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GON-SALVO!
SPEAKING OUT: St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves. (FP)
Published on: 5/15/2009.
by TIM SLINGER
ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves has lashed out at Barbados' new immigration policies regarding illegal Caribbean immigrants.
He said yesterday such policies could cause the collapse of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Delivering a ministerial statement in St Vincent's House of Parliament, Gonsalves also charged that Vincentians were discriminated against by neighbouring territories and hinted that his country might also consider withdrawing from the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
When contacted for a comment last night soon after his arrival from Cuba where he was on a visit, Prime Minister David Thompson said: "It has never been and will not now be" his practice to shout across the Caribbean Sea as a means of speaking to or with fellow Caribbean leaders."
He said the matter might be better dealt with at a meeting of leaders of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) next week to which he had been invited.
The Vincentian prime minister also named Guyana, Grenada, St Lucia and Jamaica as suffering the same discriminatory fate.
In a speech punctuated with much emotion, Gonsalves said every member state was not abiding by the letter and the spirit of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.
"In one or two member countries, the immigration authorities are dismissive of their countries' treaty commitments.
"My office receives heart-rending stories of Vincentian nationals who have been subjected to unfair, unconscionable and discriminatory treatment by some immigration authorities within member states of CARICOM."
He singled out a particular case where a Vincentian woman married to a Barbadian was denied a student visa for her five-year-old niece who was attending school in Barbados and her 18-year-old niece who was writing exams last September.
He said both of them had to leave Barbados within a seven-day period on instructions of the Immigration Department.
He added that a letter outlining the circumstances had been sent to Thompson.
"It is sad to note that in the 21st Century, some responsible persons, including some political leaders, are stoking chauvinistic fires which are latent in our Caribbean societies.
"This has led here and there to an outpouring of a malignant xenophobia particularly against Guyanese, Jamaicans, Vincentians, St Lucians and Grenadians.
"This must be stopped, if not CARICOM would shortly be rent asunder," he stated.
In an apparent reference to Barbados, the Vincentian leader said it was historically tempting for him (Thompson) to bash immigrants at times of domestic economic difficulties.
"But to do so against one's CARICOM brothers and sisters is surely unacceptable . . . .
"My government is being patient with CARICOM and we will never lightly abandon the CSME. But the discriminatory antics against our nationals by some immigration authorities must stop," he said.
Gonsalves said his government had gone way beyond the treaty and had accomodated CARICOM nationals who were not yet entitled to the right of unemployment.
In response, Thompson said he "had not heard or seen the verbatim statement" of Gonsalves, but indicated he had been invited to attend the next meeting of OECS leaders in Tortola.
"I am sure there will be adequate opportunity for Prime Minister Gonsalves and myself to speak to matters of mutual interest and concern either at the bilateral or multilateral level," Thompson said.
Thompson recently announceda new policy which gives CARICOM illegal immigrants until December 1 to apply for immigrant status. Those who remain on the island illegally after the date will be deported, he said.
71 comment found!
re: C. Woman : 5/24/2009
Caribbean Woman wrote: "we must put the illegal issue in check before we wake up to find that B/dos is no longer the culture, or place that make B/dos what is is. " Well you better watch out looks like its too late. In the last 25 years: -Your music changed..... to soca and calypso [must say I've always like Gabby and Red Plastic Bag]..... no more Tuk for you -Your food changed.... that heavy influence of British-bland is all seasoned up now. -Your Crop-Over now looks more like Carnival [you know that festival from the countries w/ a traditionaly heavy Roman Catholic background like Trinidad, S. Vincent, St. Lucia, Grenada....]- but you still need a lot more work on your costumes, [an a wuk-up car beat a wine-down]... You even have a Jour ouvert... looks like you learning to talk French- must be the Lucian illegals influence....! -Most of your prime realestate is owned by Brits [Oh well thats one thing that you have not managed to change]... and the Americans are not far behind. So Caribbean Woman, in August when you paint yourself down for jouvert in crop over dancing to a soca beat drinking a Carib an you belly griping fo some jerk polk, consider the fact that you may not actually live in an actual insulated bubble!!! Take some notes from Trinidad on how integration builds a country!
Tanks! : 5/24/2009
Thanks to the officers from the Barbados-based Regional Security System (RSS), Trinidad and Tobago forces and Vincy Special Unit on their most recent opperation which exterminated Vermont Village of the 3 wanted drug-men which included a Bajan. We certainly dont need any more criminals named Hall here. Go ahead send back our hard working illegals, and we'll make sure and send back your criminals at large cause you have plenty over here, you know! They are easy to spot with that accent all along the Leeward Coast. I do not believe in illegal immigration but we have to be realistic and consider that most great nations and cities would colapse economically w/out under-paid workers... NY City for one. If you want to deport, fine! Just get ready to fill those LOW paying jobs w/out benefits.... impossible! Get ready for inflation!
What a ting : 5/22/2009
To hmmmm... you need to tell your fellow countrymen how great St Vincent is and maybe they will join you. To Caribbean woman: WELL SAID!!!
: 5/21/2009
Well from reading these posts, one would think all of the Vincentians living in Barbados are ''illegal'' ''rejects''..... I know at least, a good 20 to 30 University graduate Vincentians who live legally in Barbados and have their own businesses, upon which 100's of BAJANS rely for employment. The underlying tone from the numerous xenophobes and their vacuous remarks confirm the general view of rest of the region -that MOST Barbadians are unwelcoming and cold with a plethora of issues... I am Vincentian but fear not Barbados I wont be coming into Oistins tomorrow night on some drug trafficing speed boat in order to blend into the chaos of Bridgetown bus-goers and work as an underpaid, abused maid in one of your households... FYI: There are actually some of us who are happy where we are.
