Prime Minister Perry Christie said the core of Bahamian society has been vulnerable for many years due to illegal and criminal activity, including that of transnational organised crime, because of the archipelagic nature of The Bahamas as well as its proximity to the United States.
In particular, the country has trouble with the trafficking in persons, illegal migration, drug and firearm trafficking, said the Prime Minister during the opening ceremony of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas and United States of America Partnership Dialogue at the Paul Farquharson Centre, Monday, December 17, 2012.
During the dialogue, delegates from the government and law enforcement from The Bahamas and the U.S. discussed problems of common concern that plague both nations particularly national and regional security challenges which pose a serious threat to their economy, social fabric and stability. Liliana Ayalde, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Western Hemisphere Affairs, United States Department of State headed the delegation from the U.S.
Prime Minister Christie said, “Amongst the noted national security difficulties facing The Bahamas, illegal migration, and its resultant economic and social effects, continue to create a burden for The Bahamas Government, which spent nearly $1 million for the repatriation of over 3,000 foreign national in 2011. Given the relative wealth and geopolitical position of The Bahamas, the country will continue to be a destination for migrants and a transit point for migrants seeking a better way of life in the U.S.”
He said the Bahamas Government acknowledges that within such migration there are potential victims of human trafficking. “The Government of The Bahamas fully maintains that human trafficking is a severe violation of human rights and views it as the modern day slave trade that it is.
“In recognising that human trafficking remains one of the highest priorities for the U.S. Government, and in keeping with The Bahamas national and international commitment to mitigate human trafficking, The Bahamas Government has extensively intensified its efforts to lesson the problem through close cooperation with all the relevant Government and non-Government local stakeholders, as well as those of the U.S.”
The Prime Minister said The Bahamas will keep its pledge to combat this serious problem, and the Government is intent on changing The Bahamas’ human trafficking ranking in the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report, which was released this year.
He also expressed gratitude on behalf of the Government and people of The Bahamas for the additional funding of $2.41 million as outlined in the “Letter of Agreement” signed by both The Bahamas and U.S. governments for the fiscal year 2012/13, which will further enhance the countries cooperative activities as well as ensure they are vigorous and determined in the cessation of the problems faced.
“The Bahamas’ long standing fraternal ties with the United States, I am sure, will be the binding force that propels our Governments forward to attain even greater collaborative efforts toward national security. It is my hope that together we will continue to seek ways in which to expand our bilateral security interests and initiatives for a safer regional environment,” said Prime Minister Christie.
By Llonella Gilbert
Bahamas Information Services
