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'BAD REP'
MIA MOTTLEY
Published on: 6/14/2009.
OPPOSITION LEADER MIA MOTTLEY has warned Government that its new immigration policy is already beginning to give Barbados a bad reputation in the region and could possibly affect the economy.
"A government is entitled to implement strong policies. These policies, however, must be applied consistently, fairly and humanely," she said in a statement yesterday.
"Moreover, for a country where people's standard of living depends on people visiting our shores, any reputation of Barbados being inhospitable to visitors will affect our economy," Mottley added.
The Opposition Leader's comments came on the heels of Guyana's President Bharrat Jagdeo's statement over the weekend in which he took exception to the treatment of Guyanese in Barbados as reported to him by Guyana's Honorary Consul Norman Faria.
The Guyanese leader said he had spoken to Prime Minister David Thompson on the issue and noted that his administration would do all it could to assist Guyanese who might be deported with resettling in their homeland.
To this end, Foreign Minister Carolyn Rodrigues will be in Barbados for a regional meeting and while here she will meet Guyana nationals, some of whom might be affected by Government's six-month amnesty for undocumented immigrants.
Jagdeo said his government would not stand by and see Guyanese treated unfairly anywhere without speaking up for them. He said the situation would be discussed at the regional Heads of Government meeting.
'Must be corrected'
Mottley said it was critical for Barbados to "correct the unfortunate reputation which Barbados is rapidly developing in recent weeks".
"A hostile environment for immigrants must not be an unwelcome environment for Caribbean visitors. The focus must be simply who have arrived and who have never been documented . . . .
"Further, that when people are asked to leave that they are given the time to pack up their belongings and leave in a manner that does not reduce them to feeling like criminals," she said.
According to Jagdeo, there were reported instances of Guyanese allegedly having their homes raided at night and also being taken off buses and deported.
"Prime Minister Thompson said to me that he didn't know of any such case, and that is not the intention of his Government, and that he is willing to meet with our honorary consul to discuss any case and to investigate any such case," Jagdeo said.
Jagdeo noted that some of the arguments put forward about immigrants putting pressure on the social security of the countries in which they resided were not really valid.
On this, Mottley said Thompson as lead Prime Minister for the Caribban Single Market and Economy must settle the contingent rights as a matter of urgency.
"It is the uncertainty as to what social services persons will be entitled to receive when they move to live in another country that has driven many of the legitimate concerns expressed by Barbadians and others in the region," she added.
(TS/PR)
61 comment found!
: 6/15/2009
It is now being said that illegal immigrants are not a drain on Barbados's social services. Below is but one glaring example and others could easily be found, if one really wanted to be honest. How is the government able to keep bus fare at $1.50 and allow school children to ride free? How many illegal immigrants pay taxes? How many of them use public transportation? I have a problem with rewarding persons who, essentially, broke the law and managed to escape detection for 8 years? What will prevent illegals, who do not qualify under the present amnesty, from hiding out until the next amnesty is announced? Ignore Mama Mia, she is just being pow'ful foolish!
Chicken Merry Hawk Dey Near : 6/15/2009
you on top now Barbados! Be careful how you treat you brothers and sisters from di CARIBBEAN, cause de only way left is down. Y? Y? Y? Y?
Illegal Guyanese. : 6/15/2009
If you are in a country with no work permit you should go back home .This is Common Sense When the Economy gets tight, jobs should be for local taxpayers ! Human Rights etc gone through the eddoes !! This applies in any Sovereign Nation. Out of touch Elites will never understand this because their bellys full & they are addicted to the cheap labour provided by illegals !!
WHAT IS XENOPHOBIA : 6/14/2009
To the Editor of the comments section. If persons making comments does not attached a poster name you should not print the comments. I don't like to reply to comments made by other bloggers but I feel very compel to reply to the person who wrote Xenophobia. First of all, Babadians do not have a problem with persons coming to Barbados LEGALLY. We have a problem with people who come and over stay their time, work illegal, undercut WAGES and lower the STANDARD of living of Barbadians. We also have a serious problem with illegals who are breaking the laws of Barbados. Many Barbadians travel to Guyana many years ago, because there was a great demand for labour in Guyana in those days. Historically the migration of Babrbadians to other caribbean Islands has always been low. The reason for this is, Barbados standard of living always tend to be higher than most of the other Caribbean Islands, therefore,other caribbean people tend to migrate to Barbados. For the person who wrote the blog to say that there is no evidence that the social services of Barbados is not being extended is just ridiculus. Our Schools are overflowing to the brim. Most of the time there are no beds available at QEH. Our policlinics are overburden. Common sense would dictate that if there are an estimated 20,000 undocumented persons in Barbados, that would have a tremendous impact on our social services. Even more troubling to me is the negative impact the Indo-Guyanese will have on Barbados 10-15 years down the road.The Black Guyanese can not change the DEMOGRAPHICs of Barbados, But the Indians will. And we In Barbados will be face with the same RACE PROBLEMS that are destroying guyana today. The before mention is a very Salient point that most people tend to be missing, and most don't want to talk about it. We as Bajans need to talk and discuss the negative impact an increase in the Indian Population can have on our society. WE as Bajans need to do what other people does, look out for our interest first. Like I said before we have no problems with foreigners coming to Barbados once they come legally. When we allow them the enter our Island as tourist we expect them to leave when their time has expire. We are just 166 SQ miles. We can not even satisfy the needs of our own people as it is. People can talk to the COWS come home most Barbadians are backing Prime Minister Thompson Immigation Policy. And yes those who think that the Prime Minister is PANDERING to the ELECTORATE,he ha a right and a duty to pander to them. The ELECTORATE of Barbados made him PRIME MINISTER. Not the POPULACE of another Country. As this debate goes on I am sure a great DEMAGOGUE will emerge.
