BARBADOS – The Barbados Immigration Department has confirmed the detention of 10 Guyanese nationals between March 22 and March 27 for various offenses, of these six were deported and 4 asked to leave.
This following a report in the March 28 edition of the Guyana Stabroek News headlined “Guyanese rounded up in Barbados, facing deportation” and reports carried by local media as well.
Barbados’ Chief Immigration Office, Gilbert Greaves, stated that the offences included, living on the island illegally, conviction of a criminal offence, possession of false documents including that of a false work permit stamp, ID Card and false treasury receipt, as well as prostitution. It is to be noted that the person holding the false documents also purported to be a priest.
Admitting that there was a delay in their departure from the island, Mr. Greaves explained that this was unavoidable since there were no flights available during the period.
Stating that the offices of the department at the airport were all air-conditioned, the Immigration Chief, however, described the statement that the persons were reportedly being kept in a “cold room,” as misleading.
He described allegations contained in the report that the individuals were “only fed bread and water since last Thursday” as completely false, noting that “those persons who were detained all had their breakfast, lunch and supper provided in accordance with established practice. Of course, persons do, from time, to time refuse meals for various reasons.”
