+ + + + + Perry Christie, Bahamas Prime Minister said, it is a great honour for the Bahamas that St. Lucia´s Julian Hunte appointed Mrs. Missouri Sherman-Peter to assist to the 57th Session of the United Nations General Assembly which runs from May 2003 till end of September 2004 + + + + +

+ + + + + but the Government of the Bahamas should be more aware that many nations – and even Bahamians - are sick and tired of a few little pirate-minded and corrupt countries like the Bahamas + + + + +

Citizens and foreigners claim that Bahamian lawyers are defacing the Bahamas by stealing real estate, setting up rogue bank accounts and manipulating court decisions. Bahamas Consult will not question because the government has a special system in place to protect its lawyers. This system is called sanctimony. When you file official complaints to the Bahamas Bar Association or repeatedly contact Ministers , such as Alfred Sears, Bahamas Attorney General , Fred Mitchell, Bahamas Minister of Foreign Affairs, or Prime Minister Perry Christie, everything will continue as it was before. It seems ministers do not have eyes to see, ears to hear or a mouth to talk in case a relief, a written answer or personal meeting is necessary. Everyone who is calling for honesty patrol will turn deaf ears on a plight as long as you are not a member of this so-called “honest” society.

Bad apples need to be weeded out of the Bahamian community, no matter how big, rich and prominent they are. This should be done before they destroy the Bahamas’ international reputation. Bahamas-inside has internal knowledge that Bahamians and foreigners call for a self-restriction of attorneys in both the official agencies and the Bahamian government. Too many of them occupy high and relevant positions and protect each other. Without a change in the Bahamian community, corruption, crime, drug trafficking and killing will reach an impenetrable level.

Just to ignore problems this does not make them go away automatically. Harald Fuhrmann, managing director of Bahamas Consult, claims that it is even a worse habit if responsable prominent persons within the Bahamas legal profession and the Bahamas government never meet with or respond to serious complaints and not even give a general answer. The real Bahamas is just the opposite of what the government publishes in its glossy brochures and press releases. International newspapers publish advertorials promoted by the Ministry of Tourism, the Bahamas Financial Service Board or their members instead of articles written by creditable journalists.

Internet newsletter Bahamas-inside has been asked by a Bahamian businessman to act as a guardian to inform the world community of the on-going conspiracy against individuals by the legal profession of the Bahamas. "Bahamas Consult has evidence that this man does not stand alone as a victim. Tourists and foreign investors alike would agree with him or other similar cases.

The Bahamian businessman describes his situation: When the legal profession, the government and "the public" can involve themselves in “criminal activity” against an individual, I am justified in taking my case to the entire world in order to free myself and to help others against such criminal activities. This behaviour involves slavery, lying, theft of funds, property and children, abusing the innocent and illegal scientific programs designed to destroy lives. By denying the right of access to our lives through secretly paying informants to injure our private lives and reputations, we are at liberty to take any cause of action we deem within the limits of the law to expose such criminal behaviour even if it shames the entire legal profession, the government and its people.

BahamasB2B founder Lisa Wells reports that legal corruption is out of control in the Bahamas. After three years of BahamasB2B talking about a conspiracy amongst Bahamian lawyers, a major local newspaper has finally taken up the cause to circumvent justice. Three years ago when her building was taken over by squatters who work for crooked lawyers, Mrs. Wells sounded the alarm. Bahamian government and media ignored her. The same occupants are still in Mrs. Wells’ building and have not paid rent in over two years. Mrs. Wells repeatedly tried to get the local papers involved in exposing this blatant corruption with little response. One of her court cases has already been adjourned about 20 times. MORE

Another example of a terrible story tells of an American family who closed their Cutlass Bay Club on Cat Island due to illegal drug activity, vandalized US aircrafts and violence directed towards foreigners on the island with little police intervention and follow-up. They felt that their guests were not safe at the resort anymore. Cutlass Bay was the target of arsonists. Other resorts have also been destroyed. A book about their experiences on Cat Island will be published shortly. „Sand Money“ is about drug dealing and corruption experienced in their ten years on this "paradise" island. MORE

