The Bahamas government says it has temporarily ceased all deportations to Haiti as a result of the political unrest in that French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country.
“The decision follows the temporary closure of The Bahamas Embassy in Port-au-Prince and the recall of all diplomatic and consular staff,” the government said in a statement.
It said in anticipation of a potential increase of illegal migration from Haiti, Bahamian security forces have been placed on high alert.
“As a protective measure, the Government is also preparing a temporary detention center in Matthew Town, Inagua, which will be staffed with personnel from relevant ministries and government agencies, as to deal with any resultant eventualities.”
Bahamian officials have in the past called on Haitians not to undertake the dangerous voyage by sea to enter the country illegally. Earlier this month, 31 Haitians drowned when their vessel ran aground in waters off Abaco. The authorities said 18 others who had been rescued would be deported. Continue reading