Bad Rep : 6/14/2009
Even if all the illegal immigrants were allowed to stay in Barbados, Barbados would still have a "bad rep." The very people for whom Barbados is a magnet, delight in criticizing the island and its people. The "bad rep" did not start with the offer of amnesty. Even if the amnesty proposals were rescinded Barbados would still be the whipping boy for Jagdeo, Gonsalves and all the others who continue to profit from the largesse of the Barbados Government and the Barbadian people. Mia knows that!
"Bad Rap" : 6/14/2009
THE ONLY "BAD RAP" BARBADOS will get is if our leader continue to let people from other countries, whether it be Guyana, England, China, Columbia, or any other part of the world come to our rock and treat us as though our country belongs to them. All of them need to get out of Barbados, we are use to taking care of our country, keeping it clean (only a few nasty ones around) respecting our laws, and enjoying what is rightfully ours. I am a frequent visitor home, and I am appalled at the amount of foreigners that I encounter when I go home. Most of them are disrespectful, and try to treat us bajans as though they are doing us a favor. I applaud our Prime Minister David Thompson, for his efforts in stamping out this nonsense. My only concern is that he should get ALL OF THEM OUT OF BARBADOS. TAKE BACK THE PHONY CITIZENSHIP THAT THEY BOUGHT FROM THE PAST CROOKED ADMINISTRATION, TAKE BACK OUR LAND, AND KICK THEM TO HELL OUT. AS for the Guyanese, I have heard terrible stories about the injustices that they are committing towards our people, not paying rent, cussing us out, dirtying our island, and bringing mother, father, husband, sister, brother, and not let us forget the snakes, and possibly the giant african snails in to our country. As a poster on this site mentioned Jagedo needs to fix his own country affairs before he try to tell our great, educated PM how to run our rock. Even here in the USA them long hair light skin gals and boys from Guyana want to rule. I would not stand for a light skin or white bajan telling me what to do, so why them. As for Mia and her nonsense, she need to take a hike, her past administration with all it's crooks and sell out is the people that have Barbados in the situation it's in. Very soon she and her croonies will be advocating for private beaches, segregation, and the lot (by the way) i saw a sign in Christ Church at one of the new condominiums stating that it will have a private beach, I hope that this is only a ploy and not factual. I am forever boasting about what a wonderful country I was born and raised in, and how lucky we are as a people to be able to go any part of our Island and enjoy it. Recently I have been hearing from many bajans here in the USA that they will prefer to stay here than to go back home to Bim and have foreingers tell them what to do, and where to live. (Whether it's a copout or not) it bothers me to no end. Mr. Prime Minister, do not change your stand, we will respect you more, and vote you right back in again. i SAY GET ALL OF THEM OUT, OUR COUNTRY WILL BE BETTER WITH OUT THEM. NO ANMESTY FOR NONE OF THEM, ALL OF THE NEED TO GO. When we came to other people's countries, we had to abide and respect their laws, and even though the majority of us did the right things, (work hard, raised decent kids, bought houses, and paid our taxes, oh yes paid our taxes, to this day we are still seen as foreingers, and are told many times over this is not your country. I am always happy to say "I have a country that I can go back to and will be going back to". If the dumb bajan men want Guyanese woman then they should go and live in Guyana. Then and only then they will see what treatment awaits them. I stress again that in the olden days when bajans went to Guyana, it was to make it the country it is today, not to dirty, cuss it's people, don't pay rent, or made them feel inferior. I have never heard of so much drugs, killings, etc, happening in Bim until now. I remember when the police was respected, elders, and one will help the police catch the perps. (Even though I think some of the police actions are questionable) -Money talks to some people. God help us if the Columbians get a foot hold in Barbados also the Chineese. The only white people that should be living in Barbados is the BAJAN WHITES, OR husbands, wives, kids, or significant other of bajans.
Illegals should be regularised : 6/14/2009
So they can pay taxes... Be covered under health care and so on. Also wasn't an international report saying that Barbados needed to watch out for people being exploited as sex workers? If so, Barbados should be looking out for illegals to make sure no one is getting exploited in Bim. Besides didn't the BLP send the workers from India home when they were found to be exploited working on the cricket stadium?
Immigration Policy : 6/14/2009
Somewhere along the lines i think we(or some of us) has misses the real reason for the PM stance on these policies it will be a good thing for most of the Illegal imigrants for sure the end of exploitation from contractors,landlords,girlfriends,boyfriends and any other person who have done or is doing them wrong.The economy of barbados should not be blamed on no one nationality it is a global thing, so we need to wake up on that one, as for crime it was in the begining and it will be there til the end. I wish most of us willl spend some time on trying to call on the PM to help ease the burden of taxation so as to make things alittle cheaper for us here in Barbados and I will start "Mr. Prime Minister is it possible that you can revisit the import duties on imports? can the percentage on the freight, that forms part of the customs duties be reduced or even removed? you have called on business not to use the World economic crisis to layoff workers, well now can the Government of Barbados Lead by example: everything will be more affordable for us all:our national economy will bounce back as more spending will take place goods will be cheaper,and then we wont have to worry about the other nationalities because there's no reason to.Try it Sir please it will work. It will be called the PM's Stimilus Package
Responsible Repatriation : 6/14/2009
May I suggest that those who have benefited most from having Guyanese settle in Barbados should perhaps be made to bear the greatest costs of havig them repatriated. In other words, those responsible for helping Guyanese settle in Barbados should take lead responsibility for helping them r-establish themselves - with the least possible disruption - in Guyana. In the first instance, this would mean that a Guyanese national who, by his or her own efforts, settled by questionable (or illegal) means in Barbados, should be made to bear the brunt of any disruption resulting from their resettlement. If on the other hand, a Guyanese national settled in Barbados by questionable (or illegal) means with the assistance of a Barbadian (for example, by a "counterfeit" marriage arrangement - such as I was once asked to be a part of, for a significant sum of money, or through illegal employment) then the "marriage" partner or employer who has benefited from the questionable/illegal arrangement should be made to contribute toward the resettlement. I think employers who have benefited by paying lower than legal or acceptable wages to Guyanese workers bear a particular responsibilty. The challenge, I imagine, will be to find documentation or other evidence of the questionable or illegal arrangement. Whatever the difficulties/challenges involved, I think my basic point bears consideration: ordinary, innocent taxpayers should not be made to bear the brunt of the cost of any programme of resettlement the government introduces. Those who benefited most should be made to give from their abundance. This,I think, is in line with the biblical principle: too whom much is given, much is required. Accordingly, landlords (such as I was) who having benefited from the Guyanese presence (as I did) are currently in a position to contribute toward minimally disruptive resettlement by, for example, offering reduced-rent or free stay to Guyanese during their final days/weeks/months in Barbados, should do so. If I were in a position to do that now, I would.