German investor Harald Fuhrmann is another victim of the wrong doings. After losing nearly half a million dollars, Mr. Fuhrmann has salt poured into his wounds by being ignored as he pleads for justice in the Bahamas. For the past ten years, he resisted becoming a victim of the state's apparatus and its legal system. It has been perpetrated by various lawyers adopting their own practices. Examples of these acts are not replying to letters or fax messages, being very difficult to contact over the telephone and not keeping appointments. They prepare legal documents in such a way that a judge is not required to accept them. Lawyers often do not appear at court hearings, practicing delays in hope that their own clients lose interest in the case and give up. Fuhrmann claims that a thief of little importance receives more attention in Bahamian courts than a foreigner. The German says that he was not awarded a proper hearing, as a judge with a wig nor the defendant were present. One of his lawyers was supposed to file a change of attorney but this action never occurred. The terms "lawyer" and "judge" should once again acquire their true meaning in the Bahamas. Attorney General Sears and Prime Minister Christie have both turned a deaf ear on his plight. MORE

Bahamas-inside describes the corrupt Bahamas in a special frame. First: It is reported that the present Attorney General of the Bahamas was formerly "a haberdasher or some sort of shopkeeper" therefore he should know how to deal with complaints and files. Second: And Mrs. Allyson Maynard-Gibson – a lawyer too - has called for a "moral revolution" in the Bahamas in former times, warning that if it did not happen the country could lose its respect in the world. In the meantime Mrs. Maynard-Gibson – related to „taciturn“ Peter Maynard – became Minister of Financial Services and Investments. In this position she is claiming that foreigners call for the honesty patrol. Third: Bahamas-inside beleaves the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Honourable Perry G. Christie, does not remember that he outlined a new Codes of Ethic shortly after he was elected to avoid corruption in the government, their agencies and committees. What happened since than? MORE

Foreigners can learn what to expect from this island nation. Read "what Bahamians are saying about the Bahamas"

The selective judgement found in court cases is so obvious that editors at local papers finally realized that there is evidently wrongdoings. One newspaper gave the government an ultimatum, either to pursue the “Cartwright murder investigation” with integrity and fairness or the paper will publish its own conclusions.

The above illustrations of several individuals are monographs; however, there are more serious warnings from people who lived or invested in the Bahamas. The increase in these crimes has become so prevalent that crime prevention and criminal justice in the Bahamas should be rectified by the United Nations. The Bahamas Consult highly recommends the alleged corruption be relayed to the public sphere, private sector, financial investors and political arenas.

What Bahamians Are Saying About The Bahamas

"It's a jungle out there"
(Police Commissioner, Paul Farquharson, The Nassau Guardian, Feb 11, 2003)

"There is a mood of despair gripping the Bahamas. Crime and the economy are causing Bahamians to feel there is no light at the end of the tunnel and that is a frightening thing."
(Algernon Allen, The Tribune, Feb 12, 2003)

A pervasive culture of dishonesty and a conspiracy of silence in the country are responsible for many of the social ills currently disrupting the society.
(The Attorney General and Minister of Education, Alfred Sears, The Bahama Journal, February 25th, 2003)

The dark shadow of violence has spread... with the police and civilians involved in street skirmishes, both sides using guns to defend themselves.
(Insight, Bahama Journal, Feb 8, 2003)

"Indeed, I am advised that for the month of September last month there were 41 cases of rape reported to the police. This is totally unacceptable and must be reversed."
(Prime Minister Perry Christie, The Bahama Journal, Oct 22, 2002)

"Who has a duty, and the sole responsibility to do something, anything to stop the flow of blood? The Government, that's who!"
(Normon Solomon, The Nassau Guardian, Feb 13, 2003)

Something is terribly wrong in this nation. An angry and fearful public is demanding reassurance from the government and its leaders that something be done to restore a sense of calm to urban centers like Freeport and Nassau.
(Editorial, Bahama Journal, Feb 10, 2003)

It is all well and good for the prime minister to say that he has commissioned a study, but don't tell Mrs. (Sheila) Bethel that. Her husband is dead... This is our problem and we have to stop talking about it and we have to do something about it."
(Pierre Dupuch, Independent MP for St. Margaret's constituency, The Tribune, February 17, 2003)

Crime in this country is rampant and completely out of control.
(E.W.I. Watkins J.P., The Nassau Guardian, Feb 4, 2003)

"The fear gripping this town is at a level I have never experienced before."
(Algernon Allen, The Tribune, Feb 12, 2003)