To: Day and Night : 5/20/2009
This is the perfect reason why we (and the we represent all legal citizens of Barbados) would like to have some regularity in the immigration process. The literacy rating of the island is dropping and we do not wish to have it even lower. At the time Barbadians migrated to Guyana, the way in which was done was the standard in those days. Come on, this is not 1880 this is 2009 and there is something called "due process".
Shut up or Put up : 5/20/2009
All we have to do is to put all the illegals on a ferry and send them to St. Vincent. How would the PM of that country like this? In fact there are plenty of unihabited islands in the Grenadines so they all don't have to end up in one place. They have the same claim we have, not enough space or infrastructure to support this massive migration, we currently have to deal with. Mr. Gonsalves should advise his countrymen to live by the law instead of trying to create a conflict where there is no need for one. The decision of PM David Thompson has nothing to do with racism or xenophobia, it is in keeping with the laws of any country.
Illegal Caribbean nationals in Barbados : 5/19/2009
David Thompson is right in making the call to illegal Caribbean nationals to come forward and have their immigration status regularized by the deadline establihed. He is doing this against the backdrop that a significant percentage of these these very same individuals have for more than a decade been unlawfully clinging to Barbados and their weight is now being felt to the extent that normally friendly Barbadians are angry at them and are untruly displaying rude attitudes towards them. The time to deal with this issue is now and ahead of the culmination of pending civil disobedience in beloved Barbados. I pray that Good God will continue to guide all peoples in Barbados and within the entire Caricom region to make common sense and good judgement prevail as we tackle this most worrisome issue.
Reciprocity : 5/19/2009
Carribean man B/dians are not illetrate! We have 99% literacy in Barbados.What Barbados is dong is right. We do not accept your xenophobia label.We are loyals sons and daughters of Barbados. We want the best for our people. To continue giving them the best,we must put the illegal issue in check before we wake up to find that B/dos is no longer the culture, or place that make B/dos what is is. To answer you, if all countries reciprocate B/dos's actions and send all illegal Bajans home,then you(if not legal) and others who fall into the illegal catergory will have to go,so we can make room for our own.No matter how you slice and dice it,illegals must exit. So you can say ,yes massa on your way out.
Well demonstrated : 5/19/2009
'Wary' very amusing but you have really put it in a nut shell. 'Caribbean Man' you speak as a non-Barbadian and you come over as very judgemental. Many of our Guyanese brothers here, legally or illegally, are afro-caribbean so where does your broad statement about Barbadians' display of racism against Guyanese fit in? If you are suggesting that the racism shown is against Guyanese of Indian dissent, then say so, because blacks racist against blacks just does not seem to fit; it would have to be something other than racism.
CARIBBEAN IMMIGRATION : 5/19/2009
I am a CARICOM national married to and living in Barbados and I agree fully with PM Thompson. Beyond illegal immigration, those in disagreement, particularly those from the OECS need to look in the mirror at their own practices and the discrimination practised against CARICOM nationals - in good times and bad. Those in glass housess should not throw stones.
THE REAL ISSUE : 5/17/2009
All of the other caricom islands which are overflowing with illegal immigrants should follow suit and DEPORT ALL ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS NOW! PM Thompson, STAND FIRM AND DON'T BACK DOWN.
The Real Issue : 5/17/2009
Barbadians, you should read Prime Minister Gonsalves' Ministerial statement again and quit reacting like little children who would defend their parents even when they are wrong. Dr. Gonsalves is right. Defend you local jobs is you wish but remember protectionist policies will not help you one bit. You need intraregional trade. Vincies and Bajans have always been living together. Let it stay that way.
Reciprocity : 5/16/2009
It is clear that the barbadians who rant and rave illogical responses to Dr. Gonsalves comments are illiterate. He is clearly vocalising the thoughts of every non-white immigrant living in barbados (Leagal or Illegal),that is you are treated like dirt, with disregard, called "foriegner" and told to go back where you come from. I have visted other caribbean countries and have never felt as unwelcome. My hope is that barbadian realise that they also occupy other caribbean countries(some of whom are also illegal immigrants) and they are not treated this way. The world can see that the Xenophobia that barbadians exibit towards guyanese is racism. It seems the chains of mental enslavement has the strongest hold over barbadians who still in their everyday actions yell "yes massa".My hope is that barbadians awaken from the dark ages. It is clear as Prime Mininster Bruce Golding said earlier this week that the region need each other to takle the threats of globalisation. So, Barbadians your xenophobia and insularity treathens progress in the region. Wake up and realise that if the other countries should reciprocate your action and send all illegal barbadian home your precious 166SM will be even more drained of its resources, since the barbadian work ethic is below par compared to other caribbean countries.
GON-SALVO : 5/16/2009
Gonzy,cud-dear, you used to live in Barbados one time and you know Barbados didn't have any real economic resources back then. Well, the country still doesn't have any now - Just a few tourists spending their dollars and some offshore businesses; Not enough land for agriculture, no cheap energy for manufacturing. So, how you could expect Barbados to take in all and sundry from the rest of the Caribbean just so? Consider that Barbados is going along like a well oiled, well tuned small car - small, with limited power but running smoothly and efficiently because of the work of good mechanics. But now, you expect that you can hitch a stalled Mack Truck, full of people, to that little car. What you think would happen? Better to ask for some mechanics to help work on the truck.
B/dos take a Stand : 5/16/2009
Why is it that when Barbados take a stand with this issue, we are label better than others,stuck-up, unfair etc.? People, the Law is the Law! We would never please everybody. Someone somewhere will be complaining. Barbadians cannot buckle under pressure because people are outrage over our PM's call to get right or get out. Those of you ,who take it personal, so be it. B'dos must take care of B/dos. Nobody is going to do it. To the poster, name Truth, that was not a good experience, the Europeans should have been given the same treatment you were given. To the poster who said if Bajans were illegal in the US/Canada/England etc.Would we like it? If that is the case for some ,you can bet your bottom dollar,that if the Authorities in those countries ever get hold of them,they will be back in Barbados faster than you can type this post. they do not play! Hopefully, everyone will understand B/dos's position on immigration and follow it. If you can't, I will advise you to build a bridge and get over it.
