Bahamas News
Prime Minister Philip Davis – Resolution on a Select Committee on Immigration
Resolution on a Select Committee on Immigration
HON. PHILIP DAVIS QC, MP PRIME MINISTER & MINISTER OF FINANCE
COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS
February 20, 2023
Madam Speaker,
As I believe everyone in this House is aware, the security situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate, and as misery and fear rise there, the effects are felt here, with more and more Haitians fleeing the instability. From the opening days of our administration, we have worked to build a comprehensive national strategy to manage this crisis, takinga number of diplomatic, legal and law enforcement steps that together have built a strong foundation for action and change, as I described yesterday in an address to the nation.
On the diplomatic front, we have strengthened relationships with regional partners and international friends, because the problem of illegal migration is one that, by definition, crosses borders, and so we must be prepared to work across borders for solutions. As Chair of CARICOM, it was my distinct honour to preside over last week’s meetings, at which we worked together to lay the groundwork for Haitian-led solutions to strengthen their
National Police and pave the way for safe and free elections. I have been in extensive contact with Prime Minister Trudeau of Canada, and we are gratified that Canada will be amplifying their efforts, including with a naval presence
off of Haiti’s coast.
As we take steps at home to strengthen our capacity to protect our borders, we are strengthening our partnerships with neighbouring countries like the US, Cuba, the Turks and Caicos Islands, and Haiti for enhanced cooperation and intelligence sharing. We will also increase border protection operations with key partners like the US Coast
Guard.
I have been very clear, in our extensive dealings with the United States, the United Nations, and others, however, that The Bahamas is in no position to bear any additional burdens. We are a compassionate people, but we have a great many very serious challenges, and limited resources with which to address those challenges. (By the way, I never miss an opportunity to remind our international friends that a very significant portion of our nation’s debt comes from the Category 4 and 5 hurricanes of the last decade – hurricanes that arrive with greater frequency and more intensity because of the carbon emissions of other countries).
On the legal and law enforcement front – we have worked aggressively and systematically to take the surveillance and other steps necessary to successfully appeal a Supreme Court injunction that stood in the way of action
on the shantytowns. Now we are in a position to see real change, finally, on this issue.
The police, defence, and immigration officers are working together now, on Operation Secure, to make sure the laws of our land are enforced. We appreciate the Opposition’s interest in these issues. If you oppose Operation Secure or any of our efforts to uphold and defend our laws, we believe you have many opportunities to say so. If you have good ideas and solutions to propose, to add to our efforts, those of course are most welcome, and will be given all due consideration; there is nothing to stop you from PROPOSING along with all the OPPOSING you like to do.
We urge you to stick to the facts at all times. For example, this fact: over the course of one year, we have repatriated more individuals than in any other year in our country’s history. And in 2023 alone, 1,024 persons have already been repatriated – meaning we’re on track to break the record we set last year. Only one sloop has landed on an inhabited island in The Bahamas since September 2021.
That is undeniable progress, Madam Speaker.
The records make it clear that we have taken appropriate action. And while we secure our borders, we are also addressing the shantytown issue and repatriating the undocumented migrants already here in record numbers. This is the data, and these are the facts, and no amount of theatrical rhetoric and grandstanding can change them.
Madam Speaker,
We are a nation of laws and will continue to enforce those laws responsibly and humanely. It was only a week and a half ago, Madam Speaker, that the Supreme Court lifted their injunction. Immediately following, we launched Operation Secure, a joint security operation between the Royal Bahamas Police Force, The Defence Force, and the Department of Immigration, to address security and migration-related issues in unregulated and unlawful communities. The operation is focused on identifying irregular migrants, documented migrants, and Bahamians living in these communities and addressing their status in a comprehensive and coordinated manner.
Madam Speaker,
Our priority is decisive action based on the laws of our land. Undocumented migrants will continue to be processed and repatriated. Documented migrants living in unregulated communities must relocate at their employer’s expense or face repatriation. Any Bahamian citizens found to be living in these communities will be required to relocate. Any
landowner or business that is flouting our immigration laws will be held accountable.
Madam Speaker,
We will be working closely with the business community to ensure that everyone is aware of their legal obligations and that they are held accountable for any illegal activities. There will be no excuses. Any business breaking our laws will face the consequences, including prosecution and potentially losing their business license.
Madam Speaker,
As a nation, we must come together to find sustainable solutions. Our government is committed to taking action, and we will not be slowed down by those who seek to politicise this issue. Our priority is the safety and well-being of our citizens. I also want to take a moment to say that everything we do, we do to protect our citizens and our country. But we do not act with malice or hate.
To the contrary:
As a Christian nation, we must always enforce our laws as humanely as possible, in the recognition that all of God’s children deserve dignity.
Madam Speaker,
We are taking decisive and comprehensive action to address the issue of irregular migrants and shantytowns. The Bahamian people will see for themselves that we are working to protect our communities and our country. Everyone who is prepared to stand together to protect the sovereignty and security of our great nation is invited to do so. Let us have a minimum of theatrics, and a maximum of cooperation.
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products concluded their 10 weeklong Twist To Win campaign with four $5,000 Mall at Marathon shopping sprees.
The campaign which was available throughout the entire Bahamas allowed consumers to enter by purchasing a 20oz bottle with a yellow cap
from the following brands: Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola No Sugar, Sprite, Fanta Orange, or Fanta Grape. Each yellow-cap had a unique alpha numeric code underneath which they submitted to the Twist To Win WhatsApp number.
With each qualifying purchase, participants residing in The Bahamas were entered to win instant prizes and into a grand prize draw to win one of four $5,000 shopping sprees at the Mall at Marathon.
