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PM scolds leaders
Prime Minister David Thompson. (FP)
Published on: 6/30/2009.
PRIME MINISTER DAVID THOMPSON is disheartened by the responses to his domestic immigration policy coming from regional leaders.
Speaking to reporters after opening a play park in Gall Hill, St John, yesterday, he said it had never been his approach to get involved in the internal politics of another country.
He was responding to criticism from some regional leaders about his stance on immigration and the amnesty offered to undocumented CARICOM migrants.
"I try to avoid meddling in the internal affairs of other countries. I don't go and address political parties in other countries, I do not get involved in domestic politics of other countries and that has always been my approach.
"I'm disheartened by some of the approaches of my colleagues but they predate me and therefore I am hoping that we can set a different example.
"We will not make the kind of progress we need to make if there is a perception that a country is not able to achieve the goals of its people and where leaders and political parties are not able to deliver on the mandate given to them," he said.
Thompson, who heads off to Guyana today for the July 2 to 5 CARICOM Heads of Government Summit, reiterated that his immigration stance was known even before he took office. He pointed to the emphasis placed on the subject during the Democratic Labour Party's (DLP) election campaign.
"Nobody can say that the DLP did not state up front in the last election what our position was in relation to immigration. It was said every night on political platforms.
"This is not new. What we needed to do is to put it in an administrative context. We are not here to regurgitate the policies of the previous administration and we're not here to change them for the sake of changing them. But where they impact on the rights of our citizens then we're going to take action."
Thompson outlined some of the major issues that would be discussed over the next few days.
"Barbados has complied with all its obligations under the CSME [CARICOM Single Market and Economy] and it has even been said that we are ahead in terms of the implementation of our obligations. However, there are some things we are concerned about . . . .
"We have concerns about the deadline or objective time-frame for freedom of movement, about the investment code, about the contingent rights which are part of the freedom of movement and we have documented these. We have put something together which sets out what I would consider to be our concerns as a nation about aspects of CARICOM and we are going into conference to put our position," he said.
30 comment found!
Backing The PM : 7/7/2009
We have to educate all persons, including some leaders, in the region what CSME stands for. When it comes to understanding, we are not all playing on a level playing field. The guidelines are very clear as it relates to free movement of labour. Each country involved should start by educating their own citizens and teaching them that it is not intended as a free for all. Other leaders should not look to solve their problems by first pointing fingers at others. Charity begins at home, make thing right in your own country first.
: 7/7/2009
Question: Who started this CSME thing? Seems to be more trouble than profit..
Immigration : 6/30/2009
As a matter of fact each Caricom member state has the right the right to protect its border.There is a legal framework which must be adhere if one wants to lawfully settle in any of these places. So whether it be Guyana, Barbados,Trinidad and Tobago or St.Vincent and the Grenadines;Caricom national must respect the rule of law governing immigration in any state. Failure to respect such law will only result in chaos,upsurge in Crime and violence and economic problems. I don't support leaders who rabble roost accross the borders of our Caricom states.They should get the rights and if so be it, enter into civilize dialogue with their colleagues on the subject, as they themselves will want to protect their own borders.
Well Said : 6/30/2009
Well said Mr. PM. Those that would criticize you are the chief ones adding to the problems that Barbados is now facing with illegals. If they were doing what is right for the good of their own people we would not have this problem.
Thomspson, A True Leader : 6/30/2009
Stand Tall David! Your strength, courage and morals are the qualities of excellent leadership. As a Barbadian, I know that we do not discriminate against Guyanese or anyone, but we are not willing to tolerate what is not good and proper for our country. Guyana is a beautiful country with lots of resources and every government there has neglected to develop the country. I wish for Guyanese to stop and think and know that they can control at home with the right vote. Jagdeo is only supporting your cries as a political cover up as he is not doing his job to make you comfortable at home. Singh crying with you but he would not return to help you in Guyana, Faria comfortable too, who are they really interested in, except gaining popularity for themselves.
STAND FIRM : 6/30/2009
Stand your ground Mr.PM. I am supporting you 100%. I am also in agreement with concerned Bajan, Take along your lunch. Good Luck.