Common sence : 6/14/2009
To all those who think we will be worse off without Guyanese workers, not the case, the only difference is that the ones available would be legal, paying income tax and national insuance. DICK IN NY
Mia be quite please : 6/14/2009
Mia give me a break please take yourself and live in Guyana. PRIME MINSTER you are doing a great job.AS PRIME MINSTER you have to do what is best for the country.The BLP knew about the illegal immigrants and did nothing so why Mia keeping so much noise now.empty barrels makes the most noise so Mia keep QUITE
mia please keep your mouth shut : 6/14/2009
can you tell me why mia has so much to say.mia seen to foget that her party (BLP)was well aware of all the illegal immigrants who came to live in Barbados and were able to vote .
Xenophobia : 6/14/2009
Where is all this xenophobia coming from? Barbadians perhaps need to recognise that they, too, are a migratory people. In fact, large numbers of Barbadians migrated to Guyana thirty or forty years ago and to some extent, the chickens are coming home to roost. The fact that some people cannot get a house spot has nothing to do with Guyanese and everything to with wealthy hoteliers and private persons buying up land here. There is also no evidence that the social or other services here are being over extended in any way. Please, the population needs to educate themselves on the facts. PM Thompson needs to stop pandering to public paranoia. We are beginning to sound a bit like the Nazis in Germany. It is all to easy to blame others for our own problems. Yes, illegal persons need to be regulated, but remember that there are many non-Barbadians living here productively and peaceably just as there are many Barbadians doing the same in other countries.
Bad Rap : 6/14/2009
What is the problem? Those that are not registered are asked to do so by a certain time to ensure their status. If they are there illegally, then they should be deported. Here in Canada the illegals are taken up and placed in hotels awaiting the next flight out to their home countries. The prime minister of Guyana should try to do something for his country as they call themselves South America. Barbados is a small island compared to Guyana, and they have lots of products that need to be addressed and I am quite sure that Guyana would become very progressive. They also need to embrace the BLACK PEOPLE there (their own) and stop being racial towards them. The majority of the people who are flocking to Barbados are the Indians who think that they are better than the Gold that is in Guyana, all that needs to be processed. Again the Prime minister there should try to do something about the products there, work on them, export them and try to build his "NORTH AMERICA" Mia, you are a very smart lady, but you need to co-operate this time around and let the Prime Minister do his job (the right thing) Look at the education system there, who is contributing to that? Are the illegal Guyanese making contributions. I was born in Barbados, and when I return there for vacation, I am being treated like a black hat, when I am contributing to the economy. If the Guyanese are there and are working illegally then they are not paying taxes. What happens when they get sick, then the QEH is stuck, because they should not be turned away. I am not a DEM, but I give them the credit in their adventure. (Born Barbadian living up North for over 40 years). The illegals up north also get deported and do not get the opportunity to collect their belongings. They are captured and put on the next available flight to their homeland and if a flight is not available at the time of being captured they are placed in hotels under security until a fligt becomes available.
please mia : 6/14/2009
cant understand why mia is talking so much mia forgot that is was her party (blp)that let all illegal immigrants into Barbados.I LOVE what the PRIME MINSTER is doing it would be job well done.mia needs to shut her mouthand let the goverment do the job because the people of Barbados voted for them
FOREIGNORS NEED TO GO HOME : 6/14/2009
I would like to know if Ms.Mottley read Tony Best recent article on IMMIGRATION? I think MS. Mottley is showing her true colours every day. AS Carl Husbands said, We bajans have dealt with this immigration issue already. The majority of Barbadians are supporting Prime Minister Thompson on his Immigration Policy. Every country in the world has the rights to protect it's National Borders. MS. Mottley is a very good lawyer, and she knows very well that any person who have over stayed their time in Barbados has broken the laws of Barbados. Anyone who have overstayed their time without an extension from the immigration DEPT. does not have a right to be in Barbados. Immigration has the right to pick them up anytime any place. The aliens with an WORK PERMIT or an EXTENSION have a leagal right to be in Barbados. All the rest need to leave Barbados, or be put out of Barbados. This does not only apply to Guyanese, but to all foreignors, no matter where they are from. Just let us clean up Barbados and create jobs for bajans in these very rough times. Mr.Jagdeo, should be ASHAME of himself. he can not get his own Country run properly, but want to tell us how the run our affairs. If he was doing a good job in Guyana, so many of his people would not be running away. If these were in diffirent time I am positively sure that Mr. Faria Status would have been revoked. Ho too want to tell us how to run our Country. To all those foreignors you have been regularise, and those with work permits, we are happy to have you amongst us. You are welcome to stay once all of you respect the laws of Barbados, and Barbadians. To all of you, who have over stayed your time,and does not qualify under the Prime Minister new deal, please go home before you are deported.WE are being humane, we bajans have always been a humane kind and loving people.
