Immigration authorities have decided to ‘defer’ granting a further work permit to John Marquis, the managing editor of The Tribune newspaper.
This controversial move comes after a series of articles in the newspaper caused some government officials to call for Mr. Marquis’ removal. There have also been a number of articles dealing with the issue of The Bahamas employing “foreigners” to work in the country.
In May this year Mr. Marquis, who has been a constant journalistic irritant to certain members of the government, wrote a detailed article on the issue. In it, he said that The Bahamas, with its buoyant and expanding economy, is “enormously dependent on foreigners in almost every area of national life.”
He went on to say: “The country depends on foreigners for investment. It depends on foreigners for the success of its tourist industry because every tourist is a foreigner. It depends on foreigners for several area of expertise in trade, commerce and professions… in fact, it’s true to say without foreigners, The Bahamas would implode in short order, leaving the native population to catch conch and collect coconuts.”
The Guardian is reliably informed that the decision to “defer” Mr. Marquis’ work-permit is directly linked to the question of training Bahamians in certain sectors, including journalism. The Tribune newspaper, is, we understand, to be asked to detail its training programme so it can be tested against the needs of the country and how it benefits Bahamians.
Mr. Marquis’ view is that there is nothing wrong and certainly nothing “shameful” in hiring foreigners who have expertise in certain areas, be it in the construction industry, financial services or in the professions.
The Guardian newspaper, with a 161 year history, has also hired two specialist consultants to help train local staff. This has proved to be of great benefit to existing staff. The Guardian news operation is also headed by a very experienced Bahamian journalist.
But there is no doubt Mr. Marquis has annoyed certain members of the government. One minister even remarked publicly about the issuing of his work permit, reminding him he was a “guest” in the country.
Running alongside the issue of foreigners working here – and Mr. Marquis has been a senior journalist in The Bahamas for many years without any issue over his work permit – are growing concerns about Press Freedom.
In April this year, The Guardian ran an article defending the right of all newspaper editors to be free to produce articles critical of goverment, yet fair and balanced. We said: “No politician can ever control the media in an open, free society, nor should they.”
Raynard Rigby, Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party, launched an unexpected and, as we said, “unjustified” attack on the media and on The Tribune newspaper in particular. Other ministers have also criticised the media over its reporting of government issues, most notably Fred Mitchell, Foreign Affairs Minister.
This latest move concerning the issuing of a further work permit will doubtless fuel the debate even more.
Source: Nassau Guardian
