"..t***he government should aggressively pursue policies that attract cutting-edge minds from around the world to live and work in The Bahamas.***"<br/><br/>
Now I don't know what international standards Fred is talking about, because even the most liberal countries like Canada have strict policies in place to ensure that THEIR citizens are always selected first for jobs. Additionally, as I have family who live there, I can say even after they married a Canadian there was red tape in being able to start work.<br/>
While I may believe in having children educated while they are here, I certainly don't believe in opening The Bahamas as a "free-for-all". First of all, where is the space? This country is too small for this foolishness.<br/> I feel like the new foreign investors coming in need to be encouraged to develop the family islands going forward because Nassau is too crowded.<br/> Additionally, there are a lot of college graduates who take advantage of their student visa and later marry a foreigner (e.g. US citizen) simply because they know there is no work for them at home and/or the pay is an insult to the degree they achieved.<br/>
How about increasing attractive packages for our OWN Bahamain people to encourage them to come back home.<br/>
This sounds a lot like that old washed-out concept of "foreign is better". I thought we got rid of that by now. Bahamians have a lot to offer our country. If we can get rid of all the corruption and political rhetoric maybe the skilled people will have a chance, instead of the cronies of political parties who just get favors/contracts because of who they support (and not because of their abilities). Immigrants really need to think about building up their own country. What happens if we in The Bahamas just gave up because of the crime and all the other garbage going on here? Then we will never advance as a people. (So how about making plans to better your own country as well?)

Agreed.

Never thought I'd see the day that I agreed with Brent Symonette. But Minister Symonette I agree with you on this one wholeheartedly.

Well_mudda I always find it hilarious that bloggers think we are the same person. Many of the things you post I don't agree with, but I certainly don't believe in personal attacks. There have been a few times we agree but it doesn't seem to be that often. <br/>Maybe because we both use "underscores" in our blog name. Readers truly lack imagination and that's the truly funny part. Rofl

You're assuming they're just going to automatically return home right?

I'm sorry but I think this is quite strange. Like I said in a previous post about the Ministry of Education's policies against allowing Haitians already living here to get an education is a bad idea (idle hands are the devil's workshop). How are you going to allow Dominican's to come to school here but block Haitians? Is one group better than the other? Didn't God make us all equal. (Yea and before all the cut-throats start preaching, I am well aware of one group being illegal - but it still seems like a double standard to me, especially since they Already Live Here!)<br/><br/>
I believe we need to get our finances in order and get out of DEBT before over extending ourselves. Why not organize donations and contributions from all these millionaires lounging around in The Bahamas? For that matter, any private citizen who wants to donate, you can help to organize that. But this is just asking for problems... I can see the backlash coming... (okay, now please express your disagreement if you do, without the immature display of verbal attacks - it's just a suggestion though).

Mind you I agree that illegal immigration must be handled thoughtfully and with long term goals in mind, however, JL has a point about education. In the meantime, I think the youngsters should be educated. I don't think much good would come from MORE young IDLE hands in our country. Put real plans in place to solve immigration, but in the interim let the children get an education. <br/>Feel free to disagree, but just like everyone else I have a right to my own opinion.

So true... some ppl just don't know when to keep their mouth shut. Shameful!

Yeah this stupid practice for the "ELITES" needs to be discontinued immediately. Look, elected officials are called to a higher standard. Not a LOWER one! No, they are not perfect, but they are there to set an example. NOT the example of what NOT to do! I work hard so that I can pay my bills on time. Pay your bills! Have you no shame? It's the amounts that disturb me the most. How do you let your bill accumulate so high? It shows a total disregard for what is right and what should be done. It also sets a horrible example to the rest of the general public.

Hold on though... this BEC official seems like they are speaking with pride about the 40% paying bribes to staff! What kind of lousy management is this? What other sensible company in The Bahamas will sit idly by and allow almost half their revenue to be siphoned away by criminal employees. am i missing something here?