M.C.U.D.

Press coverage in Bahamas in connection with the Cubans retainted at the Carmichael Road Detention Center.

(MIAMI/FLORIDA/December 13, 2004/ Netforcuba.org )-
In the early morning of Sunday, December 12th, Daisy Gil Ortiz, Lourdes Pagani and Ahmed Y. Martel, directors all of Net For Cuba International, provided in direct telephone conversation with the Bahamas Tribune News Desk ,a detailed information on the latest events in the city of Miami in connection with the Cubans retained in a detention center in Bahamas.

The newspaper wanted to know the reaction the events in question sparked in our community, we expressed the depth of our pain and disappointment upon learning of the inhumane treatments our compatriots had received at the hands of authorities of the Government of the Bahamas.

We also pointed out, that our organization in conjunction with other organizations of the Cuban Exile Community commenced initiatives at the international level to prevent the repatriation of these compatriots to the regime in Havana.

On the same note, we alerted government officials in Bahamas that in the event that the Cuban detainees were indeed repatriated to Cuba, the consequences would be incalculable, for an indefinite massive boycott to the Bahamas would be implemented.

After the interview ended we received from the news desk of the Bahamas Tribune, a series of newspaper articles they published in connection with the events in question and we are reproducing them for all interested in the subject.

Net For Cuba International takes this opportunity to extend our gratitude to the Bahamas Tribune for providing us with this information.

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By RUPERT
MISSICK Jr
Seoior Staff Reporter

"THE Latin American community in South Florida demonstrated in front of the Bahamas Consulate in Miami yesterday to protest the possible deportation of Cuban detainees being held at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre.

Bahamian Consul General Alma Adams said that she was informed yesterday by Florida Police that two groups have taken a permit to demonstrate in front of the building and the Port of Miami today. It is understood that the permission is to allow them to demonstrate for two days, from 11am to 5pm.

Mrs Adams said that angry Cuban Americans flooded the embassy with phone calls Friday.

"There are small numbers out there today but the signs that they are displaying today are quite devastating. One for instance says, 'Bahamas makes Cuban refugees drink toilet water and eat dog food' and 'no more tourism for the Bahamas police state'," she said. Director of Net For Cuba International, Daisy Gil-Ortiz, told The Tribune yesterday that the Cuban and Latin communities at large are outraged at the Bahamian government.

Ms Gil-Ortiz claimed that among the Cuban detainees are nine political refugees who are members of the Cuban "opposition" party "November 30 Frank País" and a Cuban pro-human rights party affiliated with the Andrei Sajarov Foundation.

"The Cuban government has already said that they will put these people in prison for 10 years when they are returned to Cuba. Circulating through all of the Spanish speaking radio stations here is a call for Latin Americans to boycott travel to the Bahamas, and there are plans to take to the street in front of the Bahamian Embassy," she said.

Cuban Consul General to the Bahamas, Felix Wilson-Hernandez, said he was surprised at the behavior of the detainees involved in Thursday's riot at the detention centre.

"There is no justification for actions such as setting fire to buildings and attempting an escape. If you have complaints you file them through the proper channels and you wait. We are now coordinating with government to have them repatriated to Cuba," he said. Commenting on the report government issued in response to the allegations of abuse at the centre, Mr Wilson-Hernandez reiterated that when he visited the centre days before the incident he received no complaints like the ones contained in Amnesty's report.

"We do not condone mistreatment of our nationals but we also will not condone actions like setting the property of a host nation on fire. If there is mistreatment we have to act on that, but I still sees no proof of mistreatment," said Mr Wilson-Hernandez.

Miguel Saabra, president of the Cuban activist group Vigilia Mambisa, said that members of the Cuban community in Miami wanted nothing to do with the Bahamas and were deeply offended by what had transpired.

Mr Saabra likened the centre to a concentration camp from World War II rather than a detention facility. He said the Bahamas lacks human rights and treated the Cuban citizens like animals rather than people.

He said the officers used unnecessary force in restraining the
detainees, regardless of whether they set fire to the facility".

