Gangster Profile decribes from various dimensions how crime, corruption and injustice exists in the Bahamas legal profession which is deeply embedded in the anti-foreign political culture of The Bahamas. Bahamas Consult warns especially tourists and investors from the United States of America. Bahamian Justice Stinks!

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Minister of The Bahamas Perry Christie who is also responsible for foreign investments or Obie Wilchcombe in his position of Minister of Tourism and other ministers do not publish all the truth.They publish in paid advertisements or supplements of American newspapers what foreigners want to hear but the reality is quite different.

Honestly according to various surveys millions of tourists visiting Nassau and Paradise Island return home disappointed. They reveal bad attitudes, poor service and high prices. Cruise ship passengers would be glad to leave the country after a few hours and they would not recommend The Bahamas for family members and friends. You pay a lot of surcharges and taxes which are not always according to the law and the duties are incredibly high. This means also that the US dollar has a value of 50 cents only. Serious observers claim unfriendly and unskilled workforce, bad infrastructure, comparing to other Caribbean destinations a very low return on investment, too much crime and a legal profession which operates like a gangster syndicate.

Indeed, there are many reasons to avoid these islands

Are The Islands of The Bahamas – a former British colony and now a member of the Commonwealth – not exactly shining examples of civilization, are they? Indeed, apart from offering a expensive tourist product what do the Bahamas contribute? 60 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) – which is about $3 billion (drug trafficking not included) – comes from tourism related activities.

The Bahamas profits from its location specially – starting 60 miles off the coast of South Florida and stretching as far south as Cuba, Haiti and the Dominican Republic. What about bad attitudes, low level of service and wide spread crime, corruption, injustice as well as money laundering? And how should we value the wide spread drug trafficking?

Bahamians put under the rug that the they loathe Americans and other nationalities. What for? We have to consider that many citizens live due to the Bahamian fiscal policy (no income taxes but high duties) on the expenses of other countries. The Bahamas enjoys a per capita income that is among the world's top 30, but there are imbalances in the distribution of wealth. Some Bahamians wonder that according to the World Bank (2001) there is an average annual income of more than 15,000 $

We have to bring incompetence and corruption in the Bahamas legal profession to the worldwide attention till lawyers, the Bahamas Bar and members of the government clean up their filthy industry. Perry Christie, a lawyer, is the country's third prime minister since independence from Britain in 1973.

Disgruntled foreigners are calling for tourists and investors to boycott the Bahamas by air and by sea. Bahamians should start a debate about what is really loathsome. The Bahamas regime has not exactly earned respect of the democratic and civilized world, has it? The PLP has been the dominant party in Bahamian politics since independence, winning every election from 1973 through to the 1992 poll when voters rejected the late Sir Lynden Pindling and a government accused of corruption and drug trafficking.

Indeed, the Bahamas has about 4 million visitors every year but the yearly increase is much lower comparing to other Caribbean tourist destinations. The Bahamas is ranking very low in tourist satisfaction. Most of the tourist are cruise ship passengers and many of them stay for a few hours only in Nassau and Freeport. The cost of living – due to high duties – is extremely high. Additionally there are many Bahamians living happily abroad on social security. This shows also what own people think of the Bahamas governmental system, doesn't it?

Bahamian thinking: Foreigners come for money laundering, drug   trafficking or  prostitution

Bahamas Facts: The Bahamas has a population one can compare with a little town ist he USA. 300 000 Bahamians believe that The Bahamas is a paradise for the Americas. Unfortunately this little island nation offer more crime, more corruption, more killing and fraternity, favoritism and injustice towards foreigners. More topics:

Archbichoph Drexel Gomez claimed that Bahamians steal too much
The Coalition of Private Sector Organisations published that crime (employee theft      and shoplifting) costs the economy $ 100 million per year
Drug court magistrate Carolita Bethell needed a bullet proof vest, she has a hand      gun licenze and is well trained by weapon experts in the use of handguns
Bahamians are frustrated and 20 Bay Street shop windows have been smashed in      straw market uproar
Tourists from America, Canada or Europe have been killed in this little island     nation
U.S. Embassy worries about increasing number of violent crimes being committed    against visiting American citizens
Bahamas Consult published web sites about injustice and corruption in the     Bahamas legal profession
Chief Justice (Burton Hall) called some of the lawyers’ tactics to their    advantages scurrilous practices which undermine the quality of justice in The       Bahamas

Bahamians like to ignore foreign plights and believe it goes away and is forgotten after a certain time but we still remember why former US ambassador Blankenship was not allowed to have a live interview at government owned ZNS before he left the country. We also remember why Darold Miller is not talking to the German Harald „Braveheart“ Fuhrmann in his radio show. Bahamian Justice stinks!

The Nassau Guardian: Gang report presented to Prime Minister Perry Christie

A report by Youth Against Violence president Carlos Reid will list the names of the 54 gangs he claims exist in The Bahamas, along with the number of members, the area of their headquarters, their identifying characteristics, and the schools affected.

Mr. Reid, himself "a reformed gang membe", estimates that at least 10,000 Bahamian youths, including girls, are involved in "anti-social behavior."

