Press restricted from photographing Cubans

The media on Cayman Brac have been told not to take
photographs from the iron-shore opposite the Cuban
migrants at the Creek Barcadere

Friday,  February 11, 2005

Media coverage of the arrival and departure of Cuban migrants can be curtailed by government officers, according to Deputy Chief Secretary Donovan Ebanks.

New guidelines for officials dealing with these incidents state, “While it is the wish of the Government to be open and transparent about the way in which arriving Cuban migrants are processed, the privacy of the migrants must be respected, especially those fleeing persecution.”

“It follows that the press and members of the public should not have access to the Cubans while they are being processed or are on their way to be processed.”

Cayman Net News asked Mr Ebanks via email if it would be breaking any law to take photographs of the Cubans as they arrive or while they are being processed. “Perhaps not directly, unless in a case where you were cautioned by an officer against doing so,” stated Mr Ebanks. when asked “Is it breaking any law to exchange phone numbers or email addresses with illegal migrants? Mr Ebanks responded: “Again, I don’t believe there is any specific legal provision against doing this but if these persons are not landed here and are being processed or detained, a public officer, such as an immigration officer, can prohibit you from doing as you have suggested.”

Cayman Net News asked the Deputy Chief Secretary what other legal restrictions there are for covering Cuban migrants in the media? “As above; there are no specific ‘legal’ restrictions per se but the enforcing authority may impose restrictions as he/she sees necessary in the interest of fulfilling their responsibilities.”

Mr Ebanks was asked to explain if the Cayman Islands government is asking members of the media to cooperate voluntarily in any way and, if so, how? “By complying with the requests and directions of our officers working these incidents of the arrivals of migrants,” he replied.

Back...