Bahamas: 30th anniversary of independence
Less praise but more blame from tourists and foreign investors

The Bahamas  government is talking about the outpouring of national pride in these days due to the 30^th anniversary of the indpendence at 10^th of July 1973 but this is quite different to what tourists and foreign investors are saying about this little island nation, claims Harald Fuhrmann, managing director of Bahamas Consult.

+ + + + +   Investors want a crime-free and corruption-free environment   + + + + +

Once, long ago, the Bahamas had the notoriety of being a pirate-haven — when only the laws of the jungle prevailed and where one ventured at the very risk of one’s life. The British Crown appointed Woods Rogers to perform the Herculean task of cleaning out the place and bringing a semblance of law to its wayward colony. The history of the nation since then has been characterised by occasional piratical practices, such as gun- and rum and, most recently, drug-running. But, being now a sovereign and independent nation, the Bahamas has the responsibility for cleaning up its own house. It may have the assistance of the US in its interdictions of the modern-day pirates — the drug-runners and money-launderers — but it is this nation’s responsibility to enforce its laws and administer its justice in such a way as to protect its citizens and its guests and visitors.

+ + + + +   The Bahamas legal profession - it does not make sence to touch it    + + + + +

In a community of this (small) size it is naturally difficult to get one lawyer to help one to bring one of his peers to justice. Foreign investors are claiming that most Bahamian lawyers have an international reputation for corruption and incompetence. Not even one lawyer, in the entire country, would question the actions of the attorneys who were involved in the injustices that foreigners encounter in The Bahamas. Despite all of the allegations of corruption and incompetence, not one lawyer or the Bahamas Bar Association would speak out for reform.

We have to bring this to the worldwide attention that this situation will continue until the lawyers themselves realise their livelihoods are jeopordised, then maybe they will wake up and begin the process necessary to clean up their filthy industry.

+ + + + +   Do not invest your money in the Bahamas because you cannot enjoy it   + + + + +

Harald Fuhrmann criticizes the Bahamas legal profession, most of the Bahamian lawyers  and at the top of them  Alfred Sears, Bahamas Attorney General, and Prime  Minister Perry  Christie educated as a lawyer as well. Both like confrontational politics and they have the stomach for it. Both do what they want to do but for a society only where a minority population controlls the wealth. Here is no true democracy and no real space for foreign investments due to a wide spread corrupt legal profession, Fuhrmann warns in a new  website foreign investors and tourists.

  + + + + +   Another lie: The Bahamas has an investor-friendly environment   + + + + +

Mr. Alfred Sears, foreigners have to quiver and quake before Bahamian lawyers as if they were a stray dog. Why? You as the Attorney General have finally decided that the AG's office needs to be cleaned up. OK. You hired an attorney in the meantime to come in and assist. The bad news: Where is this “burning” assessment I have signed? Why do you hush up this affair? Is the entire Bahamas legal profession guilty?

  + + + + +   Where law is not effective, helpless will prevail    + + + + +

Even Bahamians claim the injustice in this little island nation. The Judiciary itself in this country has contributed towards crime increase more than any other system.  Even though Government is responsible for this body in that they hire and appoint them, they err in not making them accountable. Government has been given the mandate to rule. And if there arises any doubt, we have a constitution which spells out the principles by which the governed are to be governed. Government is the Representative of the people.

The Judiciary may be an independent body, but it is an arm of Government; because Government appoints the Judiciary. They are not elected. Since (government does not require the Judiciary to be accountable to her directly then the Judiciary is like a Law unto itself. The Judiciary should not be able to operate in a vacuum. Therefore the Judiciary should be made accountable. If the Government does not hold the Judiciary accountable then the inheritors of these Family of Islands, Rocks and Cays will hold them accountable for any lack of accountability on the part of the Judiciary.

+ + + + +   Islands of the Bahamas - islands to avoid   + + + + +

There are three areas in the country; because of hands on approach on the part of the Peoples Representatives that have also contributed towards crime escalation. The Security Agencies of the country needed over hauling, (and the administration of the Police Force have moved in that direction); Upgrading, and ongoing training, without ceasing, needs to take place. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link. The Police are only as strong as its weakest link.

  + + + + +   30 years of independence - means 30 years crime, wide spread corruption, injustice,  drugtrafficking, high murderrate .....   + +  +  + +

And consider that investigators have named an acting Bahamian Magistrate in a corruption scheme, involving the "fixing" of hundreds of cases for instance. You  read  in  the Bahmaina  media that it is alleged that crooked court employees and corrupt employees from the Attorney General's office steer cases they need "handled" to this particular Magistrate's court. Evidence shows that the Attorney General's office has even asked other Magistrates to recuse themselves, from certain cases, so the cases can be transfered to the crooked Magistrate. The Magistrate drives an expensive foreign car and lives a wealthy lifestyle.

