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DOUBT OVER POLICY
Prime Minister David Thompson. (FP)
Published on: 5/7/2009.
GOVERNMENT'S NEW IMMIGRATION POLICY on illegal Caribbean immigrants has come in for some tongue-lashing.
Opposition Leader Mia Mottley said yesterday Prime Minister David Thompson needed to clarify the new measures since they "gave the distinct impression that the Barbados Government was only concerned with the illegal immigrants in Barbados from Caribbean countries . . .".
Speaking at a Press conference, Mottley queried whether there was a similar policy for illegal immigrants who were from outside of the region, particularly North America and Europe.
In a Ministerial Statement from the House of Assembly on Tuesday, Thompson announced that thousands of CARICOM nationals who were illegally in the island, should turn themselves into immigration authorities or face deportation from December 1.
Mottley said the new immigration policy could have a backlash for Barbados, and expressed concern about non-nationals who had worked, or lived in Barbados for 11 years or less, but could not have their status regularised because of shortcomings of the Immigration Department.
"Whatever is done to deal with this issue must be done in a humane and transparent manner and one that does not breach the text or the spirit of our Constitution, the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, or indeed the CARICOM Charter of Civil Society," she said.
"The danger lies in the message that is communicated which can easily be distorted from what is the intention of the Government to legitimately control the number of illegal immigrants.
"The Immigration Department's capacity must also be at the centre of this discussion since persons legitimately waiting for extensions or renewals should not be disadvantaged," she said.
Leader of the People's Empowerment Party David Comissiong, described the new policy as harsh and said it would "traumatise and dislocate many men, women and children, including children who are citizens of Barbados by birth, who have established deep and stable roots in Barbados and who are making constructive contributions to Barbadian society".
There was also mixed reaction from Barbadians across the island and further afield.
Locally, some Barbadians said they didn't think it was right, while others said they agreed wholeheartedly.
On our online edition NATIONNEWS.com, one reader, Bajan Resident In The USA, said:
"I was wondering whether something is missing from the story or is it correct that the only undocumented residents in Barbados are from the Caribbean. Immigration policies must be seen as fairly distributed."
However, another reader, Harriet of Brooklyn, United States, expressed full support of the measure, saying:
"It is long past due that the Government of Barbados do something about the thousands of Caribbean non-nationals living in Barbados illegally. I fully support Prime Minister David Thompson on this move. Barbados is a very small island and does not have the resources or land space for such practice to continue without some type of regulation."
Meanwhile, Norman Faria, honorary consul for Guyana in Barbados, has appealed to Guyanese nationals to deal only with Government offices or their consulate in relation to any immigration matters.
Faria expressed fear that a number of so-called immigration consultants might want to take advantage of those who might be trying to get their status regularised given the December 1 deadline announced by the prime minister.
"I am confident that my people will do the proper and right thing in the present situation and will continue to respect the regulations as the majority of them have been doing," he said. (TS/TM)
33 comment found!
wednesday's incident in oistins : 5/15/2009
bajans will not do maid or field work, but like the proverbial dog in the manger they don't want guyanese (i.e. the indians) settling here and doing the work we in barbados are too high and mighty to do! vincentians come over and work as well but they look like us and because of this they do not seem to be targetted by immigration. Most of the problem originates in the fear-based racial prejudices which are being kept alive and well by a chosen few here... Is it true that immigration officials boarded a bus in oistins on wednesday removing several guyanese, requesting their papers? and who authorized this blatant discriminatory act?
Immigration Policy : 5/8/2009
Mia Mottley is too intelligent to continue in this manner of constantly criticizing any and everthing PM Thompson and his party does. Come on lady, get over it, your Party lost the election. It is over a year now and it is time to throw out those sour grapes. You all "RAPED" the nation of Barbados, until we were numb. PM Thompson has so much cleaning up to do after your government's disasterous run it isnt even funny anymore. You cant keep "catching" at everything, you have to let some things go lady. You are constantly nit-picking to the point of stupidity. Running a government is not a joke. And being in the Opposition is not a comedy show. I used to admire you but now I am ashamed of you. Stop the nonsense and try to give proper intellectual contributions.