However, according to Mr Reid, "We have been working with the young people to try and get a handle on the gang, violence and crime situation in The Bahamas. Over the years there has been the consensus that we don't have a gang problem; now I believe any blind man can see we are in an epidemic as far as gangs and violence are concerned."

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We have in the corrupt Bahamian legal profession many supporting players and fellow travelers. Bahamas Consult is saying that the government, the Bahamas Bar Association, the Ethics Committee and the lawyers Disciplinary Tribunal are operating as a law cartel within a jungle of loop holes to protect Bahamian attorneys in order to rip foreigners off. Managing director Harald Fuhrmann: We do not expect that Perry Christie should have an image of a saint but it is a scandal that the government did not appoint two necessary civilians to the lawyers Disciplinary Tribunal in order that they can sit. Foreigners have to know that they can expect nothing from the Director of Public Prosecution as well. Like in many other times Bernard Turner will shrug his shoulders only.

There is one important aspect of Bahamian recent history. At the time of Bahamian Independence 1972 the western world was lauding something called "Majority rule" - a misnomer and a propaganda phrase, as the majority never rule. An elite few of the elected representatives are the rulers. In third world countries, these leaders were given powers they could not handle responsibly. In the Bahamas power in the hands of three Prime Ministers in a period of 33 years has led to where the Bahamas is today.

There is however an important point to be made. Corruption has not been confined to the Bahamian government. It is corrupt through and through, without doubt, however a substantial responsibility for the degradation of the country lies with some major institutions and investors. The willingness to bribe officials was ubiquitous. It still is. Major banking institutions and others found ways to pay off those who had the power to supply telephones and work permits or to deny these essentials. The Dishonest Society

Commentary: Government's disrespect for honesty and the rule of law

We've been seeing a lot more of Marguerite Pindling since the PLP has returned to government. It is a little unnerving. Mrs. Pindling seems to be making appearances that ordinarily would be attended by the Governor General. The former dictator's wife should really be at home, thanking God she has not been stripped of her wealth under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Nobody has ever figured out how her husband, a civil servant making a little over $100,000 a year, could spend $300,000 a year... and still have tens of millions left over. Hmmm!

At the very least Mrs. Pindlings’ attendance, speaking at schools and civic events, shows the government's disrespect for honesty and the rule of law. It also sets a terrible example for the nation's youth, as history will eventually show Lynden Pindling as a corrupt and evil despot, whose contributions to the Bahamas were outweighed by his selfish and irresponsible manner of government.

Commentary: Legal Corruption - Out of Control

Years ago, when her building was taken over by real estate thieves, who work with crooked lawyers, BahamasB2B founder, Lisa Wells sounded the alarm. But the Bahamian government and media ignored her. The bums are still in Ms. Wells' building and haven't paid rent in over two years. Ms. Wells has repeatedly tried to get the local papers involved in exposing this blatant corruption, with little response.

Then, it was German investor, Harald „Braveheart“ Fuhrmann, and his anti-Bahamas web sites. Despite being ripped off nearly a half million dollars, Mr. Fuhrmann has had salt poured into his wounds, by being ignored, as he pleads for justice here in the Bahamas. He has been criticized and condemned, but never assisted, by most Bahamians.

Now, the selective judgement being employed in the Cartwright murder trial is finally SO obvious, that editors at the local papers finally see that there is something wrong with this picture.

The Tribune: discrepancies between advertising
   statements and the reality

Irate investor Harald Fuhrmann has launched another web site assault on The Bahamas, this time castigating "fat cat" lawyers who, he claims, are charging up to $400 an hour in a society where the minimum wage is only $30 a day. He has challenged a Bahamas Investment Authority claim that The Bahamas offers the "right " climate for investment, saying poor attitudes and inefficient service by Bahamian lawyers often spoil conditions here.

Mr. Fuhrmann said his intention is to highlight discrepancies between advertising statements in investment profiles and the real difficulties in the investment business. Drawing attention to the rising crime and drug trafficking, he says, "It is necessary to inform foreigners about the bad conditions they may encounter in the island nation. One mentions theft, armed robbery, physical attacks, kidnapping and murder of foreigners as potential risks."

Bahama Journal: Bahamas MP's promote anti-foreign sentiments

Free National Movement Leader Tommy Turnquest advised the government against sending mixed signals to the international community by expressing anti-foreign sentiments, associating with suspected criminals and shifting its relations with communist Cuba. Turnquest said when the Attorney General refuses to prosecute a major drug case, the international community takes note. "When Cabinet Minister and government MP's promote anti-foreign sentiments the international community constantly takes notes," he said. "When our Prime Minister and Cabinet Minister appear at public events connected with suspected criminals or drug lords, the international community again takes note.

......U.S. Ambassador J. Richard Blankenship criticized Bahamian authorities during a meeting for not doing enough to fight drug trafficking. Senator Turnquest said: obviously, the United States used that joint drug task force setting to "send a strong message to the Bahamas."