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By RUPERT MISSICK Jr, Senior Staff Reporter

"AN INVESTIGATION into the alleged abuse and torture of detainees at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre has found that there was no evidence of physical abuse, but concluded that the water, shelter, and dietary schedule were causes for concern.

Immigration and Labour Minister Vincent Peet made the statement during a communication to the House of Assembly yesterday. Mr Peet said that the report has necessitated a review of the management at the centre in order to strengthen the administration. The investigation, said Mr Peet, was carried out by trained police detectives using both undercover techniques and overt means, such as direct interviews of witnesses and other persons concerned, and the review of records and other relevant information.

The tabling of the report on Wednesday came a day after the Cuban nationals detained at the centre engaged in an act of civil disobedience by refusing to accept their food.

Mr Peet said that after a visit by senior immigration officers along with the Consul General in the Bahamas for Cuba, it was determined that the Cubans complaint was that the diet was not to their liking. "They have asked for a more Cuban diet. They have now agreed to accept food and for our part we have undertaken to provide meals of the sort that they may be more accustomed to eating," said Mr Peet. The minister said that it is important that the Bahamas maintains its obligations as an upstanding member of the international community which is why an investigation into the matter was conducted.

Allegations of cruelty involving both Haitian and Cuban detainees surfaced two months ago at the Detention Centre which prompted Amnesty International to call for an "immediate, thorough and independent investigation" into the allegations to ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.

It was alleged that a particular female Cuban national being detained at the Detention Centre was denied the medicine which was necessary for the treatment of her illness.

Mr Peet said that the investigation by the police has revealed this allegation to be totally untrue.

"Management records have been produced by the Detention Centre to support the fact that the individual in question receives appropriate medical care. Further the individual herself was interviewed in her native language by one of the investigating detectives. She has indicated on the record that not only is she satisfied with the level of medical treatment but she also found the accommodations to be adequate," said the minister.

Mr Peet said that the Cuban national also offered "fair comments" to the investigating team regarding the treatment of detainees by guards.

Amnesty alleged that on October 1, Cuban asylum seekers, Rene Mendoza Banos and Jorge Luis Conde, were allegedly severely beaten with batons by staff, who also subjected them to a mock execution, pointing a gun at their heads. In this case, Mr Peet said that the police revealed this allegation to be both uncorroborated and untrue.

Details of the investigation are that one of the males threatened to cut the throat of a caretaker at the centre. Upon being approached by a guard on duty the Cuban national wrestled away a baton from the guard who was then forced to draw his firearm to maintain order. "Detainees and other witnesses who were present could not corroborate any assault as alleged," Mr Peet said.

Amnesty also alleged that on October 10, several Cuban detainees, including children, were reportedly forced to stand motionless against a fence inside the camp, from 3pm to 5.30pm with no water in temperatures of around 30 degrees centigrade. Amnesty International said they considered that these actions amounted to torture.

The organization also claimed that several children had been held at the centre for longer than six months. The London-based charity also claimed there were widespread rumors of tuberculosis among detainees who are denied medical treatment and allegedly have inadequate access to food and water.

Mr Peet said that the investigation revealed that the allegations surrounding the lack of hygienic supplies and medicine are without a basis in fact because such necessities are supplied as the need arises. However, Mr Peet admitted that the police said that there was some cause for concern over the supply of potable water at the Detention Centre.

The police report concluded that the water supply at the centre is inadequate and often interrupted due to the malfunction of a system installed specifically to correct this problem.

It was also concluded that a shortage of staff at the centre has made it necessary to serve a late breakfast at 10am and an early dinner at 4pm with lunch at noon.

Mr Peet said that this is considered an inappropriate dietary schedule for the detainees.

In addition to this, the report speaks of a lack of shelter, other than the dormitories, to such an extent that the detainees are constantly exposed to the elements while outside.

Government is expected to study the report in detail with the necessary input from experts in the various areas of concern. "I have decided to initiate a review of the management at the centre in order to strengthen the administration where necessary," said Mr Peet".
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By RUPERT MISSICK Jr Senior Staff Reporters

"CUBAN detainees rioted and set light to the Carmichael Road Detention Centre while launching an escape bid yesterday morning. The uprising happened less than 24 hours after a report by police investigating allegations of torture and abuse was made public. The report stated that there was no evidence of physical abuse at the facility.