THE IMMIGRATION ISSUE : 5/16/2009
Good posts, Len of NY. I'd like to ask one question of posters: why is it that after all these years, despite perhaps thousands of meetings and conferences regarding CARICOM/CSME, all the rhetoric about "all uh we is one," the need/calls for Caribbean unity and togetherness, it still has not become a reality? I can answer for you. It is because the number of the region's six million English-speaking residents who truly believe/embrace and are passionate about the concept of Caribbean oneness could not fill a mini-bus! Let's face it folks, reality check time, it's "every man jack fuh heself." Each territory seeks to protect its sovereignty. Genuine Caribbean unity will always be elusive and remain a dream until Jesus returns. This is because as I stated previously, lip service aside, there's no real support for it. So let's cease fooling ourselves. More importantly and this will shock many, GOD will always frustrate the attempts of man to unite without Him. Read about the "Tower of Babel" incident in the Book of Genesis. If you doubt me, look around the world and point out one organization which is truly united. In all the accords, documents, resolution etc. issued by Caricom leaders, no mention is made of the One who made the leaders and the rest of us. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that many non-Bajan Caribbean nationals are very envious of but acknowledge the good standard of living which the industrious Bajan people have been able to forge, devoid of any real natural resources such as bauxite, oil, timber and the like. So some arrive in Bim, legally or otherwise, take advantage of the good things on offer and then with great ingratitude, proceed to badmouth our country. When you migrate or visit another country, you should always respect its laws and its people. You may have views, opinions, beliefs which are contrary to those of the host nation's people. If the country is a democratic one such as ours, you would be accorded the right to freely express them. But you should do so without all the hate and venom which characterize some of the posts of the "Bim bashers" in this forum.If the nationals from your country already have a bad reputation in B'dos, you only add to it by putting down our country. And all the good work which you may have done comes to nought. Some Bajans would point to your harsh, unfair comments and say, "see, I told yu, dey in nuh gud; duh cum hey, use we country, den talk bad bout we." This in turn just reinforces the stereotype about non-Bajans in the speaker's mind. I wish some of you "Bim bashers" would also share some of the good things you like about B'dos or that you have experienced, in order to present a balanced view of this emotion-laden issue. I'm out, people. Blessings to all.
Immigration : 5/16/2009
I don`t want to continue this debate but I agree with the stance taken on illegal immigration. We have too many squatters in my little country Barbados. We have no problems if you are straight and not breaking our immigration rules, get yourselves together or get out. Prime minister you are right.
DAY AND NIGHT : 5/16/2009
DOES THE BIM PEOPLE KNOWS THAT FROM THE 1880S RIGHT INTO THE 1900S THERE WAS AN OUTWARD MIGRATION OF BAJAN MAINLY TO GUYANA AND NO LAW WAS PASSED TO STOP ANYONE FROM GOING OR COMING. BY THE WAY MY GRANDFATHER CAME TO GUYANA FROM BARBADOS WITHOUT A PASSPORT AND LIVED HER UNTIL HE DIED.COME BAJANS WHAT GOES AROUND COMES AROUND.
ILLEGAL : 5/16/2009
This will affect ILLEGAL immigrants. If people are so concerned then they should legalise themselves. All means are in place to apply to stay in this country legally, if you choose to remain in Barbados, or any other country, illegally then one day you do expect the authorities to come knocking – that is the risk you take. Criminals know that the risk of their ‘trade’ is to be caught by the authorities. All countries benefit from legal immigrants, none benefit from illegal immigrants. Not everything is fair in Barbados or any country for that matter, but when Governments crack down on illegal activity of any kind, the people of said country should, or even must, support it. Illegal immigrants must be removed and make way for legal immigrants, people who know they want to make a start in a better country than their birthplace, and have gone through the correct channels must be given the best chance for success. All countries have immigration laws, and they are there for a reason. However, I continue to ask these two questions – what resources are in place to ensure that those deported are not able to return to Barbados a week or two later? What resources are in place to ensure that the number of illegal immigrants does not rise to this amount again?
ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES : 5/15/2009
Bajans should remember what goes around comes around. then again they are being overwhelm in that small island by other people from countries with lots more resourses than barbados if bajans can squeeze blood from its limited resourses why is it we with so much more resourses cannot get it together? we can all learn from the way things are done here, "if we can then they will be flocking to our shore looking for work.
Are the Caribbean People Ready? : 5/15/2009
Clearly not. The European Union Treaty allows EU citizens to live/work un ANY other EU country. The Bajans must be ready to abondon their "Little England" moniker, as the English people have had to deal with all the "immigrants" from the new EU Eastern Europe countries taking "their" jobs. If we (the Caribbean People) can't get to that point, then I have to agree with PM Gonsalves, get rid of the CSME (the darn thing is a waste of time anyway). I think both PMs - Gonsalves and Thompson understand how immigration in the Caribbean should really work, but their respective polictical obligations (i.e. pandering to the ignorance of their respective populations)will no doubt get in the way. Bajans keep your eye the "donut" (global trends and reality) not on the "hole" (the 166 square miles on BIM).