THE ONLY THING TO DO : 6/14/2009
I WOULD LIKE TO LET THE LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION PARTY KNOW THAT WHEN ANYONE IS LIVING IN A COUNTRY ELLIGALLY, AND YOU HAVE TO REMOVE THEM FROM THEIR COMFORT ZONE IT IS NOT INHUMANE OR HOSTILE. I AGREE WITH THE BARBADOS GOVERNMENT TO NIP THIS PROBLEM IN THE BUTT BEFORE IT GETS ANY BIGGER AND CAUSE A BIGGER PROBLEM FOR THE BARBADOS GORVENMENT AND ITS PEOPLE THESE PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN ANY TIME TO PACK ANYTHING. WHEN THEY ARE DEPORTED FROM CANADA,NEWYORK, OR EVEN BRITIAN, THERE ARE NOT ALLOW TO DO SUCH THING, SO WHY SHOULD SMALL BARDADOS ALLOW THIS SORT OF NONSENCE TO HAPPEN. DO THEY THINK THAT WE ARE STUPID.IT IS APPALLING AND VERY UPSETTING BY THE BEHAVIOUR OF THESE UNDOCUMENTED PEOPLE. THERE ARE WRONG, AND SHOULD NOT BE STRONG AS WELL.
BAD Rep??????? : 6/14/2009
Let me understand this clearly. Mia Mottley seems to be taking sides with Norman Faria with respect to The Prime Minister's firm immigration policy, when it was the BLP under Owen Arthur with Mia Mottley as Deputy who with their open door policies, flung wide the gates of Barbados to these foreigners. Take for example, the BLP administration under their "smart" plan, sold majority ownership of the Barbados National Bank to Trinidad, which in turned led to the sale of Barbados Shipping & Trading to another Trinidad major company. It is about time that Barbados, a country of 166 Square Miles enforce strict immigration policies with respect to any non-national including Guyanese. If non-nationals do not have legal status in Barbados and are just taking up space, they need to go home! Period! The BLP, especially Mia Mottley needs to be encouraging with respect to enforcing tougher immigration instead of trying to polarize the country and stop this nonsense about Barbados is getting a Bad Reputation. When The Honourable David Thompson can take a stand to control illegal residents, Mia Mottley is doing her best to trample on that effort. SHAME ON YOU MIA MOTTLEY! GROW UP!
Trust in God : 6/14/2009
The Lord gives and the Lord takes all the earth is God's earth he who brags the most lose the most maybe the Guyanese are being saved by senting them back home whe dont know what is around the corner
Poor treatment : 6/14/2009
It is sad how we Bajans have become. I support Mia. Bajan man
Sad Day for Barbados : 6/14/2009
There was a time when Barbadians ran moved to other countries in the region to get a better life. Many of them when there illegally and remained -- they were not deported or mistrated. Guyana, St Vincent, St Lucia, not to mention the US and Canada all received many Bajans. Prosperity is never a permanent thing; things can change -- a hurricane or earthquake can change things overnight. We Bajans have become too arrogant about our success. It was not always this way and probably will not be. We ran to other places too. The poor treatment CARICOM citizens and arrogance of my fellow Bajans is simply shameful. What is more is that there is not one shred of evidence that Barbados is suffering as result of migration. I challenge the Government to bring the evidence. In fact, Barbados is not the even among the main recipents of migrants in the Caribbean -- check Antigua, Turks and Caicos the BVI and The Bahamas. If you run the numbers what you will see is that migrants to Barbados are two types: skilled/professional and the unskilled. Barbados has been fortunate to get most of the former. The country has beniftted from this. Also, productivity levels of migrants are higher than locals. It is sad that such misinformation abounds on this topic. Sad because the data do not support most of the arguments against migration. There are tiny rocks in the world which have much higher population densities than Barbados and do much better -- Singapore has 5 million people and it is the size of St Lucia. You know when we should be concerned? When they don't come, not when they come. Leaders are supposed to lead and not pander. Hopefully the PM will begin by educating the country about the truth. Bajan to de Bone
Sad Day for Barbados : 6/14/2009
There was a time when Barbadians ran moved to other countries in the region to get a better life. Many of them when there illegally and remained -- they were not deported or mistrated. Guyan, St Vincent, St Lucia, not to mention the US and Canada all received many Bajans. Prosperity is never a permanent thing; things can change -- a hurricane or earthquake can change things overnight. We Bajans have become too arrogant about our success. It was not always this way and probably will not be. We ran to other places too. The poor treatment CARICOM citizens and arrogance of my fellow Bajans is simply shameful. What is more is that there is not one shred of evidence that Barbados is suffering as result of migration. I challenge the Government to bring the evidence. In fact, Barbados is not the even among the main recipents of migrants in the Caribbean -- check Antigua, Turks and Caicos the BVI and The Bahamas. If you run the numbers what you will see is that migrants to Barbados are two types: skilled/professional and the unskilled. Barbados has been fortunate to get most of the former. The country has beniftted from this. Also, productivity levels of migrants are higher than locals. It is sad that such misinformation abounds on this topic. Sad because the data do not support most of the arguments against migration. There are tiny rocks in the world which have much higher population densities than Barbados and do much better -- Singapore has 5 million people and it is the size of St Lucia. You know when we should be concerned? When they don't come, not when they come. Leaders are supposed to lead and not pander. Hopefully the PM will begin by educating the country about the truth.
