We are here to reinforce a principle: that The Bahamas is a country governed by law and that law must be enforced.
This morning, I congratulate Mr. Stephen LaRoda on his appointment as Director of Immigration. I extend the same to Mr. Perry Davis and Ms. Andrea Moxey, who now take up the roles of Deputy Directors.
But with these appointments comes a charge — a serious one.
You are not being called to fill positions.
You are being called to protect the country.
We are building a Department that enforces the law firmly, fairly, and consistently.
I also want to thank Mr. William Pratt, who served this Department with distinction during a time of growing pressure and expectation. His legacy is one of steadiness and principle, and we are grateful.
Friends,
We are a compassionate nation. But we are not a careless one.
We are a country of order and rules. And that starts with enforcing our immigration laws.
If you enter illegally, you will be repatriated.
If you work without a permit, you will be removed.
If you submit fraudulent documents, you will be prosecuted.
This is the most aggressive and focused immigration enforcement administration in modern Bahamian history.
Over 13,000 repatriations in under four years.
A detention centre population at a historic low.
Seven illegal shantytowns demolished.
Active operations on multiple islands.
We are not boasting. We are doing our job.
And while others talk, we act.
But we cannot stop now.
We must continue to strengthen enforcement. We must continue to tighten the system.
We must continue to build an Immigration Department that works. One that is prepared, disciplined, and aligned with the needs of a modern nation.
That’s why these promotions matter.
Mr. LaRoda, Mr. Davis, Ms. Moxey — the weight of the country’s expectations is now squarely on your shoulders.
This is a time for serious leadership. You must rebuild morale. You must cut through inefficiency. You must lead a Department that Bahamians trust — not fear, not question, but trust.
This country wants results.
And let’s be honest: immigration is a sensitive topic.
Bahamians want to know that their communities are safe, that their jobs are secure, and that the rules apply to everyone — no matter their background, nationality, or connections.
We are not anti-immigrant. We are anti-lawlessness.
We are not against workers who follow the law. But we will not tolerate systems that disadvantage Bahamians in their own country.
That’s why our policy is simple: Where Bahamians are available and qualified, they must come first.
Where foreign labour is necessary, it must be legal, it must be regulated, and it must respect the rules.
No one is above the law — and no employer is beyond reach.
This is not just immigration enforcement. This is economic protection. This is national preservation.
To the newly promoted officers — I want you to hear me:
You are now senior leaders in one of the most critical arms of national security.
You must lead with discipline. You must lead with integrity. You must lead with strength.
And above all, you must lead with action.
We have digitized — because we cannot afford a system full of loopholes.
We have cracked down on fraud — because national security begins with knowing who is here.
We have expanded manpower and strengthened investigations.
We are doing the work — and the Department must now carry it forward with renewed focus.
We’ve declined refugee resettlement pledges that would overburden our country, because while we respect international cooperation, we will never compromise the stability of The Bahamas for the applause of others.
And for those who question our resolve — let them look at our record.
We don’t back down.
This is the moment for seriousness. This is the moment for enforcement.
To every officer present, and to every Bahamian watching:
We will continue to defend our laws.
We will continue to defend our sovereignty.
And we will continue to defend the future of our people.
I know your leadership rise to meet the demands of this moment and the people of our country.
Thank you, and may God continue to bless you and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.