Cubans escape detention

A group of Cubans wait to be interviewed by officials
at the Creek Barcadere, Cayman Brac (file photo)

Franz Manderson, 
Chief Immigration Officer

Tuesday,  January 10, 2006

The Immigration Department is investigating the circumstances behind the escape of 15 Cuban immigrants, six of whom have been recaptured, last Friday night from a secure facility.

Franz Manderson, Chief Immigration Officer, told Cayman Net News this weekend that the matter is being investigated. “As we speak the matter is under investigation because obviously we don’t want it to happen again,” he said.

Mr Manderson said that the immigrants were on a securely fenced compound with guards. He did not name the facility where the breakout took place.

A press statement from the Immigration Department, issued through the Government Information Service (GIS), warned boat owners to secure their vessels as the immigrants may be trying to leave the Island.

The statement read, “Nine Cuban migrants awaiting resolution of their immigration status, [who] are at large, [are] believed to be seeking a vessel to aid in their illegal departure from the Islands. Boat owners are urged to secure their boats”.

“This follows last night’s (Friday) unauthorised flight of 15 Cuban migrants from secure quarters near Fairbanks Prison,” the release said. 
It noted that six of the escapees were subsequently located and were returned to more secure accommodations.

Mr Manderson has issued a warning to the public that the Immigration Law prescribes stiff penalties for persons who harbour or may otherwise assist the Cubans to depart the Islands.

“According to the intelligence that we have received is that they are trying to get off the Island (Grand Cayman). I’m imploring people not to assist the immigrants to leave the Island illegally as it is an offence under Immigration law,” Mr Manderson said.

Persons with information on the whereabouts of the nine Cuban migrants are asked to call the Central Police Station, at 949-4222, or 244-2028.

Recently there has been an increase in Cubans moving through the Cayman Islands on their way to various destinations.

Just before last year’s end, a boat with nine Cubans on board, eight men and one woman, came into East End waters, but only one person – the sole woman – got off the boat, which continued its journey unassisted.

More than two dozen Cubans reached the Cayman Islands over Christmas, most landed on Cayman Brac and were later transported to Grand Cayman where they are being held in various locations around the Island.

Ten Cubans considered to be economic migrants were deported on 26 December although there are still several others here waiting on their fate. 

According to recent reports to Cayman Net News, several of the most recent refugees to arrive are members of a well known anti-Castro organisation and are seeking political asylum.

The US Coast Guard recently reported that more than 2600 Cubans set to sea during 2005 seeking a better life in the United States and other destinations.

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