: 6/14/2009
A serious question for all of you people who are complaining about the migration of guyense and jamaicans etc to the Island....is it just these people you have a problem with? ie, those who have come to better their life opportunities through gaining employment etc, (because surely your not going to blame crime on them as it was happening before and I suspect will continue to happen once they have gone and being in barbados illegally does not necessarily mean that you will be involved in crime), or is it everyone including rich americans and well off english people, who are not seeking jobs etc, but just wish to reisde on the island without intergrating with you. Surely the limatitions of your social services departments are as a result of the lack of services avilable to you as I understood from a friend who resides in barbados that as a non nation he has no recourse to your services anyway.
Bad Rep : 6/14/2009
Thank God that some politicians in the US are thinking like Ms Mottley otherwise the caribbean would be flooded with deportees. We use the Health system,we use the Education system and few of us use the Welfare system.We are not criminals and the legal system prevents us from being treated as such. The BLP government has never had a bad stance against immigrants, I hope that they never will. Clyde NY
: 6/14/2009
My young adult son keeps asking why are we wasting time when both political parties are doing the same dog. it reminded me of somebody's calypso: "DLP, BLP same philosophy"
Boy I tell you : 6/14/2009
Can you imagine that the Opposition opened the flood gates and almost drown us out and now we are trying to correct the problem they come with some fluff about being viewed as inhospitable. Some people have a nerve. What about those Guyanese that the former Prime Minister mentioned built his kitchen cupboards? They were employed would somebody tell me if they paid NIS and PAYE. Did Mr Arthur pay the employer's contribution? Are they still here or have the work permits expired? Where there no Barbadian artisans here that they were imported in the first place. Were these jobs offered to any of the great cupboard making small businesses down on Spring Garden?. God is in charge and all is well.
: 6/14/2009
I do agree with you Caricom Champion. A lot of Civil Servants found it difficult to function effectively for some years. Many feeled relieved now and can only hope that there will be many improvements. One is always aware that each party has it's allegiances, but somethings became overbearing. We thank Mr Thompson for trying his best to clean up else we Barbadians lose our own identity. I don't know if we are pushing too hard, all I know is that we expect great things of Mr Thompson so that we can rebuild our self esteem in our own country. Retired Civil Servant.
Bad Rep : 6/14/2009
There is one word for the Opposition Leader's comments, and that is POLITICS. The country's reputation will suffer among those who have no respect for the rule of law. She has a responsibility to tell the Barbadian public what her party's position on this issue is, and to outline what they would do differently. This is an issue which requires statesmanship, not politics as usual. In these dire economic times, Barbados needs visitors, what it does not need, is to be overwhelmed by illegal immigrants. It is deeply troubling to see leaders who should be respectful of the laws in other Caricom countries now pandering to those who have broken them. It bears repeating; freedom of movement does not equate to illegal movement, and that is the message leaders across the Caribbean need to be conveying to their citizens.
UNDOCUMENTED/WORKERS : 6/14/2009
MR.P.M. YOU ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING FIND OUT WHO THEY ARE AND TAKE IT FROM THERE, BARBADOS IS TOO SMALL TO HAVE SO MANY ILLEGAL FOLKS CROWDING THE COUNTRY,WHY NOT TRY THE AMERICAS ?ARE THEY SCARED OF THE COLD THEY COULD TRY ARIZONA IT HOT YEAR ROUND KEEP IT UP MR.P.M LOVE YOU.
: 6/14/2009
Alot of other matters are giving Barbados a bad name abroad too Miss Mottley.
Rep : 6/14/2009
As you can see, it is the previous administration that created the mess the island is in today. Princess Mottley and King Arthur have done nothing but undermine the policies of the new administration. Why are policies created? And why was our prime minister forced to create this policy for aliens to come forward and register with the government? Mottley should answer these questions. As for Jagdeo and Faria, there are using a reflective screen to cast the problems of their country men on Barbados. What they need to do is to support their country men so they would want to stay at home. And as I have said before, the Guyaneese people need to fight for what they want in their country. They should continue writing letters to their leaders at home and force them to become responsible, not for a few, but for all of their people. You must put the screws on them and keep the pressure on until they stop sitting on their hands and start producing. Mottley should aid these people by unofficially approaching their representatives and assisting them in finding ways in keeping the Guyanese at home. It is unfortunate that the government of Guyana cannot comprehend the effect non tax paying individuals would have on any government. Perhaps if he had a social service administration in place it would become clear to him the drain it would pose to the administration. It is unreasonable for Mottley to ask our government to not enforce our laws because it does not fare well with the government of Guyana. As you know, the same government of Guyana that is doing nothing for the people. Listen, I am not saying that the people of Guyana should be treated unfairly, I am asking their government and Mottley their advocate (not intended to be negative) to assist the Guyanese back to their country.
'BAD REP' : 6/14/2009
Exactly where do you stand on immigration policy? every country have laws with enforcement officers to make sure any violators are kept in line.We know how much of a burden this have become on our limited resources, how much longer can we let this go unchecked? look around Mia housing,schools,water, hospital care, [TAXES] our taxes pay for all of this if they are illegal they are not paying they fair share of taxes every single thing you can think of is overcrowded.We have to do something and this government is on the right track what is your solution, or do you just think you have to do what the opposition is sousposed to do. there have to be some common ground here MIA. I would like to know what world you are living in and the colour of the sky?President Bharrat Jagdeo's should invest some of his time and energy in his country try to bring some control over the vast resources of this wild fontier known as Guyana create work for your people and others around the region we all will be better off.