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Alfred Sears is in fact a chameleon and an enemy of    every honest foreign investor

Unfortunately we cannot give Attorney General Alfred Sears much credit for having the foresight and wisdom for making a sincere attempt to rein in many wayward lawyers who are giving the legal profession such a bad image. It is true that a subcommittee of the Bahamas Bar Council /Association has been appointed to entertain complaints concerning unethical or legal complaints against lawyers who may feel that they are or can operate the law. A panel of five persons which includes three lawyers and two non-legal persons from the community have recently been appointed. We guess it was unacceptable to have three non-legal persons appointed

We read that under the presidency of attorney Wayne Munroe, a zero tolerance and no-nonsense approach to this kind of foolishness has been established but if somebody guesses that Alfred Sears is interested in talking to the German investor Harald Fuhrmann is absolutely wrong – nor did he get any invitation from the mentioned subcommittee! Does one describe the situation wrongly, if one states that a Bahamian lawyer is still quite bent to watch motionlessly if it sees a foreigner going down in the swamp of the Bahamian law?

Apparently, telling the truth in The Bahamas is a crime. Attorney General Alfred Sears says he is investigating German Investor Harald Fuhrmann, the creator of web sites critical of The Bahamas. The sites were published to publicly shame the Bahamas for failing to adhere to the rule of law and provide ethical treatment to foreign investors.

Mr. Sears acts surprised by these web sites. That's odd, considering the fact that Mr. Fuhrmann has made numerous complaints to the Attorney General's office over the past eight years, including several since Mr. Sears took office. Mr. Fuhrmann has been justifiably complaining, for over 8 years, after having been abused by the Bahamian judicial system, like so many foreigners before him. Despite numerous attempts by Mr. Fuhrmann to resolve the matter amicably, the Attorney General (and the AG before him, Carl Bethel) have continued to ignore his complaints. Until now!

The Fuhrmann Web sites call the Bahamian legal system a "whorehouse." He says that too many Bahamian lawyers are "corrupt" and "incompetent". He accuses the Bar Association of being "ineffective" and corrupted by a "buddy system." He questions the integrity and morality of many Bahamian attorneys and says the Bahamas ignores the "rule of law." He points out that the Bahamas (Nassau) is "filthy" and "crime ridden" and that foreign investors are frustrated by "excessive red tape".

Exactly which of those accusations are Bahamians objecting to? Close examination of the web sites reveal that Mr. Fuhrmann isn't saying anything that hasn't already been said in our local media by prominent Bahamians?

Commentary: Magistrate Accused of 'Fixing' Cases

Investigators have named an acting Bahamian Magistrate in a corruption scheme, involving the "fixing" of hundreds of cases.

It is alleged that crooked court employees and corrupt employees from the Attorney General's office steer cases they need "handled" to this particular Magistrate's court. Evidence shows that the Attorney General's office has even asked other Magistrates to relcuse themselves, from certain cases, so the cases can be transferred to the crooked Magistrate.

The Magistrate drives an expensive foreign car and lives a wealthy lifestyle. Details of the investigation have been released to the Attorney General's office.

Commentary: Mr. Fuhrmann wont keep the true horrors of our nation private

It seems it's okay for Bahamians to criticize the many, many problems in this country, but God forbid if a foreigner like Mr. Fuhrmann or the US Ambassador, dares to do the same. Some Bahamians want to keep the true horrors of our nation private, as if ignoring them will make them go away. Do these people really think it is more important to maintain the image of our tourism industry than it is to make the country a better, safer place for both Bahamians and visitors? That would be foolishly shortsighted. This sudden new interest in Mr. Fuhrmanns’ case would be good if it was motivated by a sincere interest in solving problems. But that is clearly not the case.

So, why this sudden new interest in Mr. Fuhrmanns’ situation? Because his Web sites are reeking havoc for our tourism and financial services industries, that's why! But rather than investigate Mr. Fuhrmann, our erstwhile Attorney General needs to, instead, investigate Mr. Fuhrmann's allegations, and the legal corruption that allowed this judicial abuse to occur in the first place. Mr. Sears should also be spending time investigating his own corrupt and dysfunctional AG's office, instead of wasting time investigating claims that we all know are true, but are too ashamed to admit. Bahamian Justice Stinks

Commentary: Where is an A/G a story-teller? In the Bahamas!

Because of his critical web site aimed at The Bahamas' tourist industry, Attorney General Alfred Sears, said an investigation has been launched into German Harald Fuhrmann.

A/G was so embarrassed to come home from overseas and see such a thing, Sears said, and assured The Nassau Guardian that this is being investigated. Two years passed already and what happened since?

Mr. Fuhrmann who continues to call The Bahamas' judicial system a "whorehouse of rule of law" after he got awarded not even 50 percent of his damage of a case against his brother-in-law from South Andros, who was paid to complete a property and a friend of former Prime Minister Lynden Pindling. The German criticized especially the attitude and morality of attorneys at law, as well as their capability and preparedness to sincerely assist. Official complaints against four attorneys felt on deaf ears at the Bahamas Bar Association. He claims high invoices, tactics to delay and manipulate court decisions as well as sitting on files instead of involving the Court of Appeal.

