Gov’t Proposes Formal Probe Into Cubans’ Claims

Gov't Proposes Formal Probe Into Cubans' Claims
Posted on 08 August 2013. by Jones Bahamas

The government is hoping preliminary investigations into claims that
Cuban detainees are being treated inhumanely in The Bahamas be augmented
by a formal investigation.
According to a release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Immigration, that investigation would be headed by a former justice of
the Court of Appeal and a religious leader.
"We expect that this review will commence shortly and that a report will
be made to us as soon as possible," the release said.
"We will review the report and act accordingly, and take any punitive or
disciplinary action as deemed necessary."
This is the latest in a series of responses the ministry has issued in
the wake of Cubans protesting in Miami, Florida.
The group claims Cubans detained at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre
are being mistreated.
They have also protested the fact that two Cubans were sent to Her
Majesty's Prison (HMP).
Authorities have however explained that the asylum seekers are only
temporarily detained at HMP because they were engaged in disorderly and
violent behaviour at the detention centre.
"Their removal from that facility was necessary both for their
protection and safety of others at the detention centre," the release
stressed.
"The government is prepared to release them forthwith if they are
accepted by the United States, or if a third country wishes to accept them."
The two men appeared in court last Thursday as a result of a habeas
corpus application that was filed on their behalf.
The application has been adjourned upon the request of their attorney to
await the decision of U.S. authorities.
United States officials have so far reviewed and are adjudicating the
cases of four of the detainees to determine whether they can be accepted
and resettled into the U.S.
In three of these cases, it appears that the detainees had previously
been permanent residents of the U.S., and the fourth case was deemed by
the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to be eligible for
residence in a third country, according to officials.
Meantime, the government has agreed to the visit to the detention centre
of a senior U.S. official.
Simon Henshaw is the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for
Population, Refugees and Migration.

Source: "Gov't Proposes Formal Probe Into Cubans' Claims | The Bahamas
Journal - Jones Communications Network" -
http://jonesbahamas.com/govt-proposes-formal-probe-into-cubans-claims/