Amnasty : 5/15/2009
All other Caribben Call in the illegal immigrant to get them self stright but David Thompson is telling person who were living in the country fot 11years or more to come into the immigrantion What nonsence does he think people are foolish any one who is there that long has already got them self status and the police and immigration officer are going to homes where immigrant are living at 4am in the morning and drage them out to be deported its already happening bys december 1st they will be all gone Bajan are on a high but a word of warning today for me tomorrow for you all the cournties in the caribben has being treated bad by Bajans
Caricom : 5/15/2009
Can some of those who are so adamant that Prime Minister Thompson is wrong show where in any treaty it states that freedom of movement somehow equates to illegal/unauthorized movement? If you do, I will also show you a flawed treaty. As for the North American argument; last time I checked it is still the case that if one is living illegally in either the United States or Canada,it's considered wrong. If either of these countries decided to move against persons from the Caribbean,then they are doing so from a legally correct stance. The issue of their contribution to society while in illegal status does not confer on them some automatic right to special treatment, although they may argue for such consideration.Maybe the reason why Barbadians have not been subject to extra scrutiny is because the majority of them obey the immigration and other laws of the nations they visit or reside in. In this ongoing debate,what is sad, is the resort by some in and out of Barbados to bashing of other Caricom nations. While this may be a justifiable response to some of the Barbados bashing, there is no need to stoop to the same level. There is plenty of talk of people helping to build up Barbados, but Barbadians have also helped to build up other Caricom countries as well. The idea of Caribbean unity need not suffer as a result of this situation if responsible leadership prevails. Now is the time for statesmanship across Caricom and an acknowledgement that this is a problem which can no longer go unanswered.
Had Enough : 5/15/2009
I am sick and tired of Caribbean leaders using CSME and CARICOM as an excuse for using some islands as a dumping ground for their over crowded, under developed and unproductive countries. I am an Antiguan and I agree with PM Thompson and his gov't. Right now in Antigua, the nationals there realised after the non-nationals who do not have status in our country nearly succeeded in making the ruling gov't lose the last general elections, something had to be done. They come to your island illegally and and to DICTATE to you how it should be run. From the time you let one in, they bring their entire family circle with them to. How do you expect us to care for them plus our own? They strain you health, education and social system. I have no problem if you come to strengthen the country's economy. But I draw the line when you come illegally to suck us dry of our resources then go back home or some other country and leave the nationals to suffer. Our leaders have to do what it takes to PROTECT our border. As it stands right now in Antigua we have an islandwide illegal immigrants clean up going on right now and we're not giving anyone time to regularise their status. You here illegally, you're on the next flight HOME! If you don't like PM Gonsalves, do what you're accustomed to do, write about it in a newspaper!
Gonzalves in immigration : 5/15/2009
"Ralphie Sing your Song ,But You can't be wrong and strong" Ask The Merrymen.
GON-Salvo : 5/15/2009
It would be in Dr.Gonsalves best interest if he as Prime Minister of St.Vincent and the Grenadines to make his Island a place where Vincentian are proud to lived. And not to make Barbados a place for his rejects.
gonzalves : 5/15/2009
mr gozalves,thank u very much,cuz ur the only person that is thinking of our caribbean people,and evey thing that u have said for us is very good,cuz i have no idea what david thompson is try to do,all he is focusing on is to get raid of our non nationals people so thanks mr gonzalves
Shame On Some Bajans : 5/15/2009
All those bajans who had so much to say on this ISSUE made me PUKE today. How can some of my people be so ignorant. I can understand other people talking nonsense. But any person who fails to put Barbadians first in Barbados have a hugh problem. I am a Bajan living in the USA, but when ever I speak of home I mean Barbados.
Typical Bajan Responses : 5/15/2009
I am stunned by some of the responses which I have read in response to Prime Minister Gonzales statement. Possible the article I read was not the same of the other reader had. But from what I see the Prime Minister was targeting the larger picture of discrimination met out to some CARICOM persons entering Barbados. It would be silly for anyone to argue that the St. Vincent PM was proposing that illigal immigrants should be accepted without question in Barbados. At the same time I agree with Prime Minister Thompson. Now that the St. Vincent PM has made his ministerial statement then it is now time for the PMs to sit together and deal with the issue. The "shouting across the Caribbean Sea" is surely not the type of behaviour we should be expecting from our leaders. But there is still the issue of discrimination. Now there are many Bajans in USA and Canada. Many, I would even assume that the majority are there legally. But we also know that there are many there who are illegal immigrants to USA, Canada, and UK. I wonder what would be the response of the Barbados public and diaspora if we were to learn that there was a "Barbados bench" at JFK or that when persons arrive at Pearson International Airport Bajans are treated with extra scrutiny. If persons who can honestly say that they would have no problem with this then let me and others keep quite. And if they have no problems with it, would they still have no problem if their mother, father, sister, brother, son or daughter was subjected to that type of treatment. The response that it could not happen to you or your family is really not a response. It is about time that we deal with the issue. I a CARICOM national living legally in Barbados. I recall arriving at Grantly Adams Airport one evening. The Virgin Atlantic flight had arrived just before my flight did. I was coming from Trinidad. I stood in line and saw British visitor after British visitor go up to the immigration officer. He said hello, stamped their passort and wished them well. From my observations no other conversation occured. It was a smooth process until I came to him. I was then asked for my reason for visiting, a similar question was not asked to any of the visitors before me. Then I was asked a series of questions designed to prove that I was indeed coming for the reason I stated. The fact of having a Skilled CARICOM National stamp in passport did not save me from the questions. I am however thankful that the immigration officer was so well trained. But I wondered at the obvious difference in the treatment I got when compared to the British visitors before me. Things did not end there. I was dressed for a meeting which I was to attend that evening. When I got out of customs and got into the taxi, the driver was clearly annoyed that I was not going to one of the hotels on the west coast and seemed offended when I said I was going to St. Michael. To my surprise he proceeded to drive to pick up his wife/girlfriend because he said it was time for her to come off work. By the time he arrived at my destination the rain was falling and altough there was a clear drive way with enough space for him to drive in and turn around, he proceeded to let me off at the gate. I walked through the rain with my luggage. I paid him and wondered if I was paying him for a favour. I also wonder if this would have happened if it were one of the British visitors at the airport. I would have kept quiet if upon talking to others I discovered that a similar treatment has been received by them at the airport and with taxi drivers. It is with that, and many other incidences in mind, that I say the responses I have read seem to be a typical Bajan response. Let us look at the larger picture. If we are part of a Caribbean Community then basic to that must be mutual respect. This means first of all that others must respect your laws and should not seek to come here illegally. But it should also mean that if I am Guyanesse, Vincentian, Jamaican or Lucian that I should not be receiving disrespect simply because of the passport I am hoilding.