The investor calls for a Commission of Inquiry to look into the law firms, the Bahamas Bar Association, the „unethical“ Ethics Committee, the Attorney General's and Prime Ministers´ Offices and the Supreme Court Registry, "because where inefficiency isn't perverting justice, corruption is," but Perry Christie did not appoint a commission as yet.

Meanwhile Fuhrmann spreads messages like „racism in The Bahamas“, „country to avoid“ or „murders’ paradise“ worldwide in additional web sites and is warning foreigners in various press releases of traveling to and investing in The Bahamas. „Corruption, injustice, fraternity and anti foreign attitudes did cost me already more than 700 000 Dollars, he said. His concept for the year 2005: More anti-Bahamas web sites and a trip through the US to inform journalists, travel agents and chambers of commerce about the „hostile atmosphere in The Bahamas“.

The German: Perry Christie and his crew is without any shame and guilt in dealing with foreigners. „My 30 year experience turned into a mission because concerning to the Attorney General „we are investigating the problem and at the conclusion of the investigation“. The promise to comment on it is just a lie, a lie from the Bahamian government, Harald „Braveheart“ Fuhrmann said.

Lawyers are one of the most ruthless and evil persons in the Bahamian society

Foreigner have to be aware that Bahamian attorneys have a lot of tactics to manipulate court decisions. In Nassau you have many „he is not in right now“„he is off the island“, „he is in a meeting right now“, „he will call you back“ or „he is off the island“ lawyers. And even if a lawyer do not show up at a court hearing the Bahamas Bar would not do anything against such a member. It is very difficult for foreigners to find ethical lawyers and to confide with Bahamians they do not know. It is very common for them to pretend (act) like they care, or that they will help you.

What they really do is try to trap you or to stall you.

In Bahamian message boards you find people like Tingum Den one should not respond to them unless they publish his real name and email address. What about Philip Darville? He seems sincere but also phony, like so many Bahamians offering to assist. He did not send a comment for a long time. The last message Bahamas Consult red was this one:

2/26/2003 8:42 AM

Comment on: Resolution of the Germans’ Bahamas dispute found!

Philip Darville, you said that my situation is much bigger than B2B, Tribune, Guardian and PLP or FNM and you would believe „that the Bahamian people WILL NOT TOLERATE ANY INJUSTICES caused to foreigners!Okay, Okay, ya caught me with my pants down. I lied!

I lied about wanting to help you, just like the Nassau Guardian lied when they told you they'd print your commentary, and instead printed a negative, poorly researched, anti-foreigner article:
I lied... like your lawyer Damian Gomez when he said he would represent you ethically.
I lied... like Peter Maynard when he said he would look into your complaint.
I lied... like the Attorneys General, Carl Bethel and Alfred Sears, when they said they would investigate your allegations of corruption.
I lied... like the magistrates who told you they would be fair in their courtrooms.
I lied... like the Prime Minister, Perry Christie, when he told you he would resolve the matter.
I lied... just like Perry Christie also did when he said he would correct the constitution to remove discrimination against women.
I lied... because that is all us Bahamians do. We lie, we cheat, we steal - without remorse and without any conscience.
Like when we lied about how we would uphold international copyright laws.
Or like, when we lied about adhering to the anti-money laundering rules we agreed to, way back in the early 90's.

(It took a blacklisting to get us to recant our lies)

Or, how about our lies to the US that we would extradite drug dealers when called upon to legally do so.
Or like when we lied to the FAA about fixing our runways.
We can't help it. We are a nation of disgusting liars and that's the only thing we really do right...LIE!

Bahamas Consult: We guess even ministers like Obie Wilchcombe lie. He is publishing: “The Bahamas is well-known for its friendly people and the right climate for investors. The Bahamas legal profession is working without shame and guilt like a gangster syndicate. This is what even Bahamians are telling you. Foreigners are wondering that The Bahamas – as a tiny nation and the main island has a size of 15 x 3 miles only – has more than 600 lawyers. Why? Because there is a dishonest society? Almost every Bahamian family has a lawyer as a friend or family member. Foreigners can imagine that lawyers in The Bahamas are born to rip foreigners off. True?

Lawyers are one of the most ruthless and evil persons in the Bahamian society. They make pirates such as Blackbeard and gangsters such as Jesse James look like altar boys. Instead of a sword or gun, the weapon of choice is a brief case. Almost every one would redily tolerate a personal situation involving some dealing with a lawyer whom they felt had ripped them off. Or, at the end of the day, no justice was done on their behalf even though the client had entered into the legal relationship in good faith.

Is is amazing that a former president of the Bar represents drug dealers at courts. It is amazing that you can read in the Bahamian newspapers that a prominent church leader tries to be involved in the political scenery. He also wants that his sun who charges foreigners between 1000 and 2000 US dollar per hour will be appointed as the attorney general. What is also amazing is the fact that in a number of cases where lawyers were accused or convicted of stealing by reason of employment, even when millions of dollars were involved, none ever do any jail time

Bahamas Consult strongly advise clients, especially foreigners, in need of legal services to be extremely wary of what attorney promise. We know about numerous complaints, both from within the Bahamas and from foreigners, who have been lied to, deceived, ripped off or otherwise treated unfairly by Bahamian attorneys and law firms. Bahamas – a country to avoid!