the new immigration policy : 5/8/2009
the new laws about the immigration in barbados i do not think it is fear for only the people from the caribbean island it is hard thing to do if u all want to get out all the peopleis from the caribbean i think all other country should go too i am a barbadian living in new york and i have live here for 20year and think we in the caribbean should help each other and mosy of the guyana come to bim to work
Get it right Mia. : 5/7/2009
Leading up to the Election on January 15th 2008, Barbadians were trying to get the attention of the Goverment of the day with the flow of illegal immigrants into Barbados. The Goverment of the day did not listen to the VOICES of the people, the rest is HISTORY. The Democratic labour party have listened to the people in these trying economic times. I would have thought that the Leader of the opposition would have looked to bring our people together in these trying times.The leader of the Queens opposition have been all over the place , I have heard nothing from the leader of the opposition about moving our people forward, I do beleive on Mia's present course she will drive many more of us from the party, or untill she is removed as she dose not understand the job as the leader of the Opposition Leader of Barbados. Barbados as a small Island community with a dependence on Tourism and the flow of illegal immigrants , some involve in crime, it is a very slippery slope if Barbadians want to continue with the standard of living that exist. Lets not talk about if it is for English , Canadian ,or American. The Barbados Immigration picks up anyone regardless of ORIGIN, I remember several Europeans being deported and asked to leave the Island within 24 hrs, I can call names but I won't as people deserve respect and to be treated with dignity. Most Europeans ,Canadians and Americans can call on there respective embassies for assistance home which will be Granted. On the other hand it becomes a tax dollar that Barbadians pay towards deporting that person or a burden on the social service. I remember the West Africans last year, all I heard was Brother this and Brother that. whats up with this Brother Bullshit. Norman Faria have no interest in the problem that exists with the flow of illegal immigrants, or the welfare of Barbadians. Mia Mottley I suggest you look at the National interest and not the short sighted Polictical confusion short of trying to destabalise the Country more in these hard economic times. My suggestion is deport them, I will never go anyplace where I was involve in illegal activity, breaking the laws of the land.
Doubt Over Policy : 5/7/2009
Is it possible to simply debate the issues? Some of these comments are really shameful and help to fuel resentment towards Barbados. This is a legal issue brought about by economic reasons primarily, and the neglect of prior administrations. It needs to be fixed, but, speaking as a Bajan, I am ashamed of some of the horrific ways in which national and ethnic identities are being savaged in this 'debate'. I have said before that I am totally in favor of the need for action, but I hope for the sake of some of the contributors that they never are in a position where they are forced or have to choose to be undocumented. Some Guyanese may have broken our laws, but the stereotyping and hostility should be beneath us. Let the law take its course, but have some compassion. Remember the Prime Minister offered amnesty,he did not say he was going to deport everybody, so many of those who are currently illegal will simply become legal and will still be your neighbors. Will you then insist that they show you I.D. in order to be accepted? Contributors, temper your calls for justice with mercy and compassion.
NEW IMMIGRATION POLICY : 5/7/2009
i have notice that any topic the the Prime Minister adresses, Mia Mottley have an issue with. Mia, there is a reason your party lost the election. Why don't back your PM on critical issues. You are soooo anti Thompson that it does not matter what the topic is. You need to follow in the footsteps of the former PM and lay low. Let the new PM do his job because you had your chance and did nothing but looked out for yourself
: 5/7/2009
I agree with Mr.Thompson to have a sound Immigration policy.There is absolutely no way Barbados can sustain the type of illegal immigration that is going on but who is to blame? If you want Guyanese labour then there is a price you as the Government have to pay. Let there be laws that work permits should not be more than 9 months and stringent enforcement of those laws. Each documented worker should never be allowed to spend more than 9 months in Barbados. There will be tears from the Bagan employers but the law must be the law. Yes,Guyana has gold,rice,sugar,bauxite and an abundance of food,Yes,it was once the bread basket of the Caribbean but what Guyana has today is something different.It is a nation that is on the move since 1953. Every single home in Guyana has more than one member of the family working abroad--either in USA,Canada,England,Brazil,Venezuela,Surinaam,Trinidad and Tobago and other Islands,and yes,Barbados as well. Not one single young Guyanese is prepared to stay and live in Guyana irrespective of what the present Government say.Yes the nation is on the move. So Barbados do the right thing.Do what is in your interest to protect your tourism industry and your people.Get rid of all illegal immigrants and apply your laws forcefully.Your country is small and would never be able to sustain the flow of caribbean nationals. What you should have done is to grant amnesty to all who are already there and let them realise the Bagan dream---they are already embedded in the society and can only benefit your country and from the 1st.Dec.apply the necessary strict and new immigration laws that have the effect of stopping immigration, period. Half Bajan/Half Guyanese and full blown American.
