National

Immigration Rocked By Controversy

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – It was a rocky road for the immigration department which was rocked with controversy over the granting of citizenship and work permits within the department.

Published

12 months ago

December 28, 2023

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – It was a rocky road for the immigration department which was rocked with controversy over the granting of citizenship and work permits within the department.

It brought the department’s processes into question and its former minister under intense scrutiny.

A viral audio clip was only the tip of the iceberg for the immigration department and former Immigration Minister Keith Bell.

Back in June, news broke that Bell bestowed citizenship to a dead man’s wife at his funeral service. With many questioning the legality and if it was appropriate, Bell quickly came to his defence.

The move prompted calls for his resignation. Former Immigration Minister Brent Symonette was among them.

It also prompted the first of many protest by the Free National Movement. The group marched to the Department of Immigration on Hawkins Hill to express their outrage.

Despite the outrage, the government came to his defence with Acting Press Secretary Keishla Adderley saying Bell broke no laws.

But in a few short weeks the situation took a turn for the worse for Bell as this made headlines.

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

Bell says the irregularities were quickly cured by the employers.

However, the FNM didn’t let up taking their protest to Parliament Square.

But Bell’s supporters also came out in support.

But the drama didn’t end there. The Free National Movement and Coalition of Independents dropped more startling details of work permit approvals in the department.

PLP Chairman and Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell gave a suggestion to his fellow parliamentary colleagues.

Prime Minister Philip Davis eventually broke his silence on the matter.