Another investment warning: Bahamians are chameleons and good ad-men only

At our law firm, it is our commitment to have the highest ethical standards and to exhibit enthusiasm for the practice of law. The strength of our firm is derived from our lawyers who respond to clients’ needs with keen business sense and practical approach. Really true?

Our law firm is well known and widely recognized for its expertise and efficiency. We devote our time not only to solving clients' problems but to anticipating and preventing them. Bahamas Consult would be warned if one read in the Bahamas: We are well known for our ability to develop creative solutions based on an extensive knowledge of key industry sectors and legal practice. Really true?

Our law firm not only seek to be an adviser, counselor, and advocate for our clients, but also a team member dedicated to achieving mutual goals. Whether providing counsel to an individual or putting together an international corporate transaction, our attorneys have one overall goal: to get results for our clients by providing the best job in terms of quality work, timely service and sensitivity to cost. Really true?

Commentary: Primitive attitude towards foreigners

To which other judgment may one arrive at, when letters are hardly answered, registered letters are hardly answered, registered letters are not called for or emails promised are not sent off? Why must clients from Europe arrive even when the presence at Court is not required, while in other cases possible terms are not announced or delays are tolerated? The telephone conversation with an attorney at law is in many cases more or less reduced to a conversation with his secretary: He is not in office - can I leave a notice for him! - Foreigners feel that they are treated by Bahamian attorneys at law like stray dogs who not even "a gnawed bone is thrown over".

One must ask oneself with astonishment where these attorneys at law have studied such primitive but also surprisingly effective attitudes. Among the foreigners such statements go the rounds as: "You must not criticize here an attorney at law" or "Attorneys at law have a licenze to print money". Which instruments of power possess the attorneys at law on the Bahamas, when they can affirm convincingly that they can mess up "the whole remaining life" of a client?

Commentary: Bahamas Lawyers - Reputation for Corruption

German investor Harald Fuhrmann is back in the news, claiming that most Bahamian lawyers have an international reputation for corruption and incompetence. And you know what... he's right! Not ONE lawyer has come to the aid of this disgruntled investor. Not ONE lawyer, in the entire country, has questioned the actions of the attorneys who were involved in the injustices that Mr. Fuhrmann encountered in The Bahamas. Despite all of the allegations of corruption and incompetence, not ONE lawyer has spoken out for reform. What does this mean? It means that the whole stinking lot of them should probably be thrown in jail.

This situation will continue to receive an increasing amount of worldwide attention until the lawyers themselves realize their livelihoods are jeopardized, then maybe they will wake up and begin the process necessary to clean up their filthy little industry

We are looking for a handfull lawyers: If you feel you are honest towards foreigners – black or white – let us know (we could publish your name in one of our web sites)

Bahamian courts do not control legal complaints they go before the local Bar Association only

Dear Chief Justice Burton Hall, could you grant foreigners access to Bahamian courts? Do you think that Bahamian attorneys have standards of etiquettes and professional conducts? Do you think that some lawyers are afraid to speak out against other lawyers when they are wrong because of the possibility of an economic backlash or more evil still, plain old victimization?

Dear Chief Justice, does the law system allow lawyers to file cases two times and one get two file numbers? Does the systems allow lawyers to adjourn hearings as they want? Do you think „Justice delayed means justice denied“? And do you think that the Bahamian law system allows correct judgements even if defendant is a personal friend of a Prime Minister or if the plaintiff is not aware of a hearing? Do you think that a judgement by default – in case the plaintiff is not present at court – should be possible?

May Bahamas Consult ask you concerning the following warning: With these laws, and the threats of lawsuits, the crooked Bahamian lawyers are able to stop any bad publicity. That has worked locally for many years. In other countries lawyers are regarded like any other business. While legal complaints must go before the local Bar Association, consumer complaints can be registered independently. That is not true in The Bahamas because lawyers have exempted themselves from consumer action with these silly laws. Foreigners from all over the world have to know it is really true that unless one take a very public approach one will never, ever see justice in The Bahamas. Ever! This is also a serious investment warning and much more important than all the lies which are published for Americans and in any Caribbean (means Bahamian) investment profiles.

Commentary: Judges and Lawyers have to Face Criticisms

Not only attorney but judges are an important part in every society and a judge is in charge of his court. Therefore I wonder that lawyers are able to delay judicial rulings without moral principles consciously. They even manipulate negotiations for the financial disadvantage of their own clients, uninhibited increased costs in calculation take place as well as scrupulous values of mandates take over. The often demanded and necessary reforms of the Bahamian judicial system have no real chance up to now. Judges should more often discipline attorneys in case they achieve no respect.

