take...possibly more give than we want. However, for Fred Smith and the Haitian community, there is no compromising. It's always been "give us what we want, or nothing".

I, and many other Bahamians, take offense to being held hostage by this group of instigators. The bulldog approach of Fred Smith only intensifies an already contentious issue and there seems to be no stopping him. Likewise, Fred Mitchell and the government should not stop with their efforts.

Fred Smith has never put forth the notion of using his voice to prevent illegal immigration before it starts. He offered to lighten his tone, if the backlog is cleared, again placing the liability solely on the government, none on the illegal immigrants and their supporters. He could have offered to speak to the Haitian community about their ongoing support of illegal immigrants and their sponsoring of the illegal journeys instead. He could denounce human smuggling and use his access within the Haitian community, to work with the RBDF to prevent this. He could accept that the Bahamas cannot support the cost of providing legal representation to each and every suspected illegal and suggest alternatives that would provide realistic oversight of this process.

The government seems to be listening because clearly it wants to protect the Bahamas' reputation. Fred Smith however, is not having any of it. Like I said, it's all or nothing for him. His only intention seems to stop those who do not condone illegal immigration.

This paper could be using "Bahamian" very loosely. It could have been a Haitian born Bahamian or a paper Bahamian.

...anything to ensure the Haitian is not cast in a negative light.

Again, which policy does that?

Determining if someone is in the country illegally is more of an administrative process than a legal one. As lawyer Wayne Munroe confirmed, the immigration minister has the right to sign off on deportations without court proceedings for persons who are determined to be living in the Bahamas illegally.

The costs of providing legal representation for each of the scores of illegals and potentially illegal is not a practical approach for the Bahamas. It is just another tactic to ensure the flow of illegal immigrants will continue. If the government provided representation for all suspected illegals, they would have to do the same for the other criminal and suspected criminals housed at Fox Hill prison. The costs of defending all suspected criminals in the Bahamas is a burden that the country Is unable to provide.

Fred Smith has made multiple inflammatory remarks about the Bahamas...not just the Nazi Germany claim.

Most of Fred Smith's accusations have already been answered, repeatedly. The commission would be remiss if they did not investigate themselves and simply took the word of Fred Smith and crew.

Also, for my clarification, what part of our immigration policy does not conform with local and international law? Because that accusation has also been addressed, multiple times.

No country has a perfect record on human rights. It's not an excuse! However, by improving the detention center conditions, the government is showing their willingness to address legitimate human rights concerns. But even a broken clock is right twice per day. It does not change the fact that for the remaining 23.98 hours, it is wrong and absolutely useless.

Smith made his points at this hearing. However, being more animated than your counterpart when most of what you are saying is embellished, unproven or untrue is not a win. Fred Smith continually perpetrates lies of victimization, discrimination and human rights abuses against the country, because the truth does not align with his anti-Bahamas campaign.

You use the term "victory" as loosely as Fred Smith uses the terms "victims" and "xenophobia". It was not a victory, as it does not change anything where it matters. The immigration department has not, and as far as we know will not, change its course. Gomez was dull by comparison to Smith, but it was not a debate contest. He still adequately challenged some of Smith's unfounded and exaggerated assertions.

Pretty soon, even those abroad will realize the lunacy of Fred Smith.