The Tribune

By KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

DIPLOMATIC efforts are ongoing to secure the release of Bahamian national Omar Munroe, who remains detained in Venezuela, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell.

Speaking with reporters yesterday, Mr Mitchell said the government has not had direct contact with Mr Munroe but remains in communication with his family as efforts continue.

According to Mr Mitchell, the Bahamas’ ambassador to Venezuela, Melanie Hilton, has been tasked with pursuing Mr Munroe’s release through diplomatic channels.

“She has to use whatever diplomatic means there is to apply pressure for the Venezuelan government to release that individual,” Mr Mitchell said.

“We’re hoping that the persons who are in effective control of the country will do so,” he added. “We are working as assiduously as we can on this matter.”

According to previous reports, Mr Munroe, a Bahamian pilot, has been in Venezuelan custody since 2021. He was reported missing in July 2021 after departing The Bahamas aboard a private aircraft.

Venezuelan authorities later located the aircraft crashed in Venezuela and informed Bahamian officials that Mr Munroe and a Colombian national were in custody after seeking medical treatment for injuries sustained in the crash.

Both men were reportedly questioned by Venezuelan authorities in connection with an alleged drug trafficking investigation. 

However, according to reports, Bahamian police officials were unable to confirm whether drugs were found on the aircraft.