The Tribune

By KHRISNA VIRGIL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kvirgil@tribunemedia.net

THE hearings to determine whether three Cubans were abused at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre by Royal Bahamas Defence Force marines could be drawing to a close soon, according to attorney Wayne Munroe.

Mr Munroe, who represents the Royal Bahamas Defence Force marines accused of abusing the men, said following his submission of several written documents, officials were expected to set a date for a ruling. The trial continued yesterday.

“I made a submission (yesterday) and the presiding captain has adjourned to allow me to submit some things in writing,” Mr Munroe said. “So the next step is for a date to be set for him to make his ruling.”

The alleged beatings of Yordan Cantero, Alexander Vascuez and Carlos Pupo took place around June 13, 2013.

Last month, Mr Munroe told The Nassau Guardian that Mr Vascuez, who officials spent months looking for, testified at a hearing in March. At the time, Mr Munroe said Mr Vascuez’s testimony did not line up with the earlier testimony of Mr Cantero and Mr Pupo.

The trial to determine if the marines abused the Cuban detainees at the holding centre began in November 2013 and has faced several delays.

Minister of National Security Dr Bernard Nottage has appointed retired Justice Cheryl Albury, Bahamas Christian Council President Rev Dr Ranford Patterson and former RBDF Commander Leon Smith to observe the closed hearing.

His decision came after the Democracy Movement, a Cuban-exile group, criticised the Bahamas government and fiercely protested against this country for months for ignoring alleged human rights abuse that took place at the Detention Centre.

Immigration officers, Defence Force marines and medical personnel are among the 23 witnesses who have testified in the trial.