BAHAMAS: 89 Haitian Nationals Charged Before Courts in Eleuthera

#Bahamas, March 30, 2018 – Eleuthera – One day after they were apprehended by HMBS Cascarilla under the command of Lieutenant Commander Clinton Johnson, 89 Haitian Nationals were charged before the courts in Eleuthera on Thursday March 29 for violation of the Immigration Act.

The 89 migrants (11children, 14 females, and 64 males) who were apprehended in their vessel on Wednesday off Governor’s Harbour, were all charged with illegal landing.  They all pled guilty and were sentenced to conditional deportation.  They were all deported directly to the same day.

An additional 2 Haitian nationals were also charged before the courts in Eleuthera after they were found in a 30-ft cabin cruiser off Half Moon Cay, located off San Salvador by the crew members of HMBS Cascarilla.

One of them did not have the proper document and was charged with Illegal landing.  He was sentenced to 15 months in jail and will be deferred to Immigration Department for deportation after serving his time.

The other Haitian national who possessed a spousal permit was charged with harboring an illegal person.  He was given a 1-year imprisonment term and a $3,000.00 fine. His vessel was also seized and confiscated.

The Royal Bahamas Defence Force remains committed to protecting the territorial integrity of The Bahamas and keeping our borders secured.

(For further information please contact the RBDF Public Relations Department or visit our website: www.rbdf.gov.bs, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and view our Youtube channel) -rbdf

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