This statement was made by leader of the opposition, Tommy Turnquest on Thursday.
“I believe that the solution to this problem should include maintaining our Bahamian sovereignty, and protecting our way of life as we know it, and at the same time, we should attempt to ameliorate the very sad plight of a nation and its people in deep social, economic and political distress,” Mr Turnquest advised, while addressing members of the Rotary Club of West Nassau at their weekly meeting at the Buena Vista Restaurant.
According to the FNM leader, The Bahamas does not have the resources necessary to correct the myriad of problems facing Haiti. He does not support the establishment of labour officers in Haiti to process migrant workers, as it will not have the effect the Bahamian people desire, and the illegal flow of immigrants by boat will continue.
Mr. Turnquest said The Bahamas also risks becoming overwhelmed by immigrants on two fronts and with high unemployment figures, the country does not need to “further saturate” the labour market, particularly in direct competition with Bahamians.
Mr. Turnquest further stated that we must be extremely careful in the regularization of illegal Haitian immigrants who claim to have been in The Bahamas for a long period of time. He added that we must be sensitive to the feelings of Bahamians who are beginning to feel overwhelmed and outnumbered by the situation.
“We recognise that some claims will be bona fide and must be dealt with efficiently and sensibly, but legal immigration and the sovereignty of our borders are among the most precious and important of our national assets, and we must carefully weigh what we do in that regard,” he said, adding that rather than legalise the flow of immigrants, we must try to stop it.
The only way to “stop the flow” of illegal immigrants according to Mr. Turnquest, would be to implement “real” resources at the Defense Force base in Inagua, such as adequate vessels that are able to regularly patrol the Southern and Southeastern Bahamas and stop illegal immigrants before entering Bahamian waters.
He also suggested that The Bahamas should process all illegal immigrants in Inagua in an effort to eliminate the additional expense of transporting them to the capital and eventually to Haiti.
Additionally, the opposition leader stated that the country is faced with a litany of “deep-seated problems” if not brought to an effective solution, could plunge our people even deeper into economic depression and further social dislocation and decay.
Shifting focusing on himself and his leadership style, Mr Turnquest said he is aware of the many “perceptions and murmurs” about who he is, while others are saying “they can’t feel Tommy.” He added, however, that Tommy Turnquest is an ordinary Bahamian son with a burning desire to serve and with a clear vision for The Bahamas.
“Today, my claim to fame is certainly not a dancing ‘shuffle’, but I am prepared to provide transformational leadership, and yes, I am prepared to make the tough decisions. My style is quiet and confident,” Mr Turnquest stated.
The opposition senator said that with his style of leadership, he does not shout, but has a lot to say, he is compassionate, yet tough; and he is a visionary, but patient.
“I am experienced, as I have participated in good governance, yet I am ready to learn. I am zealous and passionate. My cause is to chart an awesome course for the future for our great Bahamaland…And no, I am not afraid of hard work and hard decisions,” Mr Turnquest said, adding that he brings such qualities to the leadership of the FNM and will bring such qualities to the office of the Prime Minster, if the Bahamian people grants him the privilege to do so.
Mr Turnquest concluded that it has been said that “Tommy Turnquest cannot reach the man on the street,” but there is none that will work harder for the Bahamian people, none with more discipline and fortitude to ride out the “rough times” and none more willing to serve.
“Tommy Turnquest can restore the optimism and the dream that was once a part of our great country, so I ask again, can you feel me now?”
By Tamara Mckenzie, The Nassau Guardian