Illegal Immigrants : 5/7/2009
Excuse me!!Not all Guyanese are criminals!!All countries produce criminals!!I'm a Guyanese living here with Bajan grandparents!!I'm here legally what about all the other foreigners living here illegally the government forget them!!Bajans employ illegal Guyanese because they will work for less money than the Bajan & work damm hard.How many Bajans want to cut cane & do maid work??So stop lumping all Guyanese people together!!
Illegal Immigrants : 5/7/2009
Illegal means not legal; contrary to law. any change in Immigration policy should be applied fairly and transparently, not just to caribbean nationals. Illegal immigrants are illegal immigrants regardless to where they come from. What's good for the goose must be good for the gander, I believe, that is the way the saying goes, is it not? Immigration to our small Island State must be properly controlled as is done in all developed countries, and some underdeveloped one as well. We ignore it at our peril- be warned. Watch the Africans also.
Doubt Over Policy : 5/7/2009
Where ever you go in this world, immigration poses a problem. This will all blow over soon and every body will come out winners. The US tried this on people like me,but we were always supported by decent Americans,not to worry,decent bajans will do the same. If you qualify,no one will move you, you will be supported bajans have too much love to treat our brothers and sisters otherwise. Bajan in NY
this is a mistake : 5/7/2009
IMO Laws should be made to apply generally. Why specify Caricom nationals only. R they a Specific problem? maybe, but do undocumented extra regional nationals not exist?.I'm sure other caricon nations esp Guyana will begin to look at ways to respond (retaliate.)I believe our Lawyers and Accountants r at considerable risk to be targeted..
Illegals Need to go : 5/7/2009
The move that the PM is making is a good one. However, it should be done fairly which I believe he will do. Regardless of those coming in from CARICOM, Europe, North America, South Asia, etc., if they are illegal they should go through the right channels to be legalize or be deported. There should also be a time limit set before these can become residents or whatever. I also have a question that I would like answered. Why are all these people flocking into Barbados. When I last checked the island was only a 166 sq. miles. We have been exporting our people for years to help better themselves and their families back there. Why should we now allow all these people to come from wherever to reap the benefits of those that left Barbados for many years and have been sending money back there to help their families as well as the economy. Most of our ancestors that went to Guyana and Panama to work, hightailed it back to Barbados after their contracts expired. My grandfather and two of his brothers went there and returned home. Some others remained and had families. But it was nothing like what is happening now in Barbados. We cannot become too emotional about deporting some of these people. I will bet you that if nothing is done about this situation, another 10 to 15 years from now the entire landscape of Barbados will be changed as well as the political arena.
Protect the Pearl : 5/7/2009
Around the world countries are tightening up their borders, whether this is due to the present global credit crisis or terrorism or crime or cultural / religious reasons it is happening everywhere. Countries that are not tightening up there borders are usually countries that no one wants to go to anyway (sometimes including the people that born there). Bajan’s must be aware that Barbados is the USA / UK of the Caribbean, it is a pearl, and because of this people will be attracted to get here and make a living by any means. The problem with illegal immigrants is that they operate below the radar within a country, which means their activity does not benefit the country in which they reside, because they will not be paying taxes of any kind, and if there activities are (more) criminal they will be unknown to the authorities because as far as documentation / registration is concerned they are not here. I feel the true question Bajan’s have to ask is how so many illegal non-nationals are here in the first place, and what resources are in place so that when they are deported they do not return a week or two later! Barbados’ immigration department has to be managed to ensure they are fully aware of their role in protecting their country. The Bajan people must also be made aware of their role in protecting their country. Barbados has its own cultural, and this is what has made Barbados safe, and has built it into the Pearl of the Caribbean, but this cannot be sustained unless laws are in place that ensures ALL comply with the laws of this land. Thus, the next step for this Government is to fine companies / people who employ illegal immigrants. This is not about the Guyanese, its about illegal immigrants. If there happens to be more Guyanese illegal immigrants than anyone else, well that would say a lot about them as a people / nation.