Details of the investigation have been released to the Attorney General's office, but thus far the Attorney General has failed to respond, one might imagine.

+ + + + +   Investing in the Bahamas is dangerous to your health   + + + + +

Foreign investors call the Bahamian legal system a "whorehouse" because too many Bahamian lawyers are "corrupt" and "incompetent". And they accuse the Bar Association of being "ineffective" and corrupted by a "buddy system". They question the integrity and morality of many Bahamian attorneys and says the Bahamas ignores the "rule of law."

+ + + + +   Doing business in the Bahamas means invest money where you corrupt people are living  + + + + +

A  close examination of the Web sites reveal that German investor, Harald Fuhrmann, isn't saying anything that hasn't already been said in the local media by prominent Bahamians? Fuhrmann, managing director of Bahamas Consult, is only saying these same things in a louder, bolder and more graphic way. It seems it's okay for Bahamians to criticize the many, many problems in this country, but God forbid if foreigners or the US Ambassador, dares to do the same.

+ + + + +   The beauty of the Bahamas is skin deep only   + + + + +

Some Bahamians want to keep the true horrors of our nation private, as if ignoring them will make them go away. Do these people really think it is more important to maintain the image of our tourism industry than it is to make the country a better, safer place for both Bahamians and visitors? That would be foolishly shortsighted.

  + + + + +   Foreigners accuses politicians of killing people   + + + + +

Foreigners claim the injustice in the whole Bahamas legal profession –  even they would have  the impression that a ethics committee would not exist at the Bahamas Bar Association. Bahamians claim that the Attorney General, Mr. Alfred Sears, should be spending much more time in investigating the corrupt members of the Bar Association and his own dysfunctional AG's office, instead of wasting time investigating claims that we all know are true, but are too ashamed to admit. Announced results are up to now kept secret to protect various lawyers. Bahamas Consult warns serious foreign investors to beleave in any advertisements publishedby the Bahamas Investment Authority or the Bahamas  Financial Service Board. The advicer points out that the killing rate the the Bahamas is already one of the highest in the world but one have to add these people who have been „killed“by Bahamian lawyers  (when they do not represent their clients in a professional way before the courts), by Bahamian politicians (when they do not answer any claims) or by members of the Bahamas financial sector for instance (when they cause illnesses to investors which are stress related due to frauds which might have resulted in many million dollars being lost!) As a result of his experiences and contacts to various investors Harald Fuhrmann sees at least high risks for investing in The Bahamas.

+ + + + +   Stay away from Bahamian investment promotion teams because non-investors live healthier   + + + + +

Therefore Bahamas Consult describes this little island nation as a country where lawyers and politicians do not show any respect towards foreigners and sees the Bahamas in one row together with states like the former Irak and Lybia. Considering that the German advicer  had contact recently to one of the directors staying in hospital and respresenting a international investor group Fuhrmann added „to those investors who died already due to stress related illneses we can´t talk anymore but involved Bahamians can sit together to celebrate the 30^th anniversary of independence of the Bahamas – known as a corrupt place with an assortment of criminals involved in everything what can spoil other peoples lifes.

  + + + + +   Bahamians are friendly - as long as they can expect that the relationship bring   any advantage for them    +  +  +  +  +

A party leader recently  advised the government against sending mixed signals to the international community by expressing anti-foreign sentiments, associating with suspected criminals and shifting its relations with communist Cuba. He said when the Attorney General, Alfred  Sears, refuses to prosecute a major drug case, the international community takes note. "When Cabinet Minister and government MP's promote anti-foreign sentiments the international community constantly takes notes," he said. "When the Bahamas Prime Minister and Cabinet Minister appear at public events connected with suspected criminals or drug lords, the international community again takes note. The international community takes also note when a  U.S. Ambassador criticizes Bahamian authorities for not doing enough to fight drug trafficking. Travel journalist should consider these serious problems when they publish their stories about the Bahamas as a tourist destination, Bahamas Consult points out. 

+ + + + +   Caution is better in the Bahamas!   + + + + +

Whereas erverybody in the world like annyversaries of independence but  the world  has to recognice that the the level of corruption in the Bahamas is highly offensive. From members of Parliament, judges, lawyers and court employees to police, immigration and custom officers - everywhere one look there is a „crooked face“. Therefore „caution is better in the Bahamas. In many cases those rights are being trampled by the very people we pay to protect those rights; Members of Parliament, police officers and others that we trust.

