National

Immigration Minister: Taking Them To The Detention Center Was Unnecessary

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Amid allegations he superseded immigration officials, forcing Chinese workers’ release, the immigration minister explains what happened.

Published

10 months ago

July 18, 2023

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Amid allegations he superseded immigration officials and forced the release of multiple Chinese workers, Immigration Minister Keith Bell explains what went down.

While admitting there were some irregularities, he says taking the foreigners to the detention center solved nothing.

The FNM claims up to 100 Chinese nationals were working at the site without valid work permits.

Bell did not detail what those irregularities were.

This isn’t the first time the workforce at The Pointe has been brought into question.

Over the years, the Department of Labour took issue with the ratio of Bahamians to foreign nationals employed at the property.

As for the most recent irregularities, Bell says they were swiftly corrected.

The British Colonial Hotel is set to reopen this winter after closing its doors back in February 2022.

Bell says the completion of ongoing renovations at the hotel will address and add critically needed hotel rooms in new providence and provide employment for Bahamians.

After his prepared statement reporters sought to question him on the matter. But this happened.