CSME : 6/30/2009
Firstly, i've heard that the Guyana Immigration has compiled stats that oppose those put foward by PM Thompson. It looks like Guyana's Immgration Department does not fully understands the meaning 'DEPORT'. But who can blame them. (even though they can't seem to manage one person having many passports at the same time issued to the same person with many differnt names) Deportation meaning the person is told to leave a jurisdiction by the Minister responsible for Immigration in writting. And that person is not permitted to return unless given permission by that said Minister. The Guyana immgration department apparently has another defination of DEPORTATION. If they can say in may of this yr 30 something and june 20 something person have been deported from Barbados to Guyana alone. Every person that is put out of Barbados is not deported. So i'm assumimg that they are speaking to the amount of persons asked to leave barabdos not deported, get your facts straight. I am happy that the PM came forward with facts and figures to show Barbados and other CARICOM countries. Somehow it seems during all this the Chief Immgration Officer(ag) doesn't have a voice to defend her Department and by extent her officers she is always unavailable for comment. Thank you MR.PM. By the way, does free movement mean free entry or free stay?
WELL SAID CARL : 6/30/2009
WEll said Carl.This issue has been before the people's court of Barbados. The Jury has returned a unanimous Verdict in favour of PRIME MINISTER THOMPSON. Let them talks till the COWS come home we are resovled on this matter.
Hal Austin, London : 6/30/2009
When the West and Europe has one set of policies for Africa, and Blacks in particular, and another set for non Black and dont hide it. Why should we<<< Haitans dont get the same treatment as Cubans. They are sent back when caught at sea. Cubans get permanent status. Why are you so concerned that Asian and Other dont get the same option as Caricom Nationals. Would we get the same treatment is the situation was reversed, wake up .....
Prime Minister is correct : 6/30/2009
The vast majority of Barbados citizens are for the immigration crackdown.I don't care for those who PROMOTE illegal activity within our Borders while exporting their problems on our fair country.It is obvious that most Caricom countries always look the other way when it comes to crime & illegal activity & they would like to replicate the same in Barbados.That would be nothing but chaotic to our country & way of life. Barbados is not a mainly safe destination for tourists for nothing.We rely on our RBPF & our Immigration officers to ensure that our country remains that way.The law applies to EVERYONE in Barbados & illegal immigrants certainly do not contribute in any way shape or form to NIS or PAYE while burdening our education & health care facilities.The removal of ALL non-nationals who are not in compliance with Barbados immigration laws is mandatory,Caricom national or NOT. CSME does not cover ILLEGAL nationals who overstayed their WORK PERMITS & Visa extensions & chose to work & reside illegally.Barbados has to do some cleaning or we will certainly have to opt out of CSME.The idea of Caricom is that we are a Community of Sovereign Caribbean states & each & every single Caricom national must comply with the local immigration laws of the sovereign territory that it is in.The Duty & Mandate of the Immigration Department is to offer Immigration benefits as well as enforce the Immigration laws of BARBADOS,NOT the laws OF CARICOM.
immigration : 6/30/2009
Mr. Husband has explained it. Does PM Thompson have to spell it out for you. He has given Caricom National an opportunity to have their status regularize. He did not give this option to others. In other words if you are a Caricom National under the guidelines you have an opportunity to become legal. Other Nationals dont have this opportunity, if you are illegal, you are illegal, period, and subject to deportation.
TO THE EDITOR : 6/30/2009
I HAVE PLACED A SERIES OF COMENTS ON THIS ISSUE(without obscenity, etc), yet they have not been published. IS IT BECAUSE I AM NOT IN FAVOUR OF WHAT YOUR GOVERNMENT IS DOING?
PM Scolds Leaders : 6/30/2009
I hope politicians in Guyana is knowledgeable of what Mr Thompson, English born Barbadian president has to say. "We will not make the kind of progress we need to make if there is a perception that a country is not able to achieve the goals of its people and where leaders and political parties are not able to deliver on the mandate given to them," he said. JULIAN CARRYL São Paulo, Brazil chapando@gmail.com
TWO LEFT FEET : 6/30/2009
TO DYQ65: I am curious as to what you perceived as a misstep. Are you suggesting that Prime Minister Thompson should have announced that ALL undocumented persons in Barbados were the target of the immigration policy but the policy actually enforced against CARICOM nationals only? Indubitably such practice would be discriminatory at best and contemptuous at worst. The way I understand Barbados's new immigration policy directed at undocumented CARICOM nationals is that the Thompson Government has included an amnesty provision directed at CARICOM nationals when it is under no legal obligation to do so. Therefore, unlike all other undocumented persons in Barbados, the undocumented CARICOM nationals do have the possibility of becoming regularised through this amnesty. In essence, undocumented CARICOM nationals have been given preferential treatment under this new immigration policy. Anything short of what has been articulated and practiced by the Thompson Government with respect to its new immigration policy would be deceptive, mean spirited and asinine, all adjectives that could never be used to characterized Mr. Thompson and his Government.