+ + + + +   Are there addional benefits for buying property in the Bahamas? Yes, ants, rats roaches, people stealing from neighbours, break ins, tenants you never should trust.   + + + + +

While there are a number of import issues that affect the Bahamas; financial legislation, labour laws; international treaties, etc., none is so important as the reputation and integrity of our great nation. Bahamians should no longer sit by and watch a group of crafty cunning crooks, disguised as lawyers and businessmen, corrupt our country.

More and more people around the globe are coming to realise the fact that there is a problem in the Bahamas regarding the rule of law. The Nassau Institute has written about it, newspaper columnists have mentioned it, both major parties have accused the other of ignoring it.  Many have criticised the Bahamas lack of respect for the rule of law, which has caused numerous problems for us in the areas of financial services and intellectual property. It may have been an over-reaction to such criticism that led to the barrage of laws that ravaged our financial services industry. Ironically, there is nowhere in the Bahamas where the rule of law is ignored more than in the legal and judicial system. Violations of the law and lack of adherence to the rule of law is rampant in the legal profession, particularly regarding property law.

+ + + + +   Sol Kerzner (Atlantis): We are confident of the future of the Bahamas - Hopefully (Bahamas Consult)   + + + + +

The first place to start is our Members of Parliament. Bahamians should urge everybody to carefully evaluate the integrity and track record of the people in office. MP's who have switched parties just to be on the winning side, MP's who have been unresponsive, MP's who have accomplished nothing in prior terms and MP's with questionable ethics should be dismissed even if it means going against party affiliations.

+ + + + +   We have the right climate for investments - this marketing slogan published by the Bahamas Investment Authority is just a lie!   + + + + +

A number of  new courts or a expected modernised system in the courts,  with the aim of cutting back on the backlogs of  cases does not mean consequently that foreigners  can expect any justice in the Bahamas or that the legislation is being used to combat crime and criminal activities successfully. Investors expect a almost crime-free envirement,  improvements in the  financial business and confidence in the legal system. As a former colony of Great Britain, that Bahamas makes the impression that it´s legal system is common law based but it is corrupt and lawyers have the power to manipulate   court decisions and they even do not mind to forward appeal s to a higher court. The Bahamas judiciary should be constitutionally recognised as an independant branch of the government. Judges should be not politically appointed but in a climate like in the  Bahamas corruption is always present.

  + + + + +   You don't find your paradise!   + + + + +

Fuhrmann denies that the Bahamas government has a business-friendly economic policy nor  a legal framework for foreign investment and and no investor-friendly condition for second home vacation residences either. Not only honesty but also companies like Bahamas Telephone Company, Bahamasair or Bahamas Electricity Corporation are for sale. In case impudent liers could take part at the Olympic Games Bahmians would have a very good chance to win a gold medal in that competition. „I believe that Bahamasair is a jewel that  will be a steal for whoever chooses to invest in us.“ Same nonsense as  „Bahamas - the right choice“ or „It´s better in the Bahamas“, Fuhrmann decribes the investment situation from his experience.

+ + + + +   Call for moral revolution   + + + + +

If you read as a serious investor that the Director of Public Prosecutions, of Public Defender,  of Chief Parlamentary Counsel, Dierector of Legal Affairs and Ombudsman have an independant status you have to ask yourself first whether all those positions exict in reality and how wide corruption is spread in the Bahamas? Fuhrmann questions. The Bahamas  lost already it´s respect in the world. And it will be difficult to restore the confidence in the  Bahamas. Prime Minister Perry was not wise to call  Alfred Sears for the position of Ministry  of Justice and Ministry of Education as well because without doubt a Attorney General  should not tolerate crime and corruption. How can he be an idol for the young people? No  wonder that elder citizens are afraid about the future of the Bahamas when in the meantime  at least 10  000 Bahamian youths, including girls, are involved in „anti-social“ behaviour –  and unfortunatelly not only in Nassau. What did the Bahamas Christian Council say: "Our crime rate is forever climbing, violence seems to be the order of the day and now we have violent situations in the schools. It is now crucial that politicians, the church, the home and all citizens of this country become aware of the fact that when discipline goes, the country goes."

"Sir I am indeed apologetic to hear of your struggles with our Bahamian government as well as the lawyers of our country. I assure you sir these persons sadly, although they represent us politically are NOT a true indication of Bahamians, so I hope this has not tainted your image or perception of the Bahamian people. Some of the political heads indeed are unprofessional and down-right corrupt, but plese I admonish you to deal with the problem where it lies. The problem does not lie with in the Bahamian general population, so why should they become victims, which sir they are, because this affects tourism, jobs, families, lives. Whether or not you choose to believe this The Bahamas is over-riped with opportunities and its people with talent, so please sir take such into great consideration. Once again I do apoloize on behalf of the Bahamian government and also on behalf of the Bahamain citizens in general". LS

Sorry, I don´t want to be a victim of corrupt Bahamian lawyers and politians!

