Claude Mills, Staff Reporter
( L - R ) ANDERSON AND SCOTT
A BROUHAHA is now brewing between the Government and the Independent Jamaica Council for Human Rights (IJCHR) over the repatriation of 86 Haitians by the authorities yesterday.
"We have made the determination that the Haitians are illegal immigrants, and we have denied them landing under the Immigration Act," Gilbert Scott, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of National Security told The Gleaner yesterday.
In addition, a press statement from the National Security Ministry charged that a significant number of the recent wave of illegal immigrants from Haiti are "returnees".
"All the returnees in question were previously repatriated, having been deemed economic migrants and not refugees," the statement said.
"Indications are that it is costing the Government in excess of $10 million per month to host Haitians who land illegally. In addition, the illegal landings pose a security and health risk."
Immigration authorities are warning that Jamaican nationals who house illegal immigrants can be prosecuted.
However, the IJCHR is peeved at the brusque manner with which they claim the Haitians have been treated.
VERY DISAPPOINTING
"It's very disappointing, and we've spoken to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and she said she will be speaking to her Washington office about the matter," reported Nancy Anderson, IJCHR legal officer. "I don't see how our leaders can continue to meet with foreign leaders, and then disregard the commitments we have under international treaties and covenants to which we are signatories."
Meantime, Mr. Scott confirmed that Judson Bernard, a Haitian who had married a Jamaican woman in September, had been "repatriated as well."
But Ms Anderson said that the IJCHR has been repeatedly denied access to speak to their client who is married to a Jamaican woman, Marian Hines-Bernard.
"He has the right to apply for citizenship, and his wife wants him back. We will be working to get him back," she declared.