Police and Defence Force officers were forced to fire rubber rounds to subdue the rioting detainees. As a result of the disturbance 11 Defence Force officers and nine detainees were injured. Two detainees were treated in hospital with injuries caused by the rubber rounds.

An investigation into the claims of abuse and mock executions of detainees was conducted by the police force following an Amnesty International report in October condemning the Detention Centre. The conclusions of the police investigation were branded a "white- wash" by human rights activists following the report's release in the House of Assembly on Wednesday.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Immigration last night the detention centre was the scene of "an attempted escape and a fire in one of the dormitories." It said that the dormitory in question was destroyed by the fire.

The Ministry of Immigration said that the escape of three men was discovered at 9am. Two of the men were apprehended at 10.10am, the third, Francisco Napoles Valdez remains at large. At approximately 11.15am, the statement said, Defence Force and Immigration officers who were about to collect a group of predominantly Cuban male detainees from Dorm 2 found themselves locked out of the building. The officers eventually gained entry and "observed the detainees who were behaving in a hostile and aggressive manner."

The statement said detainees surrounded the officers and "tried to prevent them from removing the offending and belligerent detainee. "The dorm was set alight by the detainees who also hurled fiery objects at the officers." It said that the officers "had to fire rubber rounds to restore order."

The situation was brought under control by 11.30am. The statement said the injured RBDF officers sustained mainly bruises and lacerations and did not require hospitalization. Five of the injured detainees needed to be taken to the Princess Margaret Hospital. It said that three of them "sustained injuries believed to be unrelated to the rubber rounds".

The Consul General for Cuba was advised of the situation regarding its citizens.

Police say they are continuing their investigation and three persons are being held to assist their enquiries.

The statement said that government remains "committed to fulfilling its international obligations and will make efforts to repatriate all individuals at the Detention Centre as soon as possible, once those obligations are completed."

This incident came one day after Minister Peet tabled a report in the House of Assembly denying the alleged abuses at the detention centre.

Amnesty International, who initially raised the concerns of abuse and torture, is expected to respond to the police report in writing to government today.

"We are providing a formal response to the authorities there but the officials in the Bahamas have yet to provide us with a formal response to the letter we sent in October containing a number of concerns and issues," said Olivia Streater Amnesty's researcher for the Caribbean region.

Local human rights activists yesterday criticised government for what they described as an inadequate response and questioned the logic of Mr Peet allowing government departments to investigate alleged improprieties at another government department.

Human rights activist, Eliezir Regnier who makes frequent visits to the centre, said that he is not impressed with the minister's "investigation" claiming it was a "white-wash".

"I expected this. There was no independent report. I could have almost written the minister's speech for him - word for word. The minister is an attorney and is aware of certain rules which must be adhered to in an investigation. He holds brief with his officers and, while I know him to be a very straight forward man, given the circumstances of his position over them one must anticipate a response like this," said Mr Regnier.

Mr Regnier said that while the detention centre is a necessity, given the country's position vis-à-vis Haiti and Cuba, it must adhere to international standards.

"While in the case of escape I favour the state, I hope this incident does not translate to hardship for the detainees. The government must keep order at the detention centre and it must do all it can to prevent anarchy, but it must live up to international standards," he said. When The Tribune arrived on the scene just after noon yesterday, one of the five units that comprise the detention centre had been gutted by flames.

Fire fighters reportedly had the blaze under control quickly, and had secured the scene by 1pm.

The press was contained to an area about 50 yards away from scene of the fire, where numerous ambulances, fire engines, police and Defence Force vehicles were crowded together.

Throughout the day, information about the incident, the efforts to secure the compound, and the ongoing investigation remained difficult to obtain.

There were unconfirmed reports that only half of the men were recaptured, and that one of them sustained a gunshot wound during the incident.

The Tribune witnessed paramedics transferring at least two persons on stretchers into ambulances at around 1.30pm yesterday, however it is not known if they were injured during the incident, or as a result of the fire.

