By SANCHESKA BROWN

Tribune Staff Reporter

sbrown@tribunemedia.net

THREE Bahamian men were charged in Magistrate’s Court for assisting in the illegal departure of 15 Chinese nationals last week.

During his contribution in the House of Assembly on Monday, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Fred Mitchell said the three men along with 15 Chinese nationals were arrested in Bimini last Wednesday.

They were taken into custody after they were found by police on a vessel that they suspected was headed to Florida.

“They were brought to Nassau and the Bahamian men were charged with assisting in illegal departure,” Mr Mitchell said.

“They were granted bail in the sum of $5,000 each with one surety. The case was adjourned until March 7, 2016 and transferred to Bimini for trial. The 15 Chinese are scheduled to depart Nassau (Monday) for Cuba and then travel to China.”

Mr Mitchell also said a pilot on the way to Exuma yesterday saw what appeared to be a Haitian vessel with migrants on board on the eastern side of Long Island. He said the Royal Bahamas Defence Force was notified and is sending a vessel to investigate.

Mr Mitchell said he mentioned the matters in the House of Assembly to “demonstrate to this country the seriousness of the problem that we face with regard to illegal migration.”

He said it is an ongoing “relentless fight.”