CARICOM : 5/15/2009
I think Dr. Gonsalves is right. I can understand that one might want to protect one's territory but I think sometimes they go too far here. Many CARICOM nationals are not shown respect in Barbados, in fact many Bajans act as if they are better than the rest of CARICOM... this is wrong and it is not the premise upon which CARICOM was formed. I think they should treat other nationals how they would like to be treated. I am not condoning illegal immigration but I can see that there will be a long time before before we embrace 'free movement of people' within the region. It must also be borne in mind that there are other illegal immigrants in the region from the USA, Europe and Canada, to name a few! I am sure Barbados benefits from these CARICOM nationals living here as many employers exploit them for cheap labour etc., so don't pretend as if only unskilled people come here. I think it is the case that it is mostly skilled people who come here in search of better opportunities and frankly many of these people have no intentions of staying for the long haul. This is a two sided coin. Based on experience many Bajans are discriminatory, I hear it in what they say the tone of their speech as they put down other CARICOM nationals such as the Guyanese and Jamaicans. This new government is in a position of leadership and should seek to change this perspective but David Thompson's arrogance is highly reflected of many of the people here ... this is sad! It is true that Mr. Thompson is not as pro CARICOM as his predecessor!!
IN AGREEMENT : 5/15/2009
All illegal aliens should be deported from barbados immediately. They need to go back to where they hail from or better yet, go to st.vincent since gonzales seems to let everybody and anybody come in to his country. Barbados is for barbadians and need to protect their sovreignty and BAJANS come first. Everyone one else, second.
Go Gonsalves : 5/15/2009
I think that Prime Minister Thompson is very aware of the possible backlash, but he is,and by his mandate should be, even more aware of the backlash to Barbados's social services,educational and health systems. No amount of Barbados bashing can negate the fact that Barbados, and indeed no Caribbean country, can allow unchecked migration,whether legal or illegal to continue.This is not a stupid appeal to populist agendas, but a reasonable, mature and hopefully humane response to a problem approaching crisis proportions. What the Prime Minister has done is simply provide an avenue for those who are now living in the shadows to find a place in the sun. What is to be hoped is that the mechanisms are put in place to ensure that adequate resources are dedicated to the handling of this problem, and that the persons who come forward are treated with dignity and respect. To somehow believe that a country can somehow deport 20-30 thousand people quietly is nonsensical. What the Prime MInister has done is to put a policy in place which gives the illegals who are in Barbados an opportunity to regularize their status, and pave the way for a manageable process going forward. That is neither outlandish,unnecessary or nonsensical, but mature, reasoned and compassionate.
Go Back ....... : 5/15/2009
Does the revised treaty of Chaguaramas state that any caricom national could wake up any day of the week, uproot family including the dogs and cats and move to Barbados? Could someone please enlighten me. Does this said treaty state that Barbados' schools, hospitals, clinics, offices should be bursting to the seams with foreigners to the extent that Bajans now have to leave and look for a place to live, maybe Guyana, since there is so much land there? Help me Gunzie, explain.
Go Gonzalves : 5/15/2009
To consider a fellow Caribbean citizen an illegal immigrant is nonsensical. David Thompson obviously has a populist agenda and is stupidly appealing to emotional causes without calculating the possible backlash. There was no need for loud outlandish statements by the Government. If there are non-nationals who are not abiding by our laws, then quietly put them on a plane and escort them out of the country without making the loud unnecessary statements.
GONSALVES : 5/15/2009
I have one thing to say to MR Gonsalves and all those leaders from other caribbean islands who disagree with the way our PM David Thompson is handling our immigration issues. What all you can do, is bring them into your country, and let me see how you and your people would handle it. Do you think there only one hundred of them?It has become too much for little barbados to handle, that is why the Prime minister had to find a solution.We love our caribbean neighbours but home bells must ring first.We dont want our standards of living to drop and I believe they would do the same thing.CYNBERN.
HUMAN RIGHT : 5/15/2009
TO ALL THE BAJAN, THINGS MAY NOT BE BETTER IN OUR COUNTRY BUT WE WILL NEVER TREAT PEOPLE THE WAY BAJAN DOES. ILLEGAL OR NOT, TAKING AWAY BAJAN RICHES OR NOT WE ARE ALL HUMAN & SHOULD NOT BE TREATED LIKE DOGS. BARBADIAN CAN IN OTHER COUNTRY & LIVE SENT HOME BARREL, MONEY & THATS OK BECAUSE ONLY BAJAN IS WORTHY OF THAT & THE REST OF US DONT HAVE ANY PRIVILEGE.
ST VINCENT : 5/15/2009
SORRY Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves we understand that all the vincys in barbados, sends back barbados dollars to help your country, BUT charity begings at home, fix you country and you people will stay home, not become a cash liability to barbados
: 5/15/2009
Thanks to PM Thompson for trying to regulate and enforce Bajan immigration laws. As a born Bajan who lives in the US and have lived in Asia and Europe - legal immigration is a must for any society for several reasons. What he is doing is nothing new and probably overdue. The PM does however needs to ensure immigration officers are respectful, professional and provides a timely service. On a few of my visits HOME, they were not as professional as expected. Custom and Imigration officers must understand they set the tone for how visitors view the Jewel of the Carribean....