Even the highest judge of the Bahamas, Sir Burton Hall, does not shrink from expressing a likewise criticism. It is a breaking of law, if the law system of Bahamas does not permit a plaintiff, his entitled demands in acceptable way with courts. Do you believe, that your Bahamian lawyer would submit evidence or vouchers to the court in a way that the judge must also correspondingly acknowledge these? You will be surprised, how much wrong a lawyer can do and I guess judges have even knowledge of those poor habits. I wonder that Bahamian courts cannot deal with the problem when invoices of costs of evidences are filed but not accepted because the attorney did not file those properly. Foreign investors assure convincingly, that one can still think of more honest behavior from a sloppy prostitute, who offers its services on Paradise Island, than from a local lawyer. Do not be surprised, if you hear that on the one hand court records have disappeared and are on the other hand controversies with court are registered twice. Who has here good reasons for what? Those are the Bahamas: A Caribbean axle of evil!

Commentary: Dear Chief Justice, when will the Bahamas legal profession solve this   problem?

I find the level of corruption in Nassau highly offensive. From members of Parliament, judges, lawyers and court employees to police, immigration and custom officers - everywhere I look there is a crooked face. Like the racist MP who rented my building and attempted to "steal" it by threatening to have my foreign mother deported. Never mind that she had been living in the Bahamas, married to a Bahamian man for 20 years, had four Bahamian children and owned prime commercial property here.

After my father died my mother had to manage the business and raise four children alone. This crooked MP saw a woman in a weakened state and like a wolf he attacked, no doubt, figuring he could swindle the property right out from under her.

At the time the man was operating a successful business out of the building he rented from my mother. After my father died the MP stopped paying rent and threatened to have my mother deported if she tried to fight him in court. Because he was married to a lawyer he knew my mother wouldn't have a chance. That man is now one of the wealthiest and most powerful Bahamians and is hailed as a financial genius. In reality he is nothing but a common thief.

I remember those years well and how nervous, upset and vulnerable my mother felt...not to mention afraid! The man was an MP and very well connected - my mother had good reason to be afraid. The financial "genius" ran his business into the ground and left our building when his business went bankrupt - owing my mother nearly $100,000 when he left. Perhaps it is this $100,000 and money that he swindled from other widows and foreigners that allowed him to build his insurance empire.

This is just one example of the outrageous corruption I have had to deal with as a young Bahamian. And it isn't just me, I know and hear of so many horrible stories of blatant corruption everyday. I am not talking about sour grapes, I am talking about clear and obvious violations of people's constitutional and civil rights. In many cases those rights are being trampled by the very people we pay to protect those rights; Members of Parliament, police officers and others that we trust.

While there are a number of import issues that affect the Bahamas; financial legislation, labour laws; international treaties, etc., none is so important as the reputation and integrity of our great nation. I will no longer sit by and watch a group of crafty cunning crooks, disguised as lawyers and businessmen, corrupt our country.

The first place to start is our Members of Parliament. I urge every Bahamian to carefully evaluate the integrity and track record of the people in office. MP's who have switched parties just to be on the winning side, MP's who have been unresponsive, MP's who have accomplished nothing in prior terms and MP's with questionable ethics should be dismissed even if it means going against party affiliations. The party doesn't run the country, the government runs the country and the government is made up of individuals. Lets make sure each individual is worthy of the job and capable of getting it done.

The Bible extols the virtue of a clean home, Parliament is one house that we are all responsible for keeping clean. Lets make our New Year’s resolution "Cleaning up Our Bahamas".

Letter to The Nassau Guardian: Courts Too Slow In Administrating Justice

…The Judiciary itself in this country has contributed towards crime increase more than any other system. Why do I say this? Even though Government is responsible for this Body in that they hire and appoint them, they err in not making them accountable. Government has been given the mandate to rule. And if there arises any doubt, we have a constitution which spells out the principles by which the governed are to be governed. Government is the Representative of the people.

The Judiciary may be an independent body, but it is an arm of Government; because Government appoints the Judiciary. They are not elected. Since (government does not require the Judiciary to be accountable to her directly then the Judiciary is like a Law unto itself. The Judiciary should not be able to operate in a vacuum. Therefore the Judiciary should be made accountable……

Commentary: Primitive attitude towards foreigners

To which other judgment may one arrive at, when letters are hardly answered, registered letters are hardly answered, registered letters are not called for or emails promised are not sent off? Why must clients from Europe arrive even when the presence at Court is not required, while in other cases possible terms are not announced or delays are tolerated? The telephone conversation with an attorney at law is in many cases more or less reduced to a conversation with his secretary: He is not in office - can I leave a notice for him! - Foreigners feel that they are treated by Bahamian attorneys at law like stray dogs who not even "a gnawed bone is thrown over". One must ask oneself with astonishment where these attorneys at law have studied such primitive but also surprisingly effective attitudes. Among the foreigners such statements go the rounds as: "You must not criticize here an attorney at law" or "Attorneys at law have a licenze to print money". Which instruments of power possess the attorneys at law on the Bahamas, when they can affirm convincingly that they can mess up "the whole remaining life" of a client?