Old Politics : 6/14/2009
It’s clear to see that the opposition leader is trying desperately to keep their party alive. However the problem is that her methods are old politics which consist of disagreeing with everything the current government is doing but not really highlighting what would be their method or how they would approach the issues. The problem is that her political career has consist of an aggressive approach but never a smart one no real solid contributions to any of the high positions she held in government. She’s a towering figure of strength which I commend but doesn’t display an intelligent approach or answer to anything. I admire the BLP but unfortunately they have the wrong leader she is a good player or enforcer but not the leader they need.
Immigration : 6/14/2009
It is sad that many of our members of the public are totally unaware of reality. There are numerous Trinis and JAmaicans living here in Barbados holding professional positions that BArbadians are qualified and experienced for. Why is there no cry about them? In fact these two grouos have their own clubs, parties and boutiques. The reality is just as Bajans went to Engalnd to perform work the English thought was below them, the same is true here. Who will work at some of these small plantations, not the boys on the block I can assure you! I too believe that there are too many GUyanese in Barbados, but the new policy aimed specifically at them is harsh, and does not address a number of issues. Are perons who were living here illegally for say more than seven years, who applied for status under the old immigration law have to reapply under this new policy? Will Barbadian born children be deported by a non-Barbadian born Prime Minister who only has one Barbadian parent and is married to a St. Lucian?
: 6/14/2009
Mia it was you and your party that decline my request to bring a car and relocate to BIM at age 40 after living overseas for over 30 years. it cost me thousands of US $ and i was forced to return my car to the US because the former PM did not accept my request. In the mean time i see lots of non natives of the island driving around the country with imported cars. You need to just take a hike and let the current PM run the island. you and the former PM had your chance. Thanks to the BLP i'm now back in the US and may never return.
Stop With the Foot In Mouth Please : 6/14/2009
Ms. Mottley, the more you speak the more I am beginning to think you are nailing your own political coffin. Not all Bajans have degrees but we are not stupid. What I would like for you to do is to talk about the audit, talk about the contract, let the people of Barbados know "where de money gone". You continue to put your foot in your own mouth at every opportunity and your double talk is abysmally stupid. Barbados has a right to deport any illegal immigrant from any island or any nation. We will not be bullied by the likes of you and other shifty characters looking to get the next vote. Start planning your retirement.
BLP or CLP : 6/14/2009
It is of my opinion that the Caricom Labor Party[aka BLP] still don't understand the issue at hand when it comes to immigration or are not interested in what Barbadians think.There have been consistent warnings coming from many Barbadians on this immigration issue towards the BLP on illegal immigration & yet they are still trying to promote laxed immigration enforcement laws which got us in this mess in the first place. How many more illegal immigrants would it take to enter Barbados for the BLP to actually start taking the issue seriously ?Is having the current number not enough ? I think everyone should be warned about how certain persons use the argument to their advantage when it comes to CSME.CSME only covers Skilled LEGAL immigration & must be approved by the Immigration Department,yet we have certain persons trying to meld it with the ILLEGAL immigration issue where a person has come for a short visit but refused to return or overstayed on an invalid work permit. I urge all right thinking Barbadians to support the Prime Minister on the ILLEGAL immigration crackdown & denounce these anti-bajan comments coming from the BLP.
BAD REP : 6/14/2009
I tend to see where you are coming from Concerned Barbadian
BAD REP : 6/14/2009
There is no easy way to solve this problem, especially with the ecomomic situation that we now face. But I applaude the Prime Minister for taking some action before Barbados becomes like some of the other countries that has poor economic control and function. We cannot let this problem get any bigger, this could cause our economy to plummet. If this problems continues to grow, barbados could be in big trouble. I know of people who cannot find a house spot. What is going to happen a few years down the road? Ms Mottley as an opposition candidate will critize Prime Minister Thomposon no matter what he does. I do how and pray that Barbadians are supporting Mr. Thompson and will continue to do so. I think everyone who is in Barbados illegally should come forward and depends on the situation should be given residence or sent home. How many more illegals do we need in Barbados? I am not saying that they shoud be treated unhumanely but they should be given a a time to get themselves together and go home if they stay does not warrant residency. I am sure if they were to go back home they would be welcomed and the skill they gained in Barbados could be put to use in their country. GOD BLESS BARBADOS!! MS MOTTLEY TRY LIVING IN THESE COUNTRIES.
Bad Rep : 6/14/2009
I am fully aware of the importance of migration,and we as Barbadians have to be mindful of the fact that we were privy to the kindness and generousity of the governments and people of Guyana and Panama in the past.But what I find disturbing is,Barbados a little two by three island without any natural resources is able to manage its affairs reasonable well,and a massive country like Guyana with more natural resources than any island in the Caribbean,and to some extent many of the larger nations in the world,and has found it very difficult over many decades to utilise and manage effectively its natural resources and economy,but has the time and energy to fight with little Barbados who is struggling to provide the services for its people.In my opinion,some of our politicians are adding gasoline to the fire with the hope of scoring a few political points. My suggestion is to transfer the people of Barbados to Guyana and transfer the people from Guyana to Barbados and see if the problem will be solved(food for thought). Signed: Concerned Barbadian.
