National

FNM, COI Crack Down on Immigration Minister

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Pressure intensifies as two opposition parties released documents that detail what happened at the British Colonial Hotel.

Published

9 months ago

July 24, 2023

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The pressure is intensifying against Immigration Minister Keith Bell as two opposition parties are releasing documents that detail exactly what went down with the foreign nationals at the British Colonial Hotel. Coalition of Independent Leader Lincoln Bain saying they’re preparing to take the government to court over the matter while the FNM says they will not rest until Bell resigns.

While both the FNM and COI are calling for Immigration Minister Keith Bell to resign, the Coalition of Independents is looking to take the matter a step further.

Bain releasing this report from Chief Immigration Officer Chad Adams to deputy Immigration Director Fausteen Major-Smith, detailing what happened at the British Colonial Hotel.

It ends saying, “As you are aware I contacted you and your instructions were to have all subjects arrested and detained at the Carmichael Road Detention Center. However, I would have received a phone call from the director to hold on taking persons into custody.”

The report also revealed that out of the 65 foreigners only three were able to produce proper documentation, leaving the question of how the rest got into the country.

The coalition also released this voice memo of what appears to be Bell leaving a voicemail to assistant Immigration Director Fausteen Major-Smith.

Meanwhile the Free National Movement at a press conference late Sunday evening also produced a memo written by Director of Immigration Keturah Ferguson to Permanent Secretary Cecelia Strachan about Bell’s interference in the department.

It reads, “I find it very disconcerting when directives of this nature are continuously received. This type of action is demoralizing to the immigration officers in particular who are trying to do their jobs mandated by law.”

She also revealed that it was a “security breach”, adding “they do not have any idea who the remaining individuals were or how they got into the country”.

Pintard also alleged a host of irregularities with granting work permits, including approval being given to some while in custody and some who made no application.

Meanwhile Bain says the opposition needs to step up.