Reporters also witnessed a number of men, who seemed to be detainees, being escorted onto a Defence Force bus that had been parked just in front of unit that was damaged by fire.
Cuban Consul General, Felix Wilson-Hernandez could not comment on the incident but said that given the nature of what transpired he would have to wait to co-ordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before a visit.

Allegations of cruelty involving both Haitian and Cuban detainees surfaced two months ago at the centre which prompted Amnesty International to call for an "immediate, thorough and independent investigation" into the allegations to ensure that anyone found responsible is brought to justice.

Amnesty alleged that on October 1, Cuban asylum seekers, René Mendoza Banos and Jorge Luis Conde, were allegedly severely beaten with batons by staff, who also subjected them to a mock execution, pointing a gun at their heads.

In this case, Mr Peet said that the police revealed this allegation to be both uncorroborated and untrue.

However, Mr Peet admitted that the police said that there was some cause for concern over the supply of potable water at the centre. The police report concluded that the water supply at the centre is inadequate and often interrupted due to the malfunction of a system installed specifically to correct this problem.

It was also concluded that a shortage of staff at the centre has made it necessary to serve a late breakfast at 10am, lunch at noon and dinner at 4pm.

Mr Peet said that this is considered an inappropriate dietary schedule for the detainees.

The conditions at the centre also raised concern among the vocal Cuban- American lobby in South Florida.

Between 20-25 Cubans in Florida were involved in the peaceful protest last Friday and carried placards with messages designed to discourage travel to the Bahamas and to protest about the "unfair treatment" of the Cuban detainees at the refugee centre".

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By RUPERT MISSICK Jr
Senior Staff Reporter

"AMNESTY International is calling for the government to launch a commission of inquiry to investigate reports of the possible use of excessive force by law enforcement officials during Thursday's confrontation at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre, in which nine detainees and 11 officers were injured.

The human rights organization said that the incident underlines the need for government to establish an independent commission of inquiry into conditions at the detention centre.

"Amnesty International has received reports that some detainees are alleging that several people, including women and children, were severely beaten with batons and that police prevented detainees from leaving the facility once the fire started," said the organization in a statement released on Friday.

At a press conference held yesterday, Immigration Minister Vincent Peet said that Defence Force and Immigration officers acted properly during Thursday's riot and denied that their aggressive behavior sparked the disturbance. (See full story page 2).

Amnesty also criticized a government report into the alleged abuses at the centre, saying it failed to address serious issues, including the indefinite detention of children.

On Thursday, Cuban detainees rioted and set fire to the Carmichael Road Detention Centre while launching an escape bid.

Defence Force officers fired rubber rounds to restore order after detainees tried to secure and subsequently light a fire in a room. Two detainees were treated in hospital with injuries caused by the rubber rounds.

"The inquiry must be able to make recommendations arising from its findings on how the organization of immigration detention conditions could be changed or improved," Amnesty International said. The organization also urged both the government and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees to ensure the full protection of asylum-seekers from forcible return and discrimination, in their response to Thursday's incident.

On December 8, Minister of Labour and Immigration Vincent Peet presented a report to parliament following a police investigation into allegations of ill-treatment at the centre. The concerns were raised by Amnesty International and other organizations.

The report, while welcome, said Amnesty, failed to address serious issues, including the indefinite detention of children.

Amnesty International will be providing the government with a formal response to the report and is seeking more information on the remit of the police investigation, amid concerns which include witness protection and availability.

In 2002, Amnesty International recommended that the government establish a multi-disciplinary inspectorate body independent of government, with the power to undertake regular visits to the detention centre, to hear detainee grievances and issue public reports and recommendations.

"The body should be granted full and independent access to detainees," said Amnesty.

Other recommendations included extending an invitation to the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention to visit and report on arbitrary detention in the Bahamas and ensuring detention policies and practices comply with international standards".


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By PACO NUNEZ
Tribune Staff Reporter

"DEFENCE Force and Immigration officers acted properly during Thursday's riot at the Carmichael Detention Centre, Immigration Minister Vincent Peet said yesterday. He denied suggestions that their aggressive behavior sparked the disturbance.