Bad Rep? : 6/14/2009
It appears to me that the Government of Barbados is finally attempting to do the right thing as it pertains to a national immigration policy; this is exactly what most soverign, independent and democratic governments have done; or are in the process of doing. This is not to suggest that any one nation should institute policies, or make laws that discriminates against the citizens of another nation. How can any free county protect it's citizens and it's national security without a humane, and non-bais immigration policy that is in the national interest? I believe what the Prime Minister and his Government are attempting to do with a new Immigration Policy is right for the citizens,and non-citizens of Barbados. Is it perfect? I do not know, but on the other hand what is perfect? The governments of the UK, France, Germany, the USA, Canada and many more have much stricter rules and policies on Immigration; and now because of the current global concerns on security, the immigration laws of these countries are becoming much tougher. Let us give the government a chance to develop and implement a good immigration programme, and we must communicate our rationale/reasons for these policy changes to the leaders of our fellow Caribbean countries...this is the input from an old Bajan Scientist, and my thoughts are therefore non-political, and may not apply to this critical Caribbean debate. Dr. C.A. Carter
What Hostility? : 6/14/2009
The problem with immigration today is because for too long it was treated as a political issue. It is not. It is a social issue which turns political when it gets out of control. The only hostility I see is visitors coming to your country, deliberately breaking your laws by overstaying their welcome, and demanding that you do nothing about it. That's hostile. Asking those who got away with it for over eight years to come forward and be documented is NOT hostile. Asking the others to leave or be sent home is NOT hostile. Barbados is still a rock. Are we trying to sink it with all those people? What hostility?
illegal immigrants : 6/14/2009
I would like to ask the leader of the opposition where was all this bad reputation coming from before the Prime Minister stated his government policy on the illegal immigrants.The system is broke & has to be fixed.Barnados has to do what is in the best interest of Barbados,the guyanese aren't flocking to any of the other sister islands,neither are we bajans flocking to Guyana enmaase.This is a problem that should be worrying all bajans,we have to stop the politics and work together to solve this very serious problem,otherwise we will be found wanting. Ponga-Brooklyn.
Bad Rep!! : 6/14/2009
This problem of Immigration is being manipulated by several persons because it is such a lucrative buisness for some. Cheap labour, rental exploitation and theres. It is time that Bajans stop this profiteering from the plight of these unfortunate people. The Government of Guyana need to take responsibility for its citizens and stop exporting them as a product to get foreighn-exchange. Stop this foolishness Ms Motley you helped faciliteted this exploitation when you were in power. Take the high road now.
Imigration "illegal" : 6/14/2009
Instead of the Guyana Government trying to "Run" Barbados' affairs,the should be spending their energies trying to develop strategies wherewith they can grow their economy. Barbados and Barbadians CANNOT sustain the influx of these people,who stand to take our assets,as oppose to contribute to the well being of the country they desire to call "Home" . Bajan Up North
: 6/14/2009
BOY ! -its not what you do but how you do it sometimes that matters. The Guyanese situation should have been handled quietly by allowing the Immigration do to their job without fuss or fanfare. One gets the impression that the Immmigration Officers were not able to function to their full capacity during the last X amount of years. But Prime Minister Thompson must please his constituents (the people of Barbados) and address the Immigration situation. Whats wrong with that ????-It is how it is done. CSME is needed now even more than before.
Guyana : 6/14/2009
What does the police do when there are looking for criminals when they find them.Take them off the bus,take them from home in the night,take them from the work place.If these people are breaking barbados laws then they should be treated just like criminals not with kid gloves.Go Mr Prime Minister we are behind you.Mr Mottley can shut he mout.the blp goverment allowed this problem in the first place now the dlp have to clean up the mess,and clean it up shall be.
: 6/14/2009
Mia you will never be a leader! One must stand up for the majority of the populace! I will never VOTE FOR YOU OR YOUR PARTY! You are a sell out!
"BAD REP" : 6/14/2009
Mia be a sweet heart on this one and leave it alone, Mr Thompson is trying to clean-up the big mess you and others left behind, give him a hand on the clean-up effort or stay out of the way, there are other good wars to fight, this is not one of them. Be the darling we think you are. Dont prove me wrong.
WHO IS FIGHTING FOR US? : 6/14/2009
With all due respect to the Honorable Opposition Leader, what was Barbados' reputation amongst those Caribbean leaders and undocumented immigrants now lamenting the new immigration policy prior to the announcement of said policy? Did they see Barbados as a bastion for the hopeless, a shining beacon of altruism for mankind? Or did they see Barbados as a country of fools who did and said nothing as any and all came and overstayed and did whatever they pleased? I have read many excellent posts on this site regarding this issue. We have exhausted this point. Quite frankly, we could care less what Prime Minister Jagdeo, Consul Norman Faria or whomever think. What we do care about however is Bajans being felled by either bullets or the H1N1 virus. Where are the results of the Police probe into the Springer shooting? What concrete steps are the Government taking to protect Bajans against the H1N1 virus? To ALL elected and government officials, lets try this concept... put Bajans' interests first for a change.
Bad Rep!! : 6/14/2009
It is sad that Ms Motley, who was part of creating this problem of immigration is now talking so-much foolishness about measures taken by this current Government to correct a problem that is in urgent need to be addressed. Please Ms Motley please help your country to do the right thing, Try to be a states lady on this one and not an obstructionist. DO THE RIGHT THING, I think you still know the difference between right and wrong. I will be watching you.
MIA MOTTLEY : 6/14/2009
WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN AND WHY YOU HAVENT SAY A WORD ON THE AUIDIT REPORT ABOUT IMMIGRANTS YOU NEED TO STOP JOINING FORCES WITH PEOPLE WHO CANT RUN THEY COUNTRY BUT WANT TO RUN BARBADOS HOW COME SAID PEOPLE DONT CALLON THE USA CANADA OR ENGLAND ON SAID PROBLEMS IT SEEMS BARBADOS IS SMALL AND BE PUSH AROUND BY WHO EVER WANT TO WHAT ABOUT THE RACEIAL PROBLEMS IN GUYANA WILL HE DISCUSS THAT AT THE MEETING WARNING MR THOMPSON GET BARBADOS TO HELL OUT OF CSME ITS A WASTE OF TIME WE CAN SEE HOW EVERYONE THINK OF US BY LETING US KNOW IF THEY CANT OVER RUN US WE ARE NO GOOD WITH HELP FROM MIA WHEN SHE SHOULD BE CONCERND ABOUT THE ECONOMY AND THOSE CONTRACTORS THAT TAKE MONEY AND NEVER DONE ANY WORK THAT IS STEALING AND THE GOVERMENT CAN MAKE THEM PAY IT BACK.