Commentary: Where the law is not effective, helplessness will prevail

Dear Mr. Burton Hall: which confidence may one have in a legal system when actions or court orders cannot be notified to the other side, because the registration system does not consent successful notifications or because the own attorney at law believes not to be able to find the defendant - in spite of a precise description of the place of destination? - Why must one have resort to an attorney at law, when he cannot even be compelled to observe generally valid formal regulations? Why are documents and invoices not presented by the attorney at law - and possibly in consultation with the judge - in the language of the country, so that these can be ultimately approved by the judge? Where anywhere in the world is it possible to not only inspect or have access to court documents but also withdraw the same from the courthouse in order to take them back at a later date?

Foreigners just cannot understand that in procedure they have hitherto neither seen a courtroom nor a judge with a wig. At the county court a thief is given more public attention than a foreigner at the Supreme Court. Foreigners believe that the Bahamian legal system is completely outdated and must urgently be given the same critical rating as the struggle against drug trafficking and the avoidance of money laundry. Such indispensable requirements must be expected from a state when it wishes to be an accepted member of a global world.

Unethical and unscrupulous lawyers all too often take advantage of the existing legal system

In former times Peter D. Maynard as the President of the Bahamas Bar Association and today Wayne Munroe tell foreigners that the Bahamas legal profession treat all persons equally regardless of their ethnicity or place of origin. Is this really true? Mr. Wayne Munroe, why did repeated complaints to the Bahamas Bar Association fall on deaf ears? You say that the Bahamas Bar Association is not prepared to breach the rules of your disciplinary system and communicate other as dictated by the system. This sounds good but which are the reasons that the Bahamas Bar Association received so many official complaints? Dont you feel guilty because you transfer every complaint to the Ethics Committee. Why dont you though every complaint straight in the garbage bin? White foreigners would not see any difference because the Ethics Committee is one of the loop holes of the Bahamas legal profession.

Crooked, clever, unethical, and unscrupulous lawyers all too often take advantage of the existing legal system, exploiting the attorney-client privilege of confidentiality. Anything can happen and quite often does behind the closed doors of the "honorable" chambers. When no law and legal proceedings exist to support a particular document, too many Bahamian lawyers will fill in the blanks even if it means committing a fraudulent act. The success story of corrupt Bahamian lawyers (tolerated by the Bar): The president of the Bar Association and their members know, out of frustration and the fear of throwing good money after bad, people often give up and cut their loses as to fight an attorney may mean hiring another attorney. „Once bitten, twice shy“.This is he system used to rip off foreign clients since independence and they have ripped off of millions of dollars worth of property. And this is the system you want to protect?

Regrettably in the legal profession there are few advocates to change bad or defective laws even though changing or updating such laws may serve to protect or benefit the public.

Is he following true: It seems to be true that the Bahamas has strict but biased libel laws (favorable towards criminals because the law prevents one from mentioning bad events). These foolish laws were passed by corrupt lawyer/politicians to prevent people from using the press to publicize obvious wrongs.

The Bahamas also has foolish laws preventing people from even mentioning cases that are still in front of the courts. This allows lawyers to abuse clients but prevents the clients from complaining publicly, even when they are treated unjustly or their files are "lost", (which happens WAY too often). As long as a file is "lost" the case is still "in front" of the courts so they have effectively silenced you forever. But only in The Bahamas. This is another reason why the Bahamas legal profession has a very bad reputation. Is their commitment to have the highest ethical standards and to exhibit enthusiasm for the practice of law? The strength of the firms is derived from lawyers who respond to clients’ needs with keen business sense and practical approach? This is what they point out. But in reality the Bahamas is a whorehouse of rule of law!

And who will be the next A/G? “Bahamas–inside” would love to ask you about your recommendation. Is it Philip Davis, who represents many of the top drug dealers in The Bahamas, including Samuel "Ninety" Knowles who is awaiting extradition to the United States on dope peddling charges? Or is it attorney Damian Gomez, who represents also major Bahamian drug dealers. His father, Archbishop Drexel Gomez - who supported already in 2002 that his son will become Attorney General - said while delivering his Charge at the 104th Anglican Synod at Christ Church Cathedral: "I have already adverted to the prevalence of dishonesty which usually walks in concert with corruption. Gambling is on the rampage along with the attempts to ignore the moral argument to focus on the control and distribution of the profits. All of these ills are on the march in a society that lays claim to the title 'Christian´." And Bahamas Consult has still the Nassau Guardian on the desk where it was written: It is somewhat startling to hear Mr. Gomez admit this, particularly as he is the father of Damian Gomez, a disreputable attorney whose ethics, morals and manner of business have been questioned for years. It is understood that the Archbishop is a partner in business deals with his son. Hmmm.

From the foreigners and todays’ point of view this does not mean anything positive and interesting for foreign investments in the future! Foreigners guess that Mr. Munroe could do a lot for his country if he would read the official complaints addressed to the Bar and if he would also criticize the behavior of many of his members. Foreigners should read also what Bahamas Consult published about Caryl Lashley and her so called Ethics Committee. BTW, not only bad treated (white) foreigners should read what the responsibility of Bahamian Bar Council is, what the functions of the Ethics Committee are and why the Disciplinary Tribunal is a important part of the Bahamas legal profession. We did not talk about corruption and fraternity as yet. Visit also Bahamian Justice Stinks and read the topic Ethics Committee.