Immigration Policy : 5/7/2009
It is about time. Alarmists will raise this as an issue of discrimination but clearly it is not. How can Government plan properly for social services (education, health, transportation), revenue collection, etc if they do not know accurately, the numbers they are dealing with. Otherwise, we will be creating a parallel economy and underclass (perhaps extra-class is a better word) that will undermine the economic and social fabric of Barbados. This started with the previous PM's statements regarding employing non-nationals working on his house. I'm not sure whether they were documented or not. However, that is irrelevant. What is important is that the wrong signal had been sent to non-nationals and perhaps to Government officials charged with enforcing the relevant laws. The current Government is on the right track but they need to do the Public Relations necessary reassure the various publics. Barbados has been successful over the years because we are an orderly society with respect for law and order. Lets not change that now.
How soon we forget : 5/7/2009
In the 30's,40's,50's and even the 60's we bajans flock to Guyana to find work.80 percent of guyanese I met either have bajan parents or grand parents.we need to come to some reasonal solution.
Doubt over policy : 5/7/2009
Mia!! The shoe is on the other foot. All Mr Thompson is doing is the job that you and your Government should have done years ago. He is just cleaning up after you all. If you can't help him with this long overdue cleanup. Just shut up and find something else to complain about.
DOUBT OVER POLICY : 5/7/2009
wHAT ABOUT THE iNDIANS WHO IS BUILDING BIG BIG MANSIONS, AND BUYING UP ALL THE LAND, Carribbean non-national pay taxes, but can't own a bicycle.
Doubt Over Policy : 5/7/2009
It's absolutely incredible, but yet altogether predictable that this issue would become a political football. If there are issues to be ironed out, then so be it; bring them to the floor in a responsible manner to be debated and resolved. If the rule of law is being followed by Barbadians resident in other Caribbean countries, then they should have no reason to fear. Although raising the issue of non-Caricom illegals is legitimate,and the issue should be addressed,the facts are clear that the overwhelming majority of undocumented persons in Barbados are from within Caricom .Hopefully this policy will be carried out in a manner that is respectful of the dignity and humanity of all involved. To those who are so virulently opposed, I simply ask; Do you think that Barbados can continue to sustain this, and if not what would you do? Love and hospitality are wonderful,but in every household,in every nation, there comes a time when tough decisions have to be made in order not to jeopardize all because of the actions of a few.
Doubt Over Policy : 5/7/2009
" There is none so blind as he who will not see" Barbados does have and has always had an immigration policy. What the current government is doing is trying to slam the door on the illigal immigration on the one hand but also offer some form of amnesty to the illegal aliens who can demonstrate some stability. This is not about this Government or the past Government. Canada did the same thing several years ago.It addresses the underground trade as well as the exploitation of undocumented workers by unscruplous employers. Stop making this a political issue and see it for what it is. To Sonya Davidson seems like you are still sending us "mud and 'sand'.
What Doubt : 5/7/2009
The Goverment of Barbados have acted in the interest of Barbados and Barbadians. How long can Barbados let the flow of illegal immigration continue? In the develop world people are deported after long periods of time spent in Countries illegally ,more than ten years in some instances, these Countries have many more resources than Barbados. The social programs are impacted by these illegal immigrants. I do agree people will look for greener pastures, it must be done the correct way. I hate to mention Mia's name, I am a Barbadian regardless to where I live in this world, first and foremost the NATIONAL interest is more important .United we stand divided we fall. We talk of Caricom, is the Barbados Goverment suppose to let the problem continue and maybe it will go away ? As a supporter of the BLP I think we also have to look at the leadership, you who are involve in public life , the National interest is first and foremost. I have to congratulate the Barbados Goverment for taking decisive action, rest assured it will be done in a humane manner. When LAWS are broken we pay a price, every Country have laws.
Doubt Over Policy : 5/7/2009
Mia Mottley is prejudiced because she is from the old corrupt regime. In the interest of Barbados, she should support the new administration. Regarding the Prime Minister's intent to remove the illegal criminals in Barbados, it should have been done a long time ago. I have seen on many occasions the corruption that some foreigners have brought into Barbados, especially the Guyanese. The majority of them do not respect for the law. I agree that Trinidad and Guyana have done a lot to help Barbados in our developmental stage but when should we stop the repayment process. We have paid back the loan over and over by allowing those criminals in to ruin the island. Barbados is very small and we cannot allow the foreigners to displace our own people. These people are becoming a burden on government in terms of medical and social provisions. When you visit other countries you have to register with their agencies and their immigrant laws are stringent. Why should Barbados have an open-door policy especially to criminals. Send them back! Only a deserving few should be allowed to stay. Owen Arthur's days of allowing the criminals in to ruin Barbados are over. We must support our new prime minister.