Angry Reader : 6/14/2009
Mia could shut she mouth. Her party create the problem now DLP have to clean up the mess. Why dont Mia take up her belongings and live in Guyana. I know she wouldnot survive.
What? : 6/14/2009
Guyanese was being taken off buses,from they home and off the streets and deported ever since,under the last govenment too this is nothing new some had to pay to stay,please stop all this nonsence and help the country out off this jam,because if this Government fail both DLPs' and BLPs' yardfowls is going to feel it and we won't be better off,The people of this country aint as foolish as you think they knows when to change because they do it all the time,just check history and you'll see,so lets us put our hands to the plough and do the job at hand
good rep : 6/14/2009
jagde, looks who talking about bad treatment go into guyana and ask about your policies.. your people has change the standards of living for Barbadians " crime from broad st. to Nelson st. on top of that Mia, this is not exceptiable thats why we have a new PM. doing the correct thing fixing these problems. and if you dont see why please question yourself. have a great day
Fair & Firm : 6/14/2009
WOW! It's funny how the present Opposition sat back for thirteen years, allowed the Immigration policy to be trampled by these undocumented workers, THEN come with its accusations, suggestions and warnings. Now don't get me wrong. I'm not political. I'm just a documented worker in another country who sees how strict its immigration policy is....and how it is respected...and accepted. And I fully understand the need for some of these Guyanese (and other Caribbean nationals) to seek refuge in Barbados. After all, I too left BIM seeking betterment. But, should we allow our immigration policies to be trampled at the expense of a CSME which (in my humble opinion) is a positive 'no-show'? We all have our individual answers to that question....some based on reality, some on sympathy, some just political. I wait for the day when political parties in Barbados would put aside partisan politics and tackle critical national issues as one, instead of looking to gain political mileage in the press (and now in the Region). It looks (my opinion) like the Opposition is grabbing at sympathetic votes.
Bad Rep? : 6/14/2009
Mr. Prime Minister, go ahead with your plans on your recent Immigration policies. I believe that you are being quite fair to all those fine people who love to live among us.
No retreat, No surrender : 6/14/2009
It is regrettable that the opposition leader is at the forefront of this effort to cultivate this "unfortunate reputation" for Barbados. Prime Minister Thompson please ignore those that have little credibility on immigration policies and know that the majority of right-thinking people support you on this matter.
Politics as Usual On an Issue of national concern : 6/14/2009
Mia Mottley is playing politics, and she is making a huge mistake relying on the words of Norman Faria. Norman Faria said "It seems to me that the principle of free movement throughout the Community that is enshrined in the Revised Treaty is quite unrealistic. He went on to say that “The real problem arises with non-covered categories like occupations in construction, agriculture and tourism when host economies that have been booming enter a period of recession. Some region-wide management system for this is necessary. And it should be comprehensive in the sense of speaking to several issues.. One approach would be to grant temporary work permits for such categories of workers, or a regional guest workers type scheme aimed at filling labour market shortages which may be inherently temporary because of construction ‘booms’. ” I am asking Mia Mottley "Pray tell how to do you regularize the citizenship status of illegals immigrants without, amnesty, and a very real reason for them to respond to it? Why did the BLP government NOT entertain the Sir Roy Trotman idea of an employee registry as way to measure the need for foreign labour? comments attributed to Norman Faria can be found at the following URL http://www.normangirvan.info/open-letter-to-caricom-prime-ministers-on-the-immigration-crisis/#comment-3563
Bad Rep : 6/14/2009
It was your party that started this,you all have sold out the best land in Barbados to the rich Englishman,indian and now the chinese,so shut up.Soon pensioned Barbadians returning home would`nt have any place to live.This rock is only 166sq miles,these rich politicians don`t have the interest of the average Black Barbadian at heart,they are lining their pockets.
Question Time : 6/14/2009
Managed Migration? Yes. Abuse of neighbours? No. Q1:P1: Was our employment levels at its lowest while all of these non-nationals were in Barbados? Yes Q1:P2: Are non-nationals causing an employment problem? No Q2:P1: Does Barbados have a problem with over crowded schools? Yes Q2:P2: Did over crowding in schools start with the influx of non- nationals? No Q3:P3: Do we need more schools in Barbados with or without non-nationals? Yes Q3:P1: Did the influx of non-nationals cause problems in our hospital, transportation or any other social service? No (if you think yes bring me the proof) Q3:P2: Did we not always have problems with or Health and transportation system? Yes. Let us not blame non-nationals for the poor state of our social services but rather seek ways to improve our services. The provision of these services have been poor from time, please my fellow Barbadians lets not use these folks as poor excuses for our lack. It would please me to see all parties meet to see how this problem can be corrected before things get any worst within the Caribbean. Lots of my family and friends including my mum are celebrating between 40 - 50 years of migration to the UK. We know the early struggles and sacrifices that were made and we now see the fruits of their labour. Please treat these non-nationals like human beings, I would like to see the old policy being enforced (was not followed to the letter by the previous government) and this new policy reversed. Stop the hailing of a damaging policy my fellow bajans, don’t just jump on band wagons.
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