: 6/30/2009
Well said Mr Thompson. Keep showing your maturity as a Caribbean leader. DUMB.
Admit We Started on the Wrong Foot : 6/30/2009
I am in support of the government's position on immigration. It is a matter of national security if our immigration boundaries continued to be as loose as administered by the previous government. Thompson has to take an independent position from other CARICOM governments because they are not experiencing the problem to the same degree. Recall that Jamaicans were up in arms at influx of Haitians into their country a few years ago. Trinidad and Tobago have some hard benches at the Piarco which might be called the Guyanese benches, no joke. Immigration boundaries in Barbados have never been harsh and grossly disrespectful as the Miami immigration boundary. I would prefer to enter the US via New York or Baltimore than to confront those immigration officers in Miami. Yet, immigration is a very complex issue and can be full of emotion and Thompson seems to get it in his stance. What Thompson has to do is to admit that we started on the wrong foot. The announcement that the government was targeting CARICOM nationals was wrong. It injured our CARICOM fellowship. The policy should have been articulated as affecting all undocumented residents in Barbados. I would not pull the government down because of a misstep, that is part of the process of maturity and development. To offer a new and fresh leadership some missteps will be expected. But admit them and move on.
PM scolds leaders : 6/30/2009
I support the PMs policies on immigration 1000%. There are very few if any Caribbean countries that can say they have done as much as Barbados in support of CSME. The leaders of the Caribbean need to start walking the walk and stop talking the talk.
who is listening? : 6/30/2009
Prime MInister, you gave the public some so- called fact about deportation of guyanese. then your arrogant minister pout his mouth witha set of lies about the health ministry being unable to take care of the burden of illegals. Why don't you tell the truth you have numerous problems in the heelth care, etc and you can't fix those you espoused while you were campaigning.Pray Prime MInister, this is Hurricanr=e season. Grenada did it like you/: they were blown away twice. Guyanese rebuilt their infrastructure and we shipped Containers to feed those hungry Grenadians. I personally put together two containers for them. Hear me out I will not send a dime to help you and I will use all the means necessary to disuade Guyanese from assisting you. Treat people humanely even if they break the law.
Discriminatory Policy : 6/30/2009
Mr. Prime Minister, your immigration policy is discrimination at its best. The other regional leaders has much more leadership experience and that is why you are receiving this backlash of comments. How do you expect to discriminate against certain nationals and expect their governments to sit and sign agreements with Barbados. Ratification of any agreements will only come when all heads of states can act as one body. Barbados is looking out for itself only, and other regional leaders can see where you are heading. You cannot be a rough and expect to accomplish your goal without criticizem. I am surprise your trip to Guyana, is not without protest. But the day will come when you have to address and defend your immigration policy before these leaders. You cannot expect to implement CSME with other nations and do not want to address your nation's internal policies when it comes to their nationals living in your country. Your leadership skills seems to only work on helpless non nationals.
You Go Boy : 6/30/2009
Hear Hear Mr PM. You tell dem straight - stand ya ground. You're not doing anything wrong, in fact you're helping the disadvantaged who wouldn't qualify for services, rights or protection when documented - do ya ting. I was brought up under a BLP banner; but i will support all initiatives in the interest of COUNTRY. -Bajan Canadian
Bravo,Mr. PM : 6/30/2009
Bravo Mr. PM.....I am Bajan living in Canada. Congratulations on the way you are sailing the "Bajan ship."As our Leader, we would expect nothing less,but to keep the promises you've made during your campaign. Please convey ,in your strongest terms, that you not not be railroaded ,by foreign interference. You do have the interest of Barbados at heart, and we "Bajans" are behind you 100 percent.You have given the "Illegals" an opportunity,and lots of time to consider if they want to be "Part" of us, or they only "want" part of us (infrastructure).They and their "Leaders" want the latter.DO not give in Mr. PM .Do not let these people rape our country.We hardly have enough for ourselves.Only fifty years ago, Guyana was on top of the world,A close look at the "Type" of leaders they had, reveals the mentality of the current leaders. Perhaps you should have training seminars in economics,and invite those leaders to attend.