TREAT THE BRITISH THE SAME : 5/7/2009
All non immigrants should be addressed, the British, Scottish, Jamaicans, alike, because we offer them quick work permits, they too have taken up lots of jobs from locals, one should see the treatment metted out to us when we arrive in UK, HANDCUFFED, INTERROGATED, put in a DETENTION CENTERS, NOT ALLOWED A PHONE CALL. one cannot do any work in the UK without the necessary papers.I KNOW IVE BEEN THERE. NOT NICE
WE NEED BARBADOS BACK : 5/7/2009
JUST REMEBER IF THE CURRENT ADM. LET PEOPLE COME IN BARBADOS AND DO NOTHING WHAT WOULD HAPPEN WITH OUR CHILDREN IN TEN (10) YEARS. THAMK YOU MR. D. THOMPSON THIS IS LONG OVERDUE OUR BARBADIANS NEED JOBS ALSO.
WAKEUP CALL ITS OVER : 5/7/2009
WHAT WOULD HAPPEN WITH OUR CHILDREN IF WE CONTINUE TO LET ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, TAKE OUR JOBS, MAKE HOUSING SO EXPENSIVE AND DISRESPECT OUR POLICIES ON SOCIAL MATTERS, LOOK AT OUR OLD BUS STATION, HOUSING FOR ALL FROM GUYANA PLEASE CLEAN IT UP
I support u : 5/7/2009
The BLP has dragged their feet on the issue and the DLP is now doing something about it. I support them 100%. Deport all of them especially those Guyaneese who are only taking up space on the bus. The law is the laW. If they are illegal deport them. I will help the immigration in the process. I will even do it for free. Get them out of here!
Doubt Over Policy : 5/7/2009
Thank God. It about time that something is done about the illegal immigrants in Barbados especially the criminals from Guyana. Bage in NY
Doubt Over Policy : 5/7/2009
That's what we should have been doing a long time ago! Away Bajan
Non Nationals : 5/7/2009
David should include all non nationals and be he should teat them as he would like to be treated if he was in thetheir shoes.Most of us were non nationals at some time. Hammy.
Illegal Immigrants Living In Barbados : 5/7/2009
Unless Barbados is substantially different from other nations in the region,I feel inclined to believe that immigrants to that country fall into the three categories of American,British or "other country". It is common knowledge that that there would be no problem with the American or British categories and these two categories do not require any special attention. As such, the Government would have no need to create laws and take actions outside the norm for dealing with those categories. Same does not hold true for Caribbean nationals who have been for various undocumented reasons been allowed to coast into the illegal positioning where they now stand. The Barbados Government's decision to enact policies addressing this is timely and is to be commended. I wish them every success with enacting these pertinent policies and I have full confidence that they will continue to exhibit good sense and judgment consistent with the expectations of the hemispheric and global bodies to which Barbados belongs.
immigrant : 5/7/2009
i agree with thompson some thing have to be done mottley should shut up her govement cause a mess whith workers at the new hotell as the contractor was in control i guest she have short memory at the same time lets be fair guyana and bim go a long way back check it out most of them are of bajan desent
: 5/7/2009
Mia Mottley, Under Owen Arthur, nothing was done, and that door should be closed. Guyana, and Trinidad has more than Barbados, they have Rice, Boxite, Oil, Gold. Those government steal all those funds..Jacqueline from Toronto, Canada
: 5/7/2009
it has to be that any gov't has some kind of immigration policy. no country can have an open border and maintain law and order to any reasonable level. it is instructive that when the BLP were in power they did nothing to put a comprehensive immigration policy in place to reflect their position but now they rant and rave. we must protect what we believe is essential bajan values whilst allowing legally, others from any where in the world and especially in the region to reside in Bim if that is their wish. however a policy must be in place to so allow and to discourage those who would exploit our vulnerabilities. so good on you Mr Thompson.
: 5/7/2009
Just remember that Guyana help to build Barbados back in the day by sending our MUD and SAND and you people's will need us again.
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