Yesterday I indicated certain developments with regard to the issuance of U.S. Visas in The Bahamas consequent upon the injury of the Vice Consul at the U.S. Embassy in Nassau on Sunday last while she was going to church. I promised to keep the House informed of new developments as they became available.
I am pleased to report that processing of visa applications for Bahamians began again this morning at the U.S. Embassy. I wish to publicly thank the Charge for his quick action in resolving an unexpectedly troublesome and complicated matter. Conspiracy theorists abound about what this or that action means. I wish only to deal with the facts as we know them.
The explanation from the U.S. is simple: the Vice Consul was one of a specialised group of rare experts in her field and the U.S. government indicated that they were challenged in her absence to find the level of expertise which is reposed in her. Thus the brief surcease yesterday. Happily that is behind us.
In light of the statements in the social media and the position taken by the Official Opposition on this matter, I wish to say that it is always prudent to base one’s commentary on the facts and not on speculation that is not based in reason or logic. It is the government’s view that matters ought to be put in their proper context.
A serious event transpired. We should not make it worse by exaggerated claims. For example, the Opposition described what happened yesterday at the Embassy as unprecedented and called us to account for a stewardship. This is as it should be, the calling into account although it is regrettable that a political division takes place over this unfortunate incident.
I remind them however that during one of their terms a Minister of the Government was murdered. That too was unprecedented but we got through it by logical and rational responses to a difficult problem. The perpetrators were brought to justice.
With this then, I urge all Bahamians to rededicate ourselves to ridding the country of crime. I am certain the professionals are as we speak taking the measures, seeking to contain this very ugly incident that we deeply regret and deplore and are trying to ensure that it does not happen again. They have the full support of the government in protecting all within our borders whether visitors, diplomats of ordinary citizens of The Bahamas. I promise again to keep the House informed as events warrant.
Thank you Mr. Speaker.