Mr Peet and Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell held a joint press conference Friday to discuss the incident, which resulted in a fire that left one of the centre's four dormitories gutted by flames.
Nine detainees and 11 Bahamian officers were injured during the
riot.

Mr Peet said that the officers sustained their injuries "in the line of duty" and it was "fortunate that there were no serious injuries in the incident".

He said that he was "concerned and upset" by the fact that the officers were injured, saying that it was his first priority to protect "our people".

Mr Peet assured the public yesterday that detainees "are and have been treated fairly" at the facility, and commended the officers for the manner in which they handled an "extreme provocation". However, the secretary-general of a leading Cuban opposition party told The Tribune Friday that the "violent" behaviour of immigration guards led to the riot.

Luis Israel Abreu, secretary of the Democratic Party November 30, claimed that three party members were among the nine detainees injured in the riot.

Two of the nine were injured by rubber bullets. Officials said the guards were forced to fire the bullets to restore control at the facility. However, Mr Abreu said that according to information the party received from persons who visited the detainees at the hospital hours after the riot, this was not the case.

The detainees allege that after three men attempted to escape on Thursday morning, the officers began to act violently towards the other detainees.

He said the detainees "knew how violent the guards are there, so they barred the doors". The guards nevertheless managed to break into the building, where they crowded detainees "into a corner" and opened fire with rubber bullets, he added.

Mr Abreu said that he did not know how the fire started, but claimed that the detainees at the hospital allege that officers refused to allow them to exit the burning building.

Mr Peet denied the allegations, saying that they were "totally incorrect".

He pointed out that considering the scale of the fire there would have been no survivors had detainees been locked inside. The fire destroyed the building in which it started, and Mr Peet estimated that the damage was in "the tens of thousands of dollars". "It didn't happen like that at all," he said.

A statement released by the Ministry of Immigration on the day of the incident confirmed an escape attempt early Thursday morning, but said that in "a separate but connected incident" officers who were attempting to collect several detainees from Dorm 2 of the facility found the door to be barred. It said that officers only opened fire after they were set upon by detainees.

Mr Peet said that it was "impatience with their detention" that caused the Cubans to riot.

"Impatience with due process is no reason for arson," he said. Mr Peet spoke yesterday to the possibility that some of the detainees might qualify for refugee status, saying that this would be determined in accordance with standard procedures.

"The Bahamas attempts to deal with these matters as quickly as possible," he said, cautioning "would-be agents of provocation from outside the country that strong representation is expected, but incitement to destroy public property and disrupt public order is unacceptable."

He confirmed that 33 Cubans had been transported to Her Majesty's Prison Fox Hill after the incident, and remain in custody there. He said that what will happen to them depends on the outcome of police investigations.

Mr Mitchell said yesterday that the problem is not one for the Bahamas, but arises out of the country's geographical location. "This is a difficult geo-political issue, which is not of the making of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. We happen to sit by accident of geography between the United States, which is the country the people are trying to get to, and Cuba, the country the people are seeking to leave."

He said that Bahamians should not feel "put upon in any way" by the problem. "This is our country, we stand up for the integrity of our country and don't let anybody put us on the defensive over this," he said. Mr Mitchell told The Tribune that pressure from groups like Mr Abreu's was responsible for the unrest at the detention centre. He said that the "most intense line of inquiries" about the incident have come from Cuban- American communities in South Florida. Mr Mitchell said that his ministry had made it clear to international groups who have inquired about the incident that "reports of abuse of detainees are false and without foundation".

He said that it is the sensitivity with which the Bahamas approaches both its bi-lateral agreements with Cuba and its international responsibilities that is often the cause of delay in processing Cuban migrants, but added that government tries "to act as quickly as possible, as sensitively as possible and as humanely as possible". He stressed that Bahamians and Florida residents have a close relationship and that the government would "talk to our friends" to make sure that the relationship is maintained.

Mr Peet assured Bahamians yesterday that security at the Detention Centre was being reviewed, and that he would undertake to ensure that the numbers of both Immigration and Defence Force officers are increased".

Source: NetforCuba.org