Bahamas Information Services

11/28/2005



VALETTA, Malta- The 2005 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) opened here Friday with calls for united action against poverty, forced migration, terrorism and to rebuild countries devastated by natural disasters. Fifty-three countries representing five continents and 1.8 billion people converged at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in the Maltese capital of Vallettato chart the course for the further development of the most vulnerable.

The conference is being held under the theme, Networking the Commonwealth for Development. Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie is heading The Bahamas delegation at CHOGM. He is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Public Service the Hon. Fred Mitchell, Minister of Tourism the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe and other government officials.

CHOGM is being held against the backdrop of many small Commonwealth Member-States, particularly in the Caribbean, struggling to save their crumbling economies in agriculture and trade. They are seeking more assistance in this regard, particularly from the European Union. Head of the Commonwealth Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Britain, in her keynote address, underscored the importance of networking, despite the diverse cultural backgrounds of each country.

The Queen said it is fitting that Commonwealth leaders are meeting in Malta, a country that has historically been a bridge between the diverse civilizations that touch the Mediterranean Sea. The world we live in is marked by diversity, and through being accommodating, compassionate, tolerant, and respectful of others, the Commonwealth can exploit its diversity as a source of great strength, she said. We are a colourful spectrum of nations, faiths, cultures, and people. Individually we are different and distinct; collectively, we can be strong and effective.

The Queen said this has been well illustrated in the Commonwealth's response to the many natural disasters that have touched millions in recent times floods, hurricanes and cyclones. Last year's terrifying tsunami washed away lives and livelihoods across the Indian Ocean and more recently, we have witnessed the dreadful earthquake and aftershocks in southern Asia, she said. At times like these, there has been an outpouring of concern and generosity as we have struggled together first to save lives and then to rebuild. These times of trial have brought us together as they have also shown how vulnerable we can be alone and yet how much more we can do together.

The Queen paid tribute to emergency workers who assisted in rescue and recovery efforts, and other Member-States which donated funds in support of their fellowmen. She also noted that determined and collective action can assist in tackling challenges such as the scourge of terrorism, and expressed thanks for the support following the Londonbombings in July. In his address, host Prime Minister the Hon. Lawrence Gonzi, said that the people of a small islands, who possess no resources but themselves, who have always thrived when connected to the rest of the world, can readily appreciate the promise held up by a properly networked world.

Underdevelopment appears unrelenting. Poverty resists eradication. Differences in life expectancy remain too wide to be just. Too many people are forced, by various pressures, to m igrate from their homelands, he said. In such a context, it might seem that the new communication technologies will serve, not to emancipate and connect people, but to divide more radically than ever, the poor from the better off. He noted that some important global responses are being made to these challenges, such as the United Nations Millennium Development Goals the G-8 countries debt relief to eliminate poverty and the World Summit on the Information Society, which has highlighted the provision of low-cost technology.

In this context, Prime Minister Gonzi called on the Commonwealth to be the catalyst that manages global relationships by networking in all of its forms. The best reply, the most robust response to poverty and forced migration is surely to give people faith in their future, faith in that they also are included in global thinking about networks for development; faith that human civilization cares for their future and for their well-being, he said. The opening ceremony was also addressed by Commonwealth Secretary-General the Rt. Hon. Don McKinnon, and His Excellency Olusegun Obasanjo, President of Nigeria.

By:Candia Dames

29 November 2005



Saying that he returns to public service retooled, refreshed, reformed and far better equipped to serve, former leader of the Coalition for Democratic Reform Dr. Bernard Nottage was yesterday sworn in as a government senator.

Dr. Nottage returned to the Progressive Liberal Party during its 49th national convention week before last, five years after leaving to form the CDR.

He was sworn in by outgoing Governor General Dame Ivy Dumont in the presence of family members, various government officials and other guests at Government House.

Earlier in the day, Dr. Nottage told The Bahama Journal that the prime minister had not invited him to join his cabinet.

He said his emphasis is now on service.

"The divisive partisanship that too often sullies political participation in our country is sapping from us the very essential energy which is required to solve the great issues of the day," Dr. Nottage said in a statement issued to the press following the swearing in ceremony.

He said those issues include, "crime, the quality and cost of health care, affordable housing, unbridled illegal immigration, the alleviation of poverty, education and of course the most critical of all, the planned and orderly development of the nation and our people."

Dr. Nottage said in his statement that it is the people themselves who are today the principle vehicle of national development.

He noted, "Natural resources are no longer the overriding determinant in national productivity. Knowledge based resources and intellectual property are the intangible factors in adding economic value. So there is a direct connection between education and economic performance; training and productivity.