AGREEING WITH BAJAN : 5/15/2009
I strongly agree with th ecomments of the bajan public I am a vincentian and if this was happening in my country i would n't want that so wat gonsalves is talking about is utter nonsense the lady married a bajan status should be given to her her kids and her parents not her neices the are not immediate family ralph boy you need to think before you quitersise
Illegal Immigrants : 5/15/2009
Prime Minister Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Do you think that Barbados is a dumping ground for all the unskilled people in the Caribbean? Barbados is only 166 Sq. miles, your country is bigger than Barbados.Barbados resources is its people. Most unskilled people come to Barbados to try to marry a bajan to get status in Bim, they they bring in their whole family including the dog. The Vincentian woman that marry a bajan is welcomed with her children not her neice or nephew. The government did the right thing to deport them. They could not do that in the USA they would have been deported. Thr Immigration laws and the marriage laws in Barbados need revising. In the USA if an illegal person marry an American they do not give them a green card right after the marriage, they put them on a couple of years probation and they bring the couple back to the immigration for another hearing before they give them the green card. Some times the couple separate before the final hearing. This kind of law should be done in Barbados. The Government should look into this law. Because we know that some of these marriages are not legitimate. Mr. Gonsalve if the influx of unskilled bajans were coming to your you would react the same way as Prime Minister David Thompson. I congratulate Mr. Thompson for trying to clean up fourteen mess that the former Prime Minister Mr. Owen Arthur and his cabinet left. Just like President Obama is trying to clean up former President Bush's eight years mess. Mr. Gonsalve the time you take to be complaining about other Caribbean countries trying to protect they people you should be doing the same thing with your people and not letting the drugs take over. Every country is looking out for their own people and want the best for them Mr. Gonsalve you have threatened before to resign for the CSME, so go ahead this time and may God go with you and your people. Mr. Prime Minister David Thompson keep up the good work. You are perfectly right not to have any mud slinging arguments with him. That shows you and the Bajan people have a lot of class, we are a classy people where ever we go and live.I agree with the writer Yogi 100 percent. Isn't he the one in the early 90's when clinton was President and the drugs were coming through the caribbean and Clinton wanted his way and former Prime Minister Owen Arthur didn't agree with every thing that Mr. Clinton wanted. Mr. Arthur said some thing about looking after the sovereignty of his people and you lambasted him. Are you the same Prime Minister? Shame on you and now you want all your sovereignty to come to Bim now. Thanks for letting vent my anger. Proud Bajan in Boston
Illegal Immigration : 5/15/2009
Thank you Mr. Carl Husbands. My very sentiments, how is her nieces entitled to attend school in Barbados just because she married a Bajan. I seem to recognize her name from the article on Foreign Women taking Bajan men. Is she now leaving this wonderful bajan man and going back to Vincy...
: 5/15/2009
I am a bajan and what the ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves said is true. It must stop God don't like wrong and this is wrong!! James USVI
IMMIGRATION : 5/15/2009
Can you all please deal with the bigger issue of his statement "the treatment meted out to Non-Nationals from Caricom' when they come to Barbados. I am not advocating anyone living illegally in any country, be it in Caricom or elsewhere, but the fact remains that the Immigration System and by extent the Workers are a contributing factor to the reason for persons not wanting to go into the department and regularise their status. I am a VINCENTIAN married to a Bajan and went to hell and back to get my children to attend school here, mind you I also have a degree and was therefore eligible for the Caricom skills Certificate. But when we as Non-Nationals go to the Immigration dept. tying to sort ourselves out we are threated as less than humans, having to stand in the elements waiting to get into the office and having gone into thte office being subjectd to verbal Abbuse at the hands of these Immigration Officers. Non-Nationals have been for years a great part of the work force in Barbados doing Jobs that Bjans were too proud to do and thus helped in the building of this Economy yet still they are being threated unfairly whether they are legal or illegal. They are offered salaries and wages that are below what any Bajan would accept just because they have a different accent. But I am advising all VINCENTIANS to do like me TAKE UP YOUR LOAD AND LEFT BOUT HERE, Let us go back to St. Vincent and help to Build it. I am not waiting on Gonsalves to leave Caricom...I leaving...June 30th...VINCY here I come
Immigration : 5/15/2009
Prime Minister Gonsalves outburst must have been designed for domestic consumption, because I refuse to believe that he would want to sanction illegal behaviour on the part of any of his nationals. Neither do I believe that he would sanction illegal behaviour on the part of non-nationals of St. Vincent. If as he indicated, there are individual cases requiring remedy, then there are appropriate fora for such discussions and Prime Minister Thompson was right in his response. This is all becoming a bit silly it seems. Are we now to believe that the entire Caribbean is to become one open, revolving door for all and sundry to walk in and out, stay, overstay as they please without ant regard for the rule of law. There's a name for that; it's called anarchy, and should not be encouraged by any Caribbean leader. CSME does not imply open season on individual countries based on their perceived ability to support large numbers of non-nationals, but rather a managed approach to immigration issues. If that is not the case, then there is a need to revisit the approach to this process.
Bajan overseas : 5/15/2009
This is the reason CARICOM and CSME is a waste of time. Caribbean people are too protectionist. They are always looking out for their own country. Too short sighted. I agree that illegal immigrants should be deported BUT I do think Barbados' immigration policies stink.
Bajan but the Caribben is for all of us. : 5/15/2009
CSME up in smoke thanks Barbados. Is this another episode of a demised Federation? As Caribbean people what have we learn in the last 50 years? Not much, I guess Black Stalin had it right. Ralph we had this discussion 3 years ago in Boston, and it is sad to say, you are not only a genus but you are one of the only dignified leaders left. Where are the other Caribbean Leaders? We need to hear they voices. Where is the Caribbean opposition? Mia?
: 5/15/2009
CSME up in smoke thanks Barbados. Is this another episode of a demised Federation? As Caribbean people what have we learn in the last 50 years? Not much, I guess Black Stalin had it right. Ralph we had this discussion 3 years ago in Boston, and it is sad to say, you are not only a genus but you are one of the only dignified leaders left. Where are the other Caribbean Leaders? We need to hear they voices. Where is the Caribbean opposition? Mia?
