Talk Show host reiterates call of “compassion” for Haitian immigrants
- Monday, December 20th, 2010 at 6:04 AM
Calls for compassion and on the illegal Haitian immigrants currently housed at the Immigration Detention Center at Balsam Ghut, voiced by two religious ministers, were reiterated recently by talk show host of the radio programme ‘People’s Business’ Eliehu Rhymer.
Just last week Anglican Minister Ronald Branche and Methodist Minister Luis Charles called on the authorities to have mercy on the 25 remaining immigrants at the centre taking into consideration that eight of their loved ones had perished from drowning when they were brought to the BVI illegally by a boat.
Rhymer, referring to what was said by Father Branche, said, “I am courageous enough to say that I agree with Father Branche. I don’t think we should necessarily have open doors for the BVI, but there comes a time when mercy must be sees in justice, and this is the time I think mercy must sees in justice. I think those people have suffered tremendously and if there is anything we can do to ease their suffering for that particular little group, I think it should be done.”
The talk show host said people from the BVI could be at one time asking for similar assistance. “You never know when as a country when we may be tested and I was happy when the point was made that there was a time when people from our islands also sought a better life and went through the window as they use to call it to St. Thomas.”
Rhymer said those persons responsible for bring the Haitians to the BVI and causing the mishap should be punish harshly, implying that the same faith should not apply to the immigrants themselves.
Also, he agrees with Father Branche that this is a good Samaritan moment for the BVI.
“While we should treat those in this instance who have suffered so much with some measure of sympathy and kindness, we should with most determine vigor seek to find those who would treat people with such brutality because they need definitely to be punished. They should be dealt with. They should be given the full measure of punishment, because people should not treat other human beings in that way. Sometimes I wonder whether some who walk with two legs and two hands with a thing on top of them they might call a head and to totally devoid of that other necessary quality which is called a conscience,” Rhymer said.
Copyright 2013 BVI News, Alliance News Limited. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.
19 Comments
Disclaimer: BVI News and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the comments below or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any public forum. All comments posted on BVINews.com reflect the views and opinions of the commentators and not that of the management and staff. Click here for our full comment/user policy/ agreement.
Elihu is just another opportunist. Rhymer said those persons responsible for bring the Haitians to the BVI and causing the mishap should be punish harshly, implying that the same faith should not apply to the immigrants themselves.. They were ALL breaking the laws of the Virgin Islands Elihu and Company. What part of illegal you all dont understand. I’m pretty darn well sure had no one gotten killed , the cry would have been different loud and clear.
We cannot accommodate an influx of any nationality and that is what would happen if we opened the gates. As it is already, we have issues here with everyone thinking the BVI is a free for all. I have compassion for these people but lets help them another way. Let the big rich countries such as Trinidad let them in or something.
what are the sex of the Haitians? i have barmaid work available plus accommodation.
Yes , we should show compassion. But at the same time, we have people right here in the BVI, especially expats crying out for JOBS. There should be a balance, that is where immigration comes in along with government. Right now, as heart werenching that it maybe. The BVI is a very small country and we cannot continue to open dors for immigrants and there is no stability here. It does not make sense.
Sorry….
@CONCCERN,
Just for a year or two so that they could just get a little break from the hardship, that’s too much to give Gods children. Collectively, if we work together we can help but it’s all about us and our comfort, how selfish. We can always find a million and one excuse why we should not help but they are our brothers and sisters, for at the end of the day, we can’t take anything with us.
@So sad,
I agree with you. Don’t get me wronng. If there are pepople who right now in the BVI, trying to find job. Is an immigrant should get one when there are those here, that need. Come on. The society here should continue to do their best to help in their country. Bad government has Haiti in the predicament right now. We, in the caribbean can help Haiti. We are one. And by the way,as soon as the Haitians get to stay here, they will depart and got to the US virgin islands. As they intended to. It’s because the US coast guard chase them here. The coast guards know that it is there territory that they want to be in, not here.
They not interested in coming here, it is the US Coast Guard chasing the Haitians into our waters and causing this humanitarian nightmare. The BVI government needs to put pressure on the US.
Help them, they need our help.
There is some selfishness going on here, we should not be selfish with what God gave us.
Well lets just hope no more comes here… -___-
@noice, thats exactly the fear, what if this encourages them and we are flood by hundreds of
haitains, what will we do then?
I agree witht he three persons who believe we should help the haitians… they are here so
why not help them?
Unfortunately when people are raised to hate outsiders it is difficult for them to change their colors and find compassion. Look at the Taliban and their followers who hate all ‘infadels”. They brainwash suicide bombers who with the mere promise of Gods reward of dozens of virgins upon their deaths (what any man would want or handle that that many women is baffling to me) are willing to take their own lives and leave behind this world and their loved ones. In our country there is a horrific amount of dislike for expats that is promoted and tolerated even by our leaders. The belief that jobs are being stolen and crime is caused by the non-belongers is rampid and is the cause of the sense of entitlement in many of our youth. Even the term “non-belonger” carries a tone of disrespect. I fail to see how a people that does not truly welcome those who come into our land and help our economy flourish will ever have the heart to show compassion towards these Haittians who risks their lives to climb out of a living hell.
He does have a valid point, we just have to wait and see what solution the people in charge comes up with
Is there such a thing as compassion in the BVI? The Sri Lankans that were recently caught ilegally entering the BVI were given residency – after which they dissapeared, presumably to the USVI and presumably this was known to the authorities ahead of time. There is a Chinese family that have been here for almost 10 years, they are not allowed to work, have been given no kind of status and they have a child that is doing brilliantly in school – he was born here and when he grows up could be a real asset to the BVI. When will compassion be given to them?
@Interesting, yes those points… however what if this opens a sort of flood gate to more refugees? what will we do?
@dachau, This is a global problem and as such all rich countries should develop a policy through the United Nations to accept a number of destitute refugees. Yes, the BVI has room and opportunity for several – but when the cap is reached the doors should close. In the meantime compassion and charity should be given.
I understand Mr. Rhymer’s call for compassion and his asking for mercy for this group. Still the questions has to be asked where does it end? Sometimes the questions only bring more questions. We call ourselves a Christian society, but are we? A Christian Society? Pastors having affairs and ruling the congregations as a dictator rules over an enslaved nation. Are we a Christian society while Masons grow and the Christian Council stays silent. Are we a Christian Society while Politicians who are far from God call his name every chance that they get.
I was born here, lived abroad and returned, all the time with my eyes wide open, we as a nation claim Christianity but show no evidence of a real relationship with him. Election is coming but is our election sure?
@Eyes Wide Open, +1 I have the same questions asking
Post a Comment