CARICOM supports Bahamas in dispute with Cuban protest group

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Staff Reporter

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

THE Caribbean Community has come out in support of the Bahamas over the long-standing spat between the country and a Miami-based Cuban exile group.

The regional body condemned threats of an economic boycott and steps taken to influence economic interests in Florida, referring to protests by Democracy Movement. 

After more than four months of protest for investigations into alleged human rights abuses at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, leader Ramon Sanchez last week said demonstrations have been suspended after the government has announced plans to launch a probe.

In leaked Defence Force documents, a young marine admitted that on the direction of superiors, he punched, kicked and beat unresisting Cuban detainees with a stick until they screamed, in what is described in official investigation documents as a “frenzied” attack at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.

A statement endorsed by the Fifth Special Meeting of the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), read: “The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) deplores the threatened economic boycott of The Bahamas and attacks on Bahamian economic interests in Florida by certain interest groups based in Miami.” 

“CARICOM supports the legitimate efforts of the Government of The Bahamas, in conformity with international law, to ensure that its borders are not breached by unlawful immigration.”

Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell has maintained that there has been no fallout for the Bahamas’ reputation due to the controversy. Also supported by National Security Minister Bernard Nottage, Mr Mitchell reiterated that the matter had been largely confined to Dade County and Broward County in Miami.

However, Tourism Minister Obie Wilchcombe said that the ramifications of the ongoing protests over Cuban abuse allegations are “far-reaching”. Also unconvinced that a loss of confidence in the Bahamas’ commitment to human rights is limited to activists in South Florida, St Anne’s MP Hubert Chipman called for a “new turning point” in the conduct of the Bahamas’ foreign policy.

Comments

TalRussell says...

What if Her Majesty's Loyal (to the illegal Cubans) Official Opposition Party call for a “new turning point” in the conduct of the FNM, over their whacked foreign policy of supporting the Miami-based Cuban Movement? Shocking beyond belief, when the entire Caribbean Community of governments are willing to stand-up for Bahamaland's tourism. But oh no, not that Minnis, Loretta, Darron and Chippie crowd? Thank God for the common senses John B and Abaco's Edision. Too bad John B ain't in the House, cause guess what? Either Edison or John B, can in fact under the constitution, be called upon by her Majesty to lead "Her" Loyal opposition in the House of Assembly.

http://tribune242.com/users/photos/2013…

Posted 30 September 2013, 1:06 p.m. Suggest removal

wave says...

Who did Freddy blow to get this?

Posted 30 September 2013, 4:56 p.m. Suggest removal

whit4120 says...

That's an unnecessary low blow! You blame him no matter what he does !!!

Posted 30 September 2013, 5:19 p.m. Suggest removal

TalRussell says...

You wanna give the Comrades upstairs at Shirley & Deveaux Streets some serious migraine headaches. Leak to them how you heard the reds go'in ask Freddy to "return" to the red shirts tent? It's no big secret they're looking for a leader replacement, right? I hope they got a quick responding ambulance really close to Cooper's Town, with heart attack trained medics and some them modern heart pumps and stuff. Why not since they's always preaching about how they party is a big tent, for all political stripes?

Posted 30 September 2013, 5:05 p.m. Suggest removal

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