The Tribune

By RASHAD ROLLE

RE-INTERVIEWING Cuban detainees at the Detention Centre in the Bahamas is part of a plan by US and Bahamian officials drawn up in the wake of protests by Cubans in Florida, according to the Bahamas’ Deputy Consul General in Miami.

In a letter to US Congressman Joe Garcia, Sandra Carey, Deputy Consul General, said: “The matters that we mutually agreed to address are as follows: Detainees placed from maximum security to the general population will be addressed.

“Detainees will be re-interviewed.”

The letter, dated July 26, came after Mr Garcia met Bahamian Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe last Thursday at the Bahamas’ Consulate office in Miami to address concerns raised by some Cubans in Miami over alleged mistreatment of Cubans in the Bahamas.

Protesters have claimed undocumented immigrants, mostly Cubans, are being mistreated at the Detention Centre.

A video purportedly shows a guard kicking detained migrants. Bahamian officials say the video is a forgery. Cuban exile groups have called for a boycott of the Bahamas.

On Friday Mr Wilchcombe told The Tribune that although a meeting took place and numerous issues were raised, no deal was struck between the Bahamas and American governments concerning the matter.

Letters were provided to Mr Garcia during the meeting which addressed the conditions of the detention centre, interviewing detainees at the centre and addressing the issue of moving them from maximum security to the general population.

A letter was sent to Mr Garcia’s office on July 26 signed by Bahamian Deputy Consul General Sandra Carey.

The letter said: “We write to express our concern relative to a video news cast that purports that Cuban detainees were beaten by Bahamian Officers at the Bahamas Detention Centre. In this vein, thorough investigations were made and we emphatically state that the video was a staged attempt to defame the impression of The Bahamas. The administrative process at the Detention Centre has been examined and necessary changes are ongoing. Please be assured that all detainees are treated with respect and in accordance with all applicable conventions, and with human dignity and courtesy. We wish to thank you for meeting with representatives of the Bahamas Government last evening led by Obediah Wilchcombe, Minister of Tourism, when we discussed a mutually acceptable plan of action to resolve the demonstration by certain Cubans in Miami against the Bahamas. The Government of the Bahamas extends an invitation to you to join in discussions in the Bahamas next week in connection with the above.

Please accept our assurance of the continued commitment of the Government of the Bahamas in the humane and proper treatment within the parameter of the laws of the Bahamas and relevant International Conventions.”

A statement prepared by Mr Garcia’s office last Friday said: “I am pleased that the Bahamian government has chosen to address the issues we discussed. Our countries have always worked together and this is another example of the strength of our relationship. I have no doubt the implementation of the mutually agreed upon points in their letter will benefit both our countries. We pledge to continue to work together with the Bahamas to bring a proper conclusion to this matter.”

Foreign Minister Fred Mitchell has already said there had been no change in the government’s position on the matters.