DEVEAUX REJECTED AS DISHONEST, DISINGENUOUS

The Department of Immigration rejects as dishonest and disingenuous comments attributed in the press to former Minister of Immigration Dr. Earl Deveaux about the Department’s speed in processing applications.

Since 2nd May, 2002, the Department of Immigration has pursued the goal of creating positive precedents of efficiency in all areas, including the processing of work permits and permanent residency.

The fact is that under the administration of Dr. Deveaux as Minister, the application for Permanent Residency of one Victor Kozeny was processed in less than 10 weeks.  It is strange that Dr. Deveaux would now level charges that the processing of a similar application by Ms. Anna Nicole Smith in 3 months would set a “disturbing precedent”.

There are two separate and distinct paths to the application for Permanent Residency in The Bahamas.  One is through a long and creditable residence as a contributing member of the Bahamian community.  The other is through significant economic investment in The Bahamas.  This policy of economic Permanent Residents was put in place before the administration under which Dr. Deveaux served as Minister, but extended and increased by the FNM administration.

In either case, applications before the Department once fully complete, substantiated and investigated; should be processed in an expeditious manner.   The public should know whether Dr. Deveaux’s statement represents a departure by the Opposition from this policy and whether they now believe that applications should be delayed for appearances.

The fact is that this administration believes in creating efficiency in the process and not unnecessary delays.