Govt Devising New Citizenship Bill

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – It’s back to the drawing board for the government for citizenship legislation.

Attorney General Ryan Pinder confirming today that a bill previously crafted under the former Minnis administration is being scrapped for a new bill that will allow Bahamian men and women to pass on citizenship  – in all circumstances.

The Attorney General’s comments during the weekly OPM Press Briefing confirms that the Davis-led government has no plans for the previously drafted Nationality, Immigration, and Asylum Bill.

Immigration Minister Keith Bell said two months ago it was under review.

The bill was initially drafted by the Law Reform Commission, headed by Dame Anita Allen, in 2018.

It would have repealed The Bahamas Nationality Act and the Immigration Act and also outlines provisions for migrants seeking asylum in the country.

When asked if we was concerned that taking the legislative route could mean legal troubles for the government, the AG said this: “No. And, if they take us to court, they take us to court. Everybody takes the government to court these days. Doesn’t mean they’re right.”

The issue of citizenship has been back in the headlines in recent weeks after Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham addressed the hot-button topic.

Ingraham acknowledged that his administrations attempt, which involved constitutional changes, was the hard way of bringing this change.

A 2016 referendum to address this matter and others concerning the ability of Bahamians to pass on their citizenship to children and spouses was overwhelmingly rejected by voters.

A similar exercise in 2002, when Ingraham served as prime minister, was also rejected.