"I am utterly sorry that you have experienced an injustice by the government
of the Bahamas. However, it was committed by the government not the people. I find it quite offensive when you take a personal experience and commit such a hasty generalization of the entire island. Your website, in my opinion, is a poor representation of the people and of the island. Yes there are issues that exist, as is everywhere you go. Nevertheless, one
should not allow a single unpleasant event to overshadow every aspect of Bahamian life". TJ

The Nassau Guardian should know the full story. Read www.bahamas.net.tc for instance!

"You are damaging the livelihood of honest caring people because of some crooked lawyers.
Also, most of the crime and corruption occurs in Nassau. The Bahamas is 2,000 Islands and Cays.
Comparing Nassau to the rest of the Bahamas is like comparing New York city to the small rural community where I live". MC

Your own government is damaging your livelihood!

"Because of your personal experience, should my countrymen suffer when
we do not even know you? Should they who rely so heavily on tourism to feed and clothe their children suffer because some German millionaire felt he was unfairly treated by the justice system? Should my father tell me he has to beg for bread because of websites that kept tourists
away making him foreclose his vacation rental companies?" AN

I am not a millionaire but you allow wellknown Bahamians to be modern pirates!

"We were particularly interested in your comment that Bahamians need to be careful how they treat foreigners - and this is true. However, Foreigners, for a long time, have been ripping Bahamians off until now, therefore Bahamians having gone through some tough lessons in their dealings with foreigners have now learnt how to do it to others in return". YM

"There is one important aspect of our recent history. At the time of Bahamian Independence 1972 the western world was lauding something called "Majority rule" - a misnomer and a propaganda phrase, as the majority never rule. An elite few of the elected representatives are the rulers. In third world countries, these leaders were given powers they could not handle responsibly. In the Bahamas power in the hands of two Prime Ministers in a period of 35 years has led to where we are today. There is however an important point to be made. Corruption has not been confined to the Bahamian government. It is corrupt through and through, without doubt, however a substantial responsibility for the degradation of the country lies with some major institutions and investors. The willingness
to bribe officials was ubiquitous. It probably still is. Major banking institutions and others found ways to pay off those who had the power to supply telephones and work permits or to deny these essentials".
Concerned

"I knew it was some reason for you being upset and I truly respect that. I must still say though that "revenge" is still not the way. Not only did you bash the legal profession, you possibly put a dent in the tourism market. I pray that you get your issue resolved in due order though". ARB

To pray won´t help at all!

"Thanks for writing back. You are right, there is a big hoolpla going on here now about your sights and now I have heard from you I realize why you are doing it. However, the type on content on the site I saw was not really focusing on what your problems were. It was a negative portrayal of all things Bahamas and not just the legal field or the Government. I agree with you when you say you did not get any help and I too have experienced it, but your site just does not portray that. Agains I am sorry for what happened to you . Perhaps you should name names and specific instances instead of trashing the whole country". VA

"Thank you for your reply. I wish to have a time-line of your dispute. Really I would like to know when it started and who are the ones responsible along the way. If it is over a ten year period and still current it seems obvious that it is chronic and deep-rooted. I will check up on the references you noted so that I can better understand the issue. I am aware of injustice in the society and I detest it. The country as whole will only progress through knowledge followed by appropriate actions. So long for now". RB

You  could read  www.bahamas.net.tc, www.mybahamas.net.tc  and www.haraldfuhrmann.eu.tc

"Mr. Fuhrmann....I understand your plight and I am truly sorry. I am just replying because I understand but please do not let this which has happened cause all Bahamians suffer there are some good ones and bad like every where else in the world. I pray God will work something out for you and maybe guide you to do what is within your best intrest ...Joan...I am sorry!" C

In case you really want that the mass public holds the leash than you need to get rid of bad apples in the Bahamas community!

"Harald, first of all I would like to apoligize for my very first e-mail. I am a proponent of efficient markets and from the outlined reply it seems at first glance that you may have been treated unfairly. If this is the case, I can understand you being upset. However, I think that your website would have been more effective had you outlined the situation from the very begining. I will read your website and if justified comply with request of insisting an investigation into the matter from the AG's office". WD

Mr. Alfred Sears never sent any reply. What is he doing with the international reputation of the Bahamas?

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