The Tribune

By LAMECH JOHNSON

Tribune Staff Reporter

ljohnson@tribunemedia.net

PROSECUTION of 18 immigrants alleged to be part of a human smuggling operation from Panama to South Florida, did not proceed as expected yesterday. There was no explanation from Immigration officials what caused the delay.

Yesterday, the expected arraignment never made it to the courtroom in the Magistrate’s Court complex, in spite of a statement on Monday by Immigration Director Jack Thompson that a number of Brazilians were in custody and were expected to be charged yesterday.

The Tribune learned that the group of immigrants, arriving in the Bahamas on Copa Airlines, were Dominicans, West Indians, and Brazilians.

It was alleged that an attempt was being made to smuggle them into South Florida. It was claimed that each had paid $6,000 to make the journey.

Up to 11:30am there was no sign of them. The Tribune then learned that instructions had been given to immigration prosecutors not to proceed with the matter.

However, Immigration Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday said that as far as he knew, the matter was before the Attorney General’s office being discussed with the attorneys for the accused.

Attorney-General Allyson Maynard-Gibson was contacted about the decision to stay the prosecution. “The police prosecutor would be the best person to assist you with that, I don’t have that on my desk,” she replied.

Informed that the reporter had been told that the matter was in her offices, she replied: “It may have.”

“Perhaps you should speak to the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions). She may be able to give you a direction on that matter,” Mrs Maynard-Gibson said.

Attempts to speak with DPP Vinette Graham-Allen were unsuccessful up to press time and while it is unclear whether the matter is presently before the Attorney General’s office or not, a representative from Copa Airlines has since denied any association with any smuggling ring or any illegal activity.

“I have no such information about a smuggling ring involving the airline. Those allegations are not true. We are a tourist-orientated airline with the aim of broadening the Latin market. Like anywhere else there are people who will do or attempt to do illegal things, but the authorities are in place to handle those matters if they arise,” the representative said.