"Indeed, a cycle has been created in which economic growth gives more resources for education, which in turn enhances economic growth."

Dr. Nottage said education or knowledge has become the basis for prosperity.

"It is infinitely better for prosperity to be the result of knowledge, good planning and management, rather than good fortune," he said.

Dr. Nottage said active viable governance in the 21st century requires parliamentarians and politicians who will support full and open dialogue with all citizens about the pace and type of reform The Bahamas needs to provide for the future while keeping the country cohesive.

Additionally, he said the nation’s leaders must support public servants with the ability to analyze policy options, manage implementation, monitor outcomes and advise the national political leadership with courage and integrity.

He also called for "quality and cohesion in policy making, and development strategy; transformation in the role of government from controller to facilitator; a greater capacity to manage change; and a smaller gap between talk and action."

Dr. Nottage also said in his statement that parliamentarians and politicians should support a commitment to poverty alleviation, abatement of crime and violence, maintenance of law and order, private sector development, foreign investment and endogenous growth.

He also pushed for the development of human capital in order to capitalize on the opportunities created by information technology and intellectual property.

Following his swearing in, Dr. Nottage told reporters that service in the Senate is "meaningful".

"I’m a parliamentarian at heart and I certainly have missed the cut and thrust of parliamentary politics," he said. "I’m very happy to have this opportunity and I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the isle."

He said that wherever he has gone in recent days he has met Bahamians who have been "so approving" of his return to the PLP.

"I wonder where they were all the time," Dr. Nottage said with a chuckle, "but I’m really enjoying it."

He said he has been seeking to serve and he now has an opportunity to do that.

"I’m looking for an opportunity to make a difference in The Bahamas for Bahamians and this is just one step along that spectrum," Dr. Nottage said.

Deputy Prime Minister Cynthia Pratt formally welcomed Dr. Nottage as a senator, saying, "I always knew that you were a man of substance. I always knew that you were a great Bahamian, that you have so much and still have so much to offer to the Bahamian people and I am grateful that I am here to witness this afternoon your return to public life."

She encouraged Dr. Nottage and said he was on a mission to serve the Bahamian people and make a difference.

"You’re not coming just to be another one," Mrs. Pratt said. "You’re coming to make a difference in this country and for that I am so proud to be your friend."

Bahamas Information Services
By: Lindsay Thompson

11/24/2005



LONDON, England - Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie is to address The Bahamas immigration problem at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in the Republic of Malta. In his first official international trip since suffering a mild stroke on May 3, the Prime Minister said that The Bahamas has to tell the world that it cannot alone shoulder the burden of illegal Haitian problem.

Mr. Christie made the statement following a meeting between British Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Tony Blair and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders on Tuesday, November 23, at No.10 Downing Street. Prime Minister Christie will head The Bahamas delegation at CHOGM 2005, to be held November 25 to 27 in Valetta, Malta, under the theme: “Networking the Commonwealth for Development”. He is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs the Hon. Fred Mitchell, Minister of Tourism the Hon. Obie Wilchcombe and other government officials.

Malta is part of an island chain in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily. Other islands are Gozo and Comino, as well as four islets. It has a diverse population of Arab, Sicilian, Norman, Spanish, Italian, and British. Prime Minister Christie drew the similarity between The Bahamas and Malta, both countries being impacted by immigration problems. “The Bahamas has come a long way with the region towards what we thought to be the most practical solution during the time of President Aristide for Haiti,” he said.

Haiti has again descended into violence. General Elections are set for December and Caribbean countries are generally agreeing to render assistance in that process. “But, for The Bahamas, we have to somehow continue to proclaim to the entire world this unfair burden that is visited upon us through our proximity to Haiti and the fact that we are the gateway and proceed to be that to the United States of America, where they all wish to go,” Prime Minister Christie said.

The Bahamas, because of its advanced economy, and its sophistication, has become a source of attraction to illegal Haitian immigrants. “And so we have this added burden of the instability of Haiti, which if not addressed by the world, will leave us again to carry the burden. That is wrong, it’s unfair and we have to be much stronger in communicating our concern and the need for assistance,” said the Prime Minister. “That is why, at the very highest level on a sustained basis, we would be making an effort to bring that about.”

He pointed out that with the hurricane season ending in November, more efforts would be made by Haitians to get to The Bahamas. “That is one of the points that I have to make, to impress upon people again, that Haiti is more than just a pastime. It has to be dealt with,” the Prime Minister said. “With more than 200 years of independence, they are still struggling to come to terms with its existence and how it should operate. But in the meantime, we carry the brunt of it,” he said.