BIMMIGRATION : 5/15/2009
Is it a matter of law under CARICOM that the marriage of a Vincentian to a Barbadian affords the former's NIECES the undeniable right to attend school in the latter's home country? It appears to me that whatever the answer may be, Prime Minister Thompson is addressing a critical issue related to the viability of Barbados, a course which he is mandated to undertake by the mandate of the Barbadian electorate.
ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS : 5/15/2009
CANADA....ISEE NOTHING WRONG WITH BARBADOS COMING DOWN ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FIRST OF ALL PEOPLE SHOULD NOT BE IN ANOTHER COUNTRY LIVING ILLEGAL. WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO BE IN A COUNTRY YOU'RE NOT FROM AND CANNOT EVEN LEAVE TO GO ON A VACATION BARBADOS NEED TO PROTECT THEY COUNTRY.....FOR THE GOVERMENT OF ST VINCENT YOU SHOULD START LOOKING AFTER YOUR COUNTRY SO YOUR PEOPLE CAN STAY.
PM : 5/15/2009
While I may not fully agree with the new policy, I agree with David Thompson's response to the latest broadside at Barbados. This is a matter for serious discussion not for ventilation of frustration in the media. Further, Barbados is committed to the movement of skilled nationals not all and sundry. And I am such that PM Gonsalves knows this full well! In addition, I would have understood PM Gonsalves concern in the example cited if the children referred to were the children of the Vincentian lady. It would appear not! PM Gonsalves needs to get on with the business of improving St. Vincent and the Grenadines for his people and stop attempting to direct Barbados' affairs. He wants to leave CSME? Show him the door!
Dangers Unknown : 5/15/2009
Apparently, some CARICOM leaders are ok with the idea of illegal immigrants roaming around in someone else's country. The danger this pose to the safety of a society is obciously unknown or not even considered. For example, a illegal immigrant can easily committ a crime in a country and sail out on a boat and get away with it - why?! Because authorities would have no idea that this person is in the island hence how can they committ a crime if they don't exist in the country.
GON-SALVO : 5/15/2009
At last, the smack of firm government!!! We all have to obey the law.
no : 5/15/2009
He exepect to use Barbados as a dumping place for all of his people? It will not work and I support our PM 100%. iT seems to me that he wants his people to break the law by overstaying there welcome. Deport them all of them
ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES : 5/15/2009
Caricom agreements need to be looked at again or overhauled as a worker entering the UAE you have to have a job waiting for you to enter the country as a worker, when the job finishes your visa is finished you are only allowed to stay if you are working. Barbados should be no different if our brothers/sisters from sister island are in the island legally law abiding hard working i welcome you but those who try to slip through the back door or indulge in criminal activity there is no place for you this goes for all persons does not matter where you came from OUT OUT OUT.My other bone to pick is with the editor show more respect for people names what's up with this GON-SALVO!is this a supermarket tabloid.
COME ON RALPHIE : 5/15/2009
Gonsi my FRIEND, I know that you know better. Each Country in the World is expected to put it's CITIZENS first. Over the years Barbados have allowed people from all over the Caribbean to come here and live and work Illegally. It has reach the point where Barbados have become too over crowded and we can not even afford to house our own people properly. Our hospital is bursting at its seems. Our schools are over crowded and yes with many foreign students also. FOr many years the above mention problems has been overlooked by the Owen Arthur Administration. The populace of Barbados was crying out to death ears. Now that PRIME Minister Thompson has listen to his people, and have taken action to bring about some long needed changes to our Immigration Policy. In a humane manner persons who should know better are talking nonsense. Prime Minister Thompson acted with humanity and common sense. He ia alowiing people who have been living and working in Barbados for a specified period of time to regularise their STATUS in Barbados. What more could anyone ask of him. When you go to the so called DEVELOPE COUNTRIES and you over stay your time and you are caught you are sent back with just what you have on your back.When you are Legally Regulariesd and you committ a crime you are deported. As I have said before, it is high time that people in the Caribbean realise that each Island must put its own people first, because of our scares resources. It is impossible for Islands to open a flood gate to whosoever come. More so there is a growing organise crime network in the region that immigartion Authorities need to keep out. Finally, to DR. Gonsalve, I had a very bad experience about seven years ago in St. Vincent with Immigration. I promise myself that I would not return to ST.Vincent and I have not broken my promise to myself. I could have call you and told you about it as a old friend but I did not, because I am not coming back to your Island, I will spend my money other places. I have travel to every Caribean Island, I have had some very bad experiences in some.When Ihave bad experiences I just don't ever return, because I don't want to live in none of them. Ralphie, you will always be my friend no matter what. Yogi Ni
: 5/15/2009
Prime Minister Gonsalves is out of place by singling out Barbados. As long as I can remember Vincientians, and St Lucians has always been apart of the our island population. They have been a great help to us in helping to harvest our sugar cane. I have several nieces and nephews born in Barbados whose father is Vincientian, and have been living in Barbados for well over 40yrs. However, having immigrant status in a country through marriage allows you to bring immidiate family members to reside with you. This means your children, or your parents. I am sorry nieces are not considered immidiate family. Mr. Gonsalves look the laws up. Why does everyone want to make Barbados the dumping ground of the caribbean. I am sure other countries are shoring up their immigration policies, however Barbados seem to be the only country taking flak for enforcing their own laws to protect their citizens in these dire ecomomic times. Give me a break. Bajanjoy in N.Y.