"Between the hopelessness and despair which fills the hearts of many Bahamians and the scourge of crime we are presently facing, we are on a collision course with a national crisis."
(Bishop Simeon Hall, The Tribune, February 17, 2003)

If there should be a priority for the Government of The Bahamas, it must be solving the crime problem.
(Insight, Bahama Journal, Feb 8, 2003)

We as citizens of this great country must consonantly and constructively come together to understand the root causes of our societal ills, which will guide us towards solving this grievous crime infestation prevalent in our society today.
(Dr. Kevin J. Alcena, The Nassau Guardian, Feb 7, 2003)

If violence is a consequence of social learning, then any effort of the government to reduce crime, must attack the subculture of violence by organizing joint efforts with the socializing institutions, the home the school and the church.
(Insight, Bahama Journal, Feb 8, 2003)

"Successive administrations and their Attorneys-General have all, in my view, failed to conceptualize; develop and implement an efficient system for the administration and the delivery of 'justice'. It all appears to be helter skelter and ad hoc."
(Ortland H. Bodie Jr., The Nassau Guardian - February 23, 2003)

Indeed, no day passes in this country when there is not a report of serious crime against persons and property in The Bahamas.
(Editorial, Bahama Journal, Feb 10, 2003)

We cannot afford to rest or relax as long as the present criminal active and BLATANT lack of respect for human life exists in our society.
(E.W.I. Watkins J.P., The Nassau Guardian, Feb 4, 2003)

"Here of late with public anger at the boiling point, more and more Bahamians are demanding that stronger action be taken to curb and contain the depredations of bandits..."
(Editorial, Bahama Journal - February 12, 2003)

"We must find jobs for those on the blocks and those graduating from school. We must find a better way to ensure that our economic pie is more equitably distributed among the masses"
(MP John Carey, The Nassau Guardian, Feb 10, 2003)

"The Bahamas is a society under chaos"
(Police Supt. Marvin Dames, Sept. 27, 2002)

"When we talk about crime we think about the most dramatic acts of violence such as murder, battery, or armed robbery. But crime is a much more pervasive concept within our society."
(The Attorney General and Minister of Education, Alfred Sears, The Bahama Journal, February 25th, 2003)

"Where is the sense of urgency from the public sector, from our nation's leaders? We need action. We need solutions. We need guidance."
(Editorial, The Nassau Guardian, Feb 11, 2003)

"The Bahamas today is in such a state of fear that Jewish settlers on the West Bank or the Gaza strip probably feel more secure than the average person in Freeport or Nassau."
(Dr. Leatendore Percentie, D.D.S, BahamasB2B News, February 26th, 2003)

"In many instances, human beings are being reduced to a state akin to that of life in a jungle, where the strongest, wiliest or most brutal survive, thanks either to their brawn or criminal cunning."
(Editorial, The Bahama Journal, Jan 28, 2003)

"While I accept the notion that crime will always be with us. I reject the view that we must always live in fear."
(Prime Minister Perry Christie, The Bahama Journal, Oct 22, 2002)

A review of the alarming statistics of crime justifies the public's demand for society to "do something" about violence crime.
(Insight, Bahama Journal, Feb 8, 2003)

"A large group of concerned citizens took an active role in cleaning up Rose Island over the weekend. Boaters and divers were upset at the amount of debris and litter dumped all over the island by people attending the last two sailaways."
(BahamasB2B News, August 13, 2002)

"The whole system of the administration of justice in The Bahamas seems to be on the verge of collapse. The system is being administered inefficiently in almost every facet. Many Bahamians are crying out for justice for various reasons."
(Insight, The Bahama Journal - January 20, 2003)

"At every rally or press release during Campaign 2002, promises were made by the PLP to wage an all out war on crime and to restore law and order. What has happened since then makes one wonder if there was in fact a plan to effectively reduce crime or was this all just political rhetoric, designed to fool an unsuspecting public?"
(Dr. Leatendore Percentie, D.D.S, BahamasB2B News, February 26th, 2003)

"For many years there has been systemic delays in the judiciary... Over the years the system has deteriorated with no accountability to the public."
(Insight, The Bahama Journal - January 20, 2003)

"...unless the government implements creative means of funding, national youth and national rehabilitative programmes will sink deeper into crime and despair."
(Algernon Allen, The Bahama Journal, Feb 13, 2003)

