By Gareth Davis, Gleaner WriterPORT ANTONIO:
FORTY-ONE HAITIAN boat people who said they were being persecuted by rebel forces, landed yesterday in Manchioneal, east Portland, assisted by fishermen.
The group, which includes 11 children ranging in ages from a 10-month-old to a 10-year-old, and four women, was rescued by fishermen near the Flamegos Bank. The Haitians were taken ashore in groups.
"The first batch of seven Haitians were escorted to shore by local fishermen about 12:30 p.m. Sunday," said Det. Sgt. Ralston Henry of the Manchioneal Police Station. "They are claiming to have fled their homeland on Friday, round about 9:00 p.m., and that their intended destination was Jamaica."
Det. Sgt. Henry said that all the refugees appeared to be in relatively good health, noting, however, that there were signs that some were exhausted from dehydration and possible hunger.
Another batch of 15 arrived at about 2:45 p.m., after which another 19 were taken to shore by fishermen.
HAITI STILL IN GRIPS OF ANARCHY
The Gleaner learnt through an interpreter from the Manchioneal police, and who gave her name only as 'Hawa', that the Haitians indicated that they had come under attack from rebel forces, opposed to ousted president, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, and that the country was still in a state of anarchy.
"They say that the unrest is very much alive and that the army is doing nothing to curtail the ongoing violence, therefore, they were forced to flee," said Hawa.
A local fisherman, Gilbert Rashford, told The Gleaner that he and his colleagues spotted a boat "in distress and with people" just off the coast of the Flamegos Bank, near Manchioneal.
"We were out fishing when we spotted the boat," said Mr. Rashford. "We then realised it was Haitians aboard and quickly assisted them to the bank, where they were immediately given food and water."
The number of Haitians now in Portland stands at 158.
