NASSAU, Bahamas – The Department of Immigration challenged itself to better execute its functions as the Department officially launched its 70th Anniversary celebrations at Christ Community Church Sunday.
In attendance were Anita Bernard, Secretary to the Cabinet; the Hon Brent Symonette, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Hon Branville McCartney, Minister of State for Immigration who addressed the Department’s personnel.
The Bahamas Immigration Department was established by an Act of Parliament on January 1, 1939. In its initial stages, the Department was comprised of 12 persons. Its portfolio fell under the Colonial Secretary of his Majesty’s Government, England.
The mission of the Department is: “To regulate the movement of people across the borders of The Bahamas so as to ensure the security, facilitate economic advancement and promote the harmonious social development of The Bahamas”.
It is against this backdrop that the anniversary is being held under the theme: “Historic Past, Dynamic Future”, Mr. McCartney said.
“It is from this backdrop that we as a department seek to perform our duties and functions in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, while being mindful of the challenge to remain globally competitive, so that generations of unborn Bahamians can benefit from the legacy left by their forefathers,” he said.
Mr. McCartney then challenged the Department to improve in areas where it has not performed well and “to raise the benchmark” in those areas where it has done a great job.
As an organization in this global community, he told the Department that it must be prepared to handle the various challenges it will face; one being the global economic downturn, which has directly impacted the country’s premier industry – tourism.
“Immigration’s role in our society is vital; at every tier in the Department what we do is critical,” the State Minister said.
Mr. McCartney also said leaders of the Department have committed to training and retraining of staff, so as to enhance the productivity within the workplace.
“We have committed to refocusing our attention to customer service. As we are all aware people are the most important element in any business and they determine your success or failure,” he said.
Mr. McCartney thanked the pastor of Christ Community Church Dr Deanza Cunningham for hosting the Department. “It is through our working together – Church, Government and community that we will be able to build a successful nation,” he said.
_____________________________________________
CAPTIONS:
The Department of Immigration kicked of its 70th Anniversary celebrations on Sunday, March 1, 2009 at the Christ Community Church on Bellot Road. Pictured from left are Jack Thompson, Director of Immigration; Mrs. Lisa Sawyer-McCartney; the Hon Branville McCartney, Minister of State for Immigration; and the Hon Brent Symonette, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
(BIS Photo/Kristaan H.A. Ingraham II)
__________________________
The Department of Immigration kicked of its 70th Anniversary celebrations on Sunday, March 1, 2009 at the Christ Community Church on Bellot Road. Pictured is a representation of the department amongst the congregation. (BIS Photo/Kristaan H. A. Ingraham II)
___________________________
The Hon Branville McCartney, Minister of State for Immigration addressing the department’s personnel at the launching of its 70th Anniversary celebrations on Sunday, March 1, 2009 at the Christ Community Church on Bellot Road. (BIS Photo/Kristaan H.A. Ingraham II)