Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sen. Hon. Darren Henfield commented on the crisis in Haiti while paying respects to the late Dr. Elwood Donaldson at the House Of Assembly on Thursday.
Henfield spoke to reporters about illegal immigration. He said, “illegal immigration, as we know, in The Bahamas continues to go unabated and until we can stop the flow of the boats from Haiti. As things get tough people look for a place to come where they can find a way to make a living.”
Also speaking on the issue was former Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie, who is currently part of CARICOM’s Eminent Persons Group on Haiti. Christie called on Parliamentarians to work together to solve the issue. ”When they go into the House of Assembly they are apart of the governance of the country and we have some major challenge. And I have no doubt whatsoever that major efforts are being made as we speak to address those challenges because it is critical that we do so when the economy of The Bahamas can be severely impacted.”
Christie also gave an update on the work of the Eminent Persons Group. He said, “the international community clearly, CARICOM clearly, all have an obligation to ensure that we do not let Haiti fall into a completely failed state. Enormous sacrifices are being made by families. Enormous damage being done to children who are being displaced. People who are being raped and people who are being killed. So there is a call for action and hopefully that action will take place soon.”
Former St. Lucian Prime Minister, Dr. Kenny Anthony along with former Jamaican Prime Minister, Bruce Golding are also members of the Eminent Persons Group.
