Nassau - In a candid speech to a group of senior officers of the Department of Immigration yesterday, Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham called for an end to corruption and a lackadaisical, offensive attitude among some officers.

The prime minister said that some officers, 'assisted' and 'abetted by some members of the public, have fallen prey to a 'pay to play' culture' which has led to allegations that 'for a price, some officers look the other way at ports of entry' and that 'applications submitted for consideration at the department can be accelerated, or falsified supporting documents overlooked.'

'Persons making applications for work permits or for permanent residence or for registration as a national are not enemies of the state, nor are they 'patsies' to be hit upon for tips. Find your own money for lunch, or make it at home,' Ingraham said.