PM Scold Leaders : 6/30/2009
Mr Priminister,dont flinch from your stance on immigration, you are on the right track. The noise that you are hearing is from those leaders who has no vision for their countries other than to export their population to other areas. Let them know that you can help them establish a vision to put their countries on a road to progress if they want you to help. remind them that Barbados is full and there is no more rooom for their export citizens, Any sound thinking Caribbean person would admitt that Barbados has done all that it could do to help others around the Caribbean. What you are experiencing is normal. They always bite the hand that feed them. Say strong and offer them some ideas, this is what they need. Good Luck and take along your lunch with you!!!!
ARE BLACK GUYANESE REALLY ILLEGAL? : 6/30/2009
I REALLY DON'T KNOW WHAT THE PRIME MINISTER IS SCREEMING ABOUT. ALL THAT NON-NATIONALS (especially Guyanese) ARE TRYING TO DO, IS TO BENEFIT FROM THE HARD LABOUR OF THEIR GRANDPARENTS AND GREAT-GRANDPARENTS. For those who don't know, check the history books. The HAYNES,SMITHs, HOYTEs, AGARDs, CARRINGTONs, THOMPSONs(the prime minister's grandfather being one), INNISS, BOYCEs, MCPHERSONs, WARDEs, and i can go on and on, ALL WENT TO GUYANA (CALLED DEMERARA AT THAT TIME), FROM BARBADOS and made children. So STOP TRYING TO DEPRIVE US OF WHAT IS RIGHTFULLY OURS. OUR FAMILY WORKED DAMN HARD TO BUILD THIS COUNTRY. IF YOU REALLY WANT TO FIGHT, THEN GO FIGHT THE WHITES(who enslaved our foreparents), THE EAST INDIANS(who have no connections here), as well as the CHINESE and other races. STOP RELIVING THE BIBLICAL STORY OF Kane and Abel and JUST LEAVE US ALONE.
: 6/30/2009
I support the Government on this and I urge the Opposition BLP to put aside partisan politics and support the Government on this as well. If they can't see past the politics and support the Government then shut up on the issue.
PM Scolds Leaders : 6/30/2009
This really hurts to see leaders in the Caribbean behave in such a childish manner. If Barbados is so wrong why can't they agree to take the deportees from Guyana in there countries. They know full well they don't get pass the airport. Very Ashamed of you Concerned caribbean woman
P.M. Scolds : 6/30/2009
I am happy to see the leader of a country stand up and be strong. If you go into someones country why wouldnt you want to obey their rules many have seen what people that are undocumented does to a country. They steal, Laze about, comit various crime and believe they have a rightto do what they please.I say if you are from Jamaica,Guyana, TRINIDAD AND YOU CANT MAKE IT IN YOUR COUNTRY then try something but behave your self and live within the rules of the country you go to and try to become legal the first chance you get. DECENT people have done it and is now living good.
PM scolds leaders : 6/30/2009
I agree with the Prime Minister 100% on his immigration policy. Keep on doing what you are doing Mr. PM and do it with pride.
: 6/30/2009
Thompson let them know to stay out your business. That Guyanese president just like a a neighbour of mine, always in my business but cant take care of their own problems
: 6/30/2009
way to go pm I am with you
illegal immigration : 6/30/2009
I still find it rather disconcerting that a number of other Caribbean leaders should attack prime minister Thompson for his policy on the formalising of immigration status for those in the country illegally, or their removal. What is a better and a more principled argument is that the policy should extend to all illegal immigrants, Europeans and Asians included, while at the same time a wider debate should take place about the freedom of movement of Caricom citizens. That this is not taking place is partly an explanation for the public's reactions. But I back the prime minister on this one. Hal Austin, London
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