Commentary: Honest Bahamians do not want the immoral Bahamian law cartel

The investigation published as to the satisfaction of the tourists should challenge to undertake another investigation. In the interest of the economical development of the Bahamas, it would be worthwhile to analyze in the same way the law business, the finance service area and the investments sector. I have no doubt that the results here would be still worse as compared to the sector of tourism.

Unfortunately I am also informed of unsupportable cases of dissatisfied Bahamians and foreign investors. I feel that specifically attorneys-at-law are particularly harmful to the economy of the Bahamas since experience suffered will not promote further investments or recommendations to acquaintances or friends. But whereas the Bahamas legal system demands more credibility I see no little sign that lawyers, the Bahamas Bar or the Attorney General want any investigation required. There are unanswered question whether it could be expected to be able to cooperate, for example, at the setup of an attitude catalogue for attorneys-at-law, at a setup of a current fee table or the setup of an ombudsman position. Mr. Wayne Munroe is obliged to give the public the clear evidence where his association stands in this society and which codes of ethic are relevant.

The Bar has to take care about the encouragement of legal education, the promotion of standards of etiquettes and professional conducts of the member of the Bar. Furthermore the Bar is obliged to protect the public right of access to the courts and – of course – the member of the Bar should represent their clients professional before the courts. I guess I am not the only one who has evidence that lawyers might not consider the Legal Profession Act. I criticize especially the attitude and morality of attorneys at law as well as their capability and preparedness to assist. Out of my own experience and my understanding of legal principles, the Bahamas are a whore house of rule of law. And still more: From a prostitute one could certainly expect a more correct behavior than from some lawyers I got acquaintance with.

The Ethics Committee at the Bahamas Bar is a whorehouse of rule of law!

"We have an obligation to be diligent and to maintain our integrity”. This is a message to foreign investors from Caryl A.E. Lashley, a Bahamian lawyer at Depuch & Turnquest & Co and chairman of the Bahamas Ethics Committee. German investor

Harald Fuhrmann is sure that this sentence is published either in a Bahamian investment profile or in a supplement of The Washington Times which is paid by the Bahamas government. Fuhrmann has a totally different meaning and declares: The Ethics Committee is also responsible that criminal and corrupt behaviors are so wide spread in the Bahamas legal profession. If a foreign investor would not claim repeatedly to investigate in criminal matters and breech of ethics cases Mrs. Lasley would sit on those official complaints only, stated Mr. Fuhrmann. Bahamas Consult: Before one can believe in her correct dealings with foreign plights one can believe that the Mississippi River is falling from the gulf of Mexico near New Orleans the way northward to Lake Itasca in Minnesota.

Nevertheless we dont want to keep secret that this law office enjoy an reputation earned in over fifty years of practice commencing in 1948 when founding partner E. A. P. Dupuch entered legal practice. Another founding partner, Orville A. Turnquest is presently Consultant Counsel in the company and has in former times served as Deputy Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Attorney General, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

But even if Mr. Munroe confirms that the Ethics Committee will respond to someone you can not be sure. The disgruntled German did not receive any letter before or after he sent an additional reminder delivered by an police officer last summer therefore he reveals „The Bahamas is a whorehouse of rule of law!“ and spread his message via Internet to warn other foreigners. We hear that in the meantime a subcommittee of the Bahamas Bar Council /Association has been appointed to entertain complaints concerning unethical or legal complaints against lawyers but the German is not seeing any activities or results? Once again: Justice delayed is justice denied!

Commentary: Foreigners miss ethical principles from the Ethics Committee

The Prime Minister did send warnings to Cabinet Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries, Government Agencies and Committees and outlined a new code of ethics. It is astonishing that lawyers ignore the clients and that even the Minister of Justice and the Director of Public Prosecutions did not show any respect towards foreigners. Throughout ignorance, ignorance, ignorance. Also from Mrs. Caryl Lashley. As a lawyer as well she should over think why foreigners have to criticize the Bahamas as place for investments.

It is a shame for legal profession that the Disciplinary Tribunal has not met in three years

As a result of experiences Bahamas Consult recommends a survey about Bahamian lawyers. Also foreigners have been treated by the Ethics Committee with utter contempt and almost not even given the courtesy of reply. Official complaints should be transferred without delay to the Disciplinary Tribunal because considering the Legal Profession Act,1992, section II, the Bar Council has to take care about the encouragement of legal education, the promotion of standards of etiquettes and professional conducts of the member of the Bar.

It is a shame for the Bahamas legal profession that the Disciplinary Tribunal has not met in three years. As long as corrupt parts in the legal profession can profit from the Bahamian sanctimony nothing will change. In other words: The doors for crime, corruption and injustice are widely open in The Bahamas. Therefore the Bahamas can never be a place for honest foreigners, investors and second home owners.