Cubans crammed on 25ft boat off Brac coast

| 29/04/2016 | 5 Comments
Cayman News Service

Cubans migrants off Cayman Brac, 29 April 2016

(CNS): A group of nineteen Cubans were in local waters Friday but continued on with their journey. Officials said that 18 men and one woman were packed aboard a 25-foot boat with no shade, which arrived off Cayman Brac around 7:00 this morning. They were met by the local authorities but left the island shortly afterwards as they said they did not want to land and expressed a desire to continue their journey. Following their departure, officials reminded the public yet again that they are not allowed to assist the migrants and issued a statement:

“International law prohibits the Cayman Islands from facilitating illegal migration,” officials said. “This extends to members of the public assisting migrants, on land or in local waters, with food, shelter, transportation, or other forms of comfort. Although persons who arrive in such a manner are detained pending a repatriation process, the Cayman Islands Government is responsible for ensuring that they are able to access resources necessary for health and well-being while in custody. This includes food, clothes and medical treatment. The Immigration Department notes that the restriction on assistance is in part due to the dangerous and potentially fatal journey which such individuals face. Local laws criminalize acts by any persons who assist or facilitate illegal transportation, harbouring or the movement of migrants, whether or not for financial gain. These acts attract a fine of CI$50,000 and seven years imprisonment.”

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Category: Crime, Immigration

Comments (5)

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  1. Whatever happened to HUMAN RIGHTS?Surely this is case for that?Giving them water some food and some gas surely is an act of kindness that we all are willing to help with?I agree with most if not all of the above.

  2. Anonymous says:

    International law doesn’t say anything like what the officials are saying, nor is it obvious that these people are doing anything illegal.

    • Anonymous says:

      Thank you. If Cubans choose to go on — their choice — why should we not augment their supplies out of our own pockets?

    • Anonymous says:

      International law prohibits the Cayman Islands from facilitating illegal migration, but who foots the bills when they are landed and has to be provided for, and repatriated? The money being spent on their maintenance and care should be spent on Caymanians.
      Why international law should not dictate a shorter time for their repatriation and refund the cost. Taxpayers are paying for their costs.
      They leave Cuba with the intention to land elsewhere, so why not let them continue their journey? Less cost to CIG.

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