The Free National Movement (FNM) held a press event led by Party Leader and Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Michael Pintard on Sunday at its headquarters on Mackey Street.

Pintard sought to draw the public’s attention to what he calls an immigration crisis and outline his party’s plans to address the issue should they become the next government. He called on the government to be more transparent on immigration. He said, “we exposed cases where undocumented individuals were approved for residency while still in detention bypassing all legal requirements. We’ve also called out incidences where individuals were found to be residing in The Bahamas illegally for extended periods in one case over a year.”

The FNM Leader said Bahamian landowners must be held accountable when the profit from unregulated developments such as shanty towns. He said, “too many have turned a blind eye to building codes, health relations and immigration status so long as they are getting paid.”

Acknowledging that previous administrations have tried to tackle immigration, Pintard unveiled the FNM’s plans for immigration. “We are unveiling a national mission to restore trust, uphold the law and protect the sovereignty of our country. Because when the rule of law breaks down so does the promise of equal protection for every citizen. Under my leadership an FNM government will launch Operation SHIELD,” he said.

The program would seek to secure our land and end illegal occupation, heighten surveillance, investigate political abuse, end unfairness, limit approvals and disclose data.