"... issues that need to be addressed like an out-of-control crime problem, increased drug trafficking, rising levels of unemployment and business failure, strained US/Bahamas relations and a crisis of confidence in the Prime Minister's leadership."
(The Bahama Journal - February 20, 2003)

"We are also seeing a lot of fraud, having to do with real estate..."
(Officer in Charge of the Central Detective Unit, Marvin Dames, on Island FM's 102.9 Parliament Street talk show)

"We agree with comments attributed to senior justices that there is an endemic level of corruption and the thiefing mentality amongst too many Bahamians."
(Ortland H. Bodie Jr., A Letter to the Editor - November 09, 2002)

"It is a very traumatic experience to have been violated and then to be thrust into a very adversarial system, because our court system is adversarial."
(The Attorney General and Minister of Education, Alfred Sears, The Bahama Journal, February 25th, 2003)

"It is unfortunate that many lazy, ingrates, both the well-educated and uneducated have unscrupulously taken into drug smuggling and peddling."
(Kevin J. Alcena, The Nassau Guardian - February 22, 2003)

"In addition to this fact of administrative incapacity in the Attorney General's office are the multiplicity of failings in the court system which have occasioned complaint after complaint, year in and year out."
(Editorial, The Bahama Journal - February 12, 2003)

"...a closer inspection (albeit, a casual one) of our nations roadsides, beaches, parks, abandoned lots and residential communities, in general, reveals unhealthy and unsightly accumulations of garbage and debris. This seems to betray a general lack of regard for the environment. Instead of taking care of this gift from God, residents are polluting it with garbage and refuse."
(The Nassau Guardian, February 19, 2003)

"I have known Alfred Sears for a long, long time. In opposition, and while still a member of Bar Council, he was very vocal about the sorry state of the legal system."
(Ortland H. Bodie Jr., The Nassau Guardian - February 23, 2003)

"...no day passes when there is no ghoulish representation of the impact a small number of predators are making on their communities and this country's reputation."
(Editorial, The Bahama Journal - February 12, 2003)

"Over the years, any number of lock tight cases have either been 'botched' by inexperienced crown counsel or serious charges withdrawn or lesser pleas accepted. This is inexcusable and I want to know where is Alfred Sears, the learned and supposed compassionate Attorney-General in all of this?"
(Ortland Bodie, The Nassau Guardian, Feb 13, 2003)

"In many instances, human beings are being reduced to a state akin to that of life in a jungle, where the strongest, wiliest or most brutal survive, thanks either to their brawn or criminal cunning."
(Editorial, The Bahama Journal, Jan 28, 2003)

"Do not think that all of the crimes reach either the press or the radio stations. There is a whole lot you never hear of. And the handling of those we know about is at times so farcical it would be very funny were it not so terribly serious."
(Normon Solomon, The Nassau Guardian, Feb 13, 2003)

"...there seems to be no let up in criminal activity and there won't be as long as criminality remains deeply embedded in our culture..."
(Vincent L. Ferguson, Viewpoints, The Bahama Journal, Feb 12, 2003)

"The country is paralysed by fear. It's been an orgy of unprecedented violence."
(Algernon Allen, The Bahama Journal, Feb 13, 2003)

"I would wish that the Prime Minister would refrain from demonstrating signs of panic and hopelessness and lead the way in a collective effort of solving crime."
(Alvin Smith, The Bahama Journal, Feb 13, 2003)

"The world is open. People know what is happening in our country."
(Prime Minister Perry Christie, Bahama Journal, Feb 13, 2003)

Last year, domestic violence was the main cause of murder in The Bahamas but, for 2003, the main motive seems to be armed robbery.
(The Nassau Guardian, Feb 13, 2003)

"We need law enforcement and judicial reforms now! Too many violent criminals are out on bail continuing their cycle of terror. The courts are backed up. The penal system transforms petty thieves into hardened criminals. This must stop."
(MP John Carey, The Nassau Guardian, Feb 22, 2003)

"We agree with comments attributed to senior justices that there is an endemic level of corruption and the thiefing mentality amongst too many Bahamians."
(Ortland H. Bodie Jr., A Letter to the Editor - November 09, 2002)