By Candia Dames


21 November 2005



The government will block any effort to build new structures in the Marsh Harbour shantytown devastated by fire on Thursday night, Prime Minister Perry Christie said Sunday.

The prime minister told reporters that his government will move once and for all to address the problem of squatting in Abaco, where mostly Haitian immigrants thrive in The Mud, the site of the blaze, and nearby Pigeon Pea.

"Governments in the past have refused or failed to deal with the issue and there has just been an accumulative effect, more and more people coming in," said Mr. Christie, who held a press conference before leaving for London – and then it’s on to Malta for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting.

"Now that we’ve had this message, this reminder that it is a potential disaster every day, we cannot allow any expansion of that community and as a matter of strict policy we are going to prohibit any reconstruction in that area which means therefore that we have to find another way of dealing with the issue of people who are living there."

But the prime minister noted that the government intends to take other steps in what he has indicated is a serious approach toward the illegal immigration dilemma in the country.

"This is going to be an opportunity for us to determine their status, their entitlements to additional accommodation in The Bahamas and be able to once and for all begin the process of adjustments that have to take place in Abaco," he said.

"Most certainly, this is going to be a concerted effort, public sector partnership in this regard and it will involve all of the agencies like the police."

The prime minister said that Acting Prime Minister Cynthia Pratt will make a communication to parliament on Wednesday regarding the fire in The Mud. She will also make a communication regarding a new acting governor general who will assume the position on the retirement of Dame Ivy Dumont at the end of this month.

On Friday night, Prime Minister Christie told delegates at the closing of his party’s national convention that this country’s cup "runneth over" as it relates to the illegal immigration problem.

On Sunday he again pointed to the national dilemma.

The Abaco fire resulted in more than 100 houses being destroyed and also caused the death of an elderly woman.

Mr. Christie said at this point, the government is concerned with bringing "sustained relief" for the hundreds of people impacted by the fire.

But he also spoke of "systemic change" that will come about.

Minister of Housing and National Insurance Shane Gibson reported that three churches have been opened as shelters for the fire victims, but he said only two families showed up on Friday and Saturday nights and neither wished to stay.

By Monday, he said Camp Abaco, owned by Assemblies of God, will be made available for the people left displaced by the fire.

"We have not really taken a decision on those homes that were not affected by the fire, but I did announce to the residents in Abaco on Friday that we will not be allowing them to rebuild on that particular spot," said Minister Gibson, who was at Nassau International Airport to see the prime minister off.

BY Candia Dames

21 November 2005




Prime Minister Perry Christie said on Sunday he plans to push for more international support to ensure the stability of Haiti when he attends the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Malta.

This is the prime minister’s first official overseas trip since falling ill in May.

Mr. Christie left for London on Sunday afternoon where he will stop before moving on to Malta, located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily, Italy.

"One of the issues that is very significant to our country and that I spoke to directly several days ago when I spoke to the [PLP] convention is the burden The Bahamas has to take arising out of a deteriorating economy of Haiti and we have traditionally borne the brunt of that," said the prime minister, who spoke with reporters at Nassau International Airport before leaving the capital.

"I think we will always take the opportunity when we’re meeting with world leaders to remind them of the obligation to ensure the stability of Haiti and to take such steps to ensure that that comes about because the stability of The Bahamas is directly related to it."

Elections in Haiti have been scheduled for next month, but Bahamian Ambassador to Haiti Dr. Eugene Newry reminded last week that successful elections would not automatically mean economic stability.

Undocumented Haitian migrants continue their journey to The Bahamas with more than 300 being picked up by authorities over the last week.

And the financial costs of repatriating them continues to create a challenge, Immigration Minister Vincent Peet said recently, noting that the government spent $60,000 in two days on repatriation exercises last week.

On Sunday, Mr. Christie said he will also meet with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and will take the opportunity to address another very important issue – and that is the decision made by Britain to remove its high commission out of The Bahamas.

"We have always had a point of view over whether or not British interests are best represented in The Bahamas at this time in view of the fact that they have moved their headquarters in the region to Jamaica…and so clearly it’s a point of view I will have for the first time since it occurred an opportunity to speak directly to the prime minister, Tony Blair," Mr. Christie said.

He said in Malta, there will be an opportunity for the Commonwealth to focus on issues that are pertinent to the Commonwealth.

"The Bahamas will have an opportunity in the margins, that is on bilateral and direct discussions with leaders of other countries to speak to issues that are relevant to us," the prime minister said.

He said there will also be an examination of the proposed United Nations reforms and other global issues.

Prime Minister Christie is being joined by Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell, Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe and professional staff.

The delegation is due to return to the capital on the evening of November 28.