Participants also enjoyed exciting instant prizes such as: Airpods, JBL Speakers, premium Coca-Cola merchandise, $500 Visa gift cards and Amazon, Spotify and Apple Music digital gift cards.
Out of 76,000 plus submissions, Brian Bethel, Ashia Demeritte, Merlin Adams, and Taraceta Neely won the coveted Mall at Marathon shopping sprees at the following select stores, Kelly’s House & Home, The Sports Center, John Bull, Brass & Leather, and BTC.
Leading up to the grand finale shopping spree, Coca-Cola hosted a Trivia Showdown with the eight finalists to determine the four winners. Finalists were tested on their knowledge of World History, Pop Culture, Caribbean Bottling Company and Coca-Cola Facts!
After a few rousing rounds of trivia, the four winners were declared after each winning their spot in the shopping spree by answering their questions correctly and choosing the “Grand Prize” Coca-Cola labeled bottles at random.
The morning of the shopping spree Coca-Cola gave the winners exclusive access to the Mall at Marathon and its participating stores before
their usual operating hours. Grand prize winners were greeted with wide smiles from Coca-Cola brand representatives and morning bites before the big event.
At the start of the thirty-minute clock the grand prize winners along with each of their Coca-Cola shopping assistants ran to the various stores collecting items in their arms and carts.
Merlin Adams, a husband and father of four was proud to have executed his game-plan at the end of the shopping spree. With toys, a new phone and materials for his home from Kelly’s, Adams felt accomplished in what he gathered.
Taraceta Neely, a winner from Eleuthera collected beautiful bags for herself and relatives from Brass and Leather and Brian Bethel bought matching athletic and outdoor wear from The Sports Center for his family.
The final winner Ashia Demeritte bought linens and household items in addition to a new phone from BTC right in time for Christmas.
Caribbean Bottling Company is proud to share the real magic of Coca-Cola with the grand prize winners and the may instant prize winners across the Twist To Win campaign. For more updates on new products, promotions, and events follow www.cbcbahamas.com.
Bahamas News
The Coca-Cola Art Project Astonishes Art Lovers at The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Bottling Company (CBC), local producers and distributors of Coca-Cola and Dasani products displayed
their astonishing Coca-Cola Art Project (CCAP), during Baha Mar’s five-day Culinary & Arts Festival. Earlier this year, Coca-Cola partnered with The University of The Bahamas’ Visual Art and Design Department for a culturally rich art competition. UB’s art students were challenged to create pieces surrounding the theme, Bahamian music.
As a result, 20 student works of art were made, with four students declared as winners at the CCAP exhibit opening in Baha Mar’s ECCHO: Art Gallery in August. To recreate the culturally stimulating magic felt at the exhibit’s premiere, the CCAP was featured at the FUZE Art Tent during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival.
Nine incredible pieces of art lined the walls of the Coca-Cola Art Project, four of which included the winning pieces from Jhanaisia Cole,
with ‘Gaulin Bride’; Alyssa Pinder, with ‘Shotgun Wedding’; Nelson Gray, with ‘Untitled’; and Jaela Bowe, with the piece ‘Whims of Obeah, a Folktail’. Additionally, an intimate listening room was built. It displayed students’ artistic processes, UB Visual Art and Design representatives, and a recap of the exhibit opening for audiences.
Art enthusiasts also enjoyed premium limited-edition CCAP keepsakes at the booth. Journals which featured a collage of all 20 student submissions on the front and back cover, postcards with an art piece on the cover along with the student’s name, title, dimension and materials on the back and pens designed with the CCAP’s dynamic logo.
Throughout the art festival diverse groups of people visited the art tent taking in the displays while enjoying the artistic insights from the
listening booth.
Community and culture are always at the forefront of Caribbean Bottling Community, and it was boldly showcased during The Bahamas Culinary & Arts Festival for the third consecutive year.
For more details on the Coca-Cola Art Project, events and new products visit www.cbcbahamas.com today!
NASSAU, Bahamas — Caribbean Wines & Spirits (CWS), The Bahamas’ premier wines and spirits distributor delighted Jollification
attendees with bubbles from their Bottega and Bouvet Ladubay sparkling wines and Besserat de Bellefon champagne lines.
Located in the Monument Circle on The Retreat grounds, CWS transformed The Retreat Garden into a lush lounge with Besserat, Bouvet and their latest product addition, Bottega, during the two-day affair.
The festivities kicked off Friday during BNT Member’s Night. Guests enjoyed exclusive offerings from CWS’s catalogue, offered exclusively to members. Complimentary mixes or glasses on the rocks included El Tequileno tequila, Hard Truth whiskey, House of Angostura rum, Cross Keys gin, Nemiroff vodka and a slew of wines such as Fonesca Bin, Bottega and Besserat.
Guests also savored the ‘Jolly Paloma’ cocktail, an instant favorite made with El Tequileno tequila, Schweppes Grapefruit and Domaine de Paris rose wine. To end the night, guests were treated to branded limited-edition wine tumblers as keepsakes.
On Saturday and Sunday, Jollification attendees delighted in glasses or bottles of champagne and sparkling brut or rosé wines while taking
in the comfort of the chic lounge. In addition to purchasing bottles for onsite consumption, consumers were also able to purchase bottles as gifts whether for themselves or someone special.
The sophisticated “bubble lounge” lounge was decked with velvet couches, gold rimmed cocktail tables, blue and pink pillows, and a white floral branded backdrop created for capturing the perfect picture.
Caribbean Wines & Spirits, a historic partner of the Bahamas National Trust was pleased to support Jollification 2025 to kick off the festive season and share their expansive range of spirits.
To keep up to date with all CWS products and events, visit their website at www.cwsbahamas.com today.
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