Cubans have engine trouble near Little Cayman

Cuban migrants at Cemetery Pier, Cayman Brac, 2 April 2016

(CNS): Thirteen more Cuban migrants have landed in the Cayman Islands, just as officials had managed to reduce the overflow from the Immigration Detention Centre. The latest group of four women and nine men arrived in Little Cayman waters on Saturday, 2 April, saying they wanted to disembark after their vessel developed engine problems. The group, which boosts the number held here to 68, was taken to Grand Cayman on Sunday, where the process to send the group back to Havana began. Cayman has experienced a recent surge in Cubans passing through local waters.

All migrants who arrive illegally are detained pending the repatriation process and officials said the 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.

Immigration officials reminded the public that international law prohibits the Cayman Islands from facilitating illegal migration and said people should not assist migrants, on land or in local waters, with food, shelter, transportation or other forms of comfort.

The immigration department said, “The restriction on assistance is in part due to the dangerous and potentially fatal journey which such individuals face.”

Local laws criminalise acts by anyone who assists or facilitates 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.

All migrants are presently being housed at the Immigration Detention Centre in Fairbanks.