Mr. Gonsalves is wrong : 5/15/2009
All the islands do not have the same level of development,population & monetary worth.It is obvious that Barbados is the leader in all when it comes to those within the "CSME project".I think this is why the Bahamas opted itself out of CSME because the project didn't appear to have any limits on free movement per member state not to mention give ANY specifics on having a fiscal policy for social services when it comes to long stays in other member states. Our Prime minister has said he would like to give each Caricom national[~14 million people] the same rights as Bajans[~280,000] be we all know Barbados would go bankrupt if we extended every single right that Barbadians exercise such as free education,,free healthcare & having persons who haven't even given into the pension system for very long. It is all good to TALK about an "Integrated economic union" but when it comes down to specifics certain persons have a way of becoming silent very quickly.I also question the hastiness of those whom would like to rush the "project" under the banner of the current recession.This isn't some backyard science project we're talking about,we're talking about sovereign countries placing their economies & livelihood at stake for regional purposes & the pace should be SLOW & METHODICAL to make sure we don't get this wrong & make sure we don't make the same mistakes as Europe & other unions which we might never recover from. I thank the Prime Minister for his managed migration policy in the hope that the continued interests of Barbadians are represented.
GON-SALVO : 5/15/2009
It is so sad that we in the caribbean cannot resolve these issues. Caribbean person!!
GON-SALVO! : 5/15/2009
Well what more do you expect? Barbados is supposed to be the dumping ground of the caribbean, we are supposed to take in all the illegal immigrants and provide food, shelter and employment for our caribbean neighbours, but when we fail and sink who will be their for us? The ones who we helped will only laugh at us and say we "always thought we were better than them" and then get on a plane and go home, we have to have barbados for bajan first any one second.
Gonsalvo : 5/15/2009
Mr Gonsalves need to explain what rights do two nieces of a Vincentian woman married to a Bajan have to enter and reside in Barbados. If there is complete freedom of movement between the islands, then they should be allowed entry. But if freedom of movement is restricted to certain individuals, then unless they fall into the appropriate classification, the immigration officers have the right to refuse entry if they were attempting to immigrate without the necessary authorisation. So Mr Gonsalves need to elaborate more on this specific case. He may well have a point to make on the immigration situation, but he needs to use a more tangible case to prove his point.
GO AHEAD GONZALES : 5/15/2009
PM Gonzales should go ahead and leave the CSME, what Gonzales should understand is that Barbodos is not an island that everyone can just decide when they want to come to Barbados and stay as long as they want. i am sure if this was happening in St Vincent he would do the same and that is protect its sovernty. Now if this lady he mentioned married a Barbadian, she is entitled to apply to stay but not a niece or any other family member. barbados is not a rental communty. So go ahead deal with your issues you have alot
: 5/15/2009
oh My word !
: 5/15/2009
St. Vincent PM should look at the US Immigration policies and compare!!!!!!!
Gon-Salvo : 5/15/2009
It is time Barbados put its foot down. They are stating that a Vincentian married to a Barbadian and is seeking a visa for her two neices to attend school in Barbados. We must first understand that we have the best education system in the Caribbean. We have enough children there to be educated and the tax payers there are paying for their education, why are we to adopt other children from other islands to take advantage of our educational system. Are Barbadians going to the other islands and are expecting the government there to educate their children. That woman married to a Barbadian it is not to say that these two children are hers, neither was there anything suggesting that she adopted them. You know a lot of these other island people got it to say the Barbados is small island and it would also appear that they think that our smarts/brains are small as well. We do not have enough space in Barbados for its own people. Why are other islands trying to fluctuate Barbados to reap what they have not made any contributions. Prime minister Thompson, stand up to these people and let them know that they are not governing our island. Every day I read the news back there to read that housing there is much needed, how is it that we are supposed to house these people when they are infringing on our land and where are finding housing and the inhabitants/natural people there cannot find/afford housing. Stand up for what is right and let Mr Gon-Salvo tell us how many of us are running to his island and are looking to treated better than his people. Barbados wake up and put a foot down on this. Do not allow them to dictate to us. Barbadian/Canadian
Plain Truth : 5/15/2009
Barbados is much too small in size and in resources to be able to accommodate all who would wish to come and live here. "This must be stopped, if not CARICOM would shortly be rent asunder," Ironically, when we were British colonies freedom of movement appeared to be much easier. There has never been any real unity in the caribbean, that is one of the reasons the West Indies Ferderation failed. Nothing much had changed since then; selfishness abounds.
CSME : 5/15/2009
Immigrants are not going to St.Vincent they are coming from St.Vincent. If the shoe was on the other foot i am sure Gonsalves would be singing a different tune.
Gon Salvo : 5/15/2009
I guess Mr. Gonsalves remembers why he was forced to leave Barbados. Maybe he could invite these displaced,amicans, Guyanese and Grenadians to come live in St. Vincent. There might be CSME but there is still sovereignty. Can't sensible people see that this is a burden for a little place like Barbados? How come that lady wanted her neices to go to school in Barbados, where is her mother? That is the problem,m they always bring a posse.
Barbados Immigration : 5/15/2009
ALL Caricom nationals should leave Barbados forthwith and refuse to even fly over that place. Then the OECS should refuse to recognise the US embassy being there. Bajans are the most hostile people towards other Caribbean nationals and seem to think that the rest of us are beneath them.
IMMIGRATION POLICIES : 5/15/2009
I like our PM's dignified response to Mr. Gonsalves' emotional outburst regarding the immigration issue. He refuses to get into a shouting match with the SVG PM. Instead,Mr. Thompson has invited him to discuss the matter in the proper forum. Well done, Mr. Thompson. GOD bless you too.
Gon Salvo : 5/15/2009
Mr Gonzo how you expect to tell a man how to run his own house? Would you prefer to kill the goose laying the golden egg? So things in Barbados going well and there are plenty of "foreigners" in Bim, as members of the OECS or CSME or whatever you want to call it, Vincentians or any other Caribbean member countries' citizens can be in Barbados LEGALLY. Vincies complaining, Guyanese complaining, Lucians complaining, Jamaicans complaining... I don't mean to be flippant but I have to say this, If things were better in all them other countries you think their citizens would have to be in Barbados looking for work? I think not
gon -salvo : 5/15/2009
all right thinking barbadians should rally around their Prime minister on this issue
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