Addressing the media at a press conference is Immigration Minister Hon. Fred Mitchell. Accompanying the Minister are Director of Immigration, William Pratt and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Philip Miller The press conference was held on Sunday 21st December 2014.

Nassau, Bahamas - The following is a press statement by the Hon Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs & Immigration:

You already have in your possession a statement issued yesterday which speaks to an administrative action taken in the circumstances of certain allegations made against a senior immigration officer.

I cannot speak much more to this matter save and except to say that the chips will fall where they may.

There is also an ongoing investigation into a complaint by someone detained at the detention centre. It was discovered that money which was checked in upon his arrival was missing as he was being released. If the lost property is not found, the police are to begin a criminal investigation into the matter.

I want to make it clear that I do not countenance any malfeasance on the part of individuals who are a part of this department. The public needs to know that. The chips will fall where they may. The Government and the Prime Minister will not countenance the undermining of the integrity of the Immigration Department and stand by measures necessary to ensure that its integrity is not compromised.

We will update you from time to time in a more systematic way on the success of our work and the complaints where they arise and how those complaints were resolved.

It is important for officers of the Department to understand what we have been saying that this is a new era of increased scrutiny, transparency and public accountability. Those who cannot adhere to those standards are not welcome in the Department.

I thank the public for its understanding and support and I want them to know that these individual acts are not systemic or sanctioned by the government. In addition the work of the Department continues and will continue through the holidays and into the New Year.

Please be reminded that I shall be starting our efforts in Abaco in January, meeting with the communities in Cooper’s Town, Hope Town, Marsh Harbour and Sandy Point.

Thank you.