NASSAU, Bahamas, CMC- Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis has dismissed calls for Immigration Minister Keith Bell to resign for overseeing a citizenship swearing-in ceremony during a recent funeral.
Last month, audio was released of Bell swearing in three people during a funeral at the Metropolitan Church of the Nazarene.
In the recording, Bell acknowledged that conferring citizenship at a funeral was unorthodox. He was also heard presenting the people with certificates, saying he was doing so on behalf of the Prime Minister, the Cabinet, “and Bahamians everywhere.”
The Immigration Minister then said that he was attending the funeral of Franck Racine, a man born in Haiti who came to The Bahamas in the 1990s. He told Mr. Racine’s wife was also born in Haiti, and his two children were born in The Bahamas.
He said Racine asked for help after his renal kidney failure diagnosis.
“He applied for citizenship under the former administration, but nothing was done,” he said. “As he cried, he said he did not want to die, and his wife and children were left in ‘no man’s land.’ I told him I would look into his matter. It took some time, but his file was located,’ the Immigration Minister said.
According to the Immigration Minister, he honored his commitment, and his wife and children received their citizenship.
However, there was a backlash in the aftermath of the swearing-in ceremony. One of Bell’s predecessors, Brent Symonette, said his actions were “highly improper” and warranted his resignation from Cabinet.
In response, the Prime Minister said there was no need for resignation.
“I think he’s acknowledged that it was unconventional, alright, and I don’t think it rises to the point that he needs to resign.”
However, the main opposition Free National Movement insists the Davis administration has not adequately addressed the controversy, questioning whether the proper process was followed before the people were granted citizenship.
and then 