"The government must move expeditiously to weed out corrupt public officers... and let them face even stiffer penalties for betraying the nation "
(Kevin J. Alcena, The Nassau Guardian - February 22, 2003)

"The Department of Environmental Health Services in conjunction with the Royal Bahamas Police Force is cracking down on those persons who insist on... the indiscriminate dumping of garbage and other waste materials, which results in the pollution and degradation of the environment."
(The Bahama Journal, December 23, 2002)

"Something must be done to weed out the persons -including politicians - who tarnish our good name"
(MP John Carey, The Bahama Journal, Feb 21, 2003)

"This is no time to think or say, 'It couldn't happen to me.' Trust me. It could!"
(Normon Solomon, The Nassau Guardian, Feb 13, 2003)

"As a believer in The Master, Jesus Christ, I plead His blood on this sick and degenerate nation."
(Ortland Bodie, The Nassau Guardian, Feb 13, 2003)

visit www.bahamasb2b.com

U.S. Department of State
Washington, D.C.

FACT SHEET
SPRING BREAK IN THE BAHAMAS

Over 200,000 American teenagers and young adults travel to The Bahamas over their Spring Break each year. While the vast majority do so without incident, a small number of travelers are not so fortunate. Using common sense will help you avoid unpleasant and dangerous situations.

Nassau is a growing city with increasing crime. The Bahamian government has recently acknowledged the prevalence and availability of weapons in the Bahamas. Most criminal incidents take place in a part of Nassau not usually frequented by tourists (the "Over-the-Hill" area south of downtown), but crime and violence have increasingly moved into more affluent tourist and residential areas.

Drinking, drug use and unruly behavior can lead to serious problems in The Bahamas. Alcohol is involved in the vast majority of arrests, accidents, violent crimes and deaths suffered by students in The Bahamas. Violent crimes such as rape often happen at night or in the early morning hours, and frequently involve alcohol and the club environment.

Valuables should be left in a safe place or at home. Do not leave belongings unguarded on the beach while swimming. Passports and other valuables should be left in hotel safes. Walking at night on secluded beaches alone or in small groups is not advised. Visitors found alone or incapacitated have been targeted for rape, robbery, and assault. Know your drinking companions and be accompanied by friends when in clubs, bars, walking, or in a taxi at night.

Drug traffickers could be encountered on the Islands. They are often armed, and are frequently violent. Both drug purchasers and innocent passers-by risk injury. Be aware of your surroundings, take appropriate precautions, and make smart decisions.

The water sports industry in The Bahamas is not carefully regulated. Unlicensed operators have been linked to assaults, and a number of Americans have been killed or injured by the improper use of jet-skis and other personal watercraft. Ask to see a copy of the operator's business license, inquire about their insurance coverage and insist on training before using the equipment.

The importation, purchase, possession or use of drugs can incur severe penalties, including heavy fines or imprisonment. All persons 16 years of age or older are tried as adults.

Arrests or accidents in The Bahamas can result in difficult and expensive legal or medical situations. If you find yourself in trouble, contact the U.S. Embassy. Consular officials in The Bahamas can visit you in prison, provide information about the Bahamian legal system, and furnish a list of Bahamian attorneys or doctors, among other assistance. They cannot arrange for your release or pay medical and other bills.

Additional Information:

Travelers to The Bahamas should refer to the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for The Bahamas (http://www.travel.state.gov/bahamas.html ), and the publication Tips for Student Travelers (http://www.travel.state.gov/studentinfo.html ). The U.S. Embassy's Internet address is: (http://usembassy.state.gov/nassau/).

Contact Information:
Immediately report assaults and other crimes, as well as accidents, to the police and to the U.S. Embassy in Nassau. The Embassy is located next to McDonald's restaurant on Queen Street in downtown Nassau; telephone (242) 322-1181, after hours: (242) 328-2206. The Consular Section hours are 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Friday, except local and U.S. holidays. For after-hours emergencies involving U.S. citizens, call the Marine guard at (242) 328-2206 to be connected to a duty officer.

Febuary 2003

Return to Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings Page

Important Bahamas Addresses for Foreigners

U.S. Department of State Washington, D.C.

FACT SHEET SPRING BREAK IN THE BAHAMAS

U.S. Department of State
Washington, D.C.

FACT SHEET
SPRING BREAK IN THE BAHAMAS