Suspected illegal Immigrants being escorted on to Pineapple Air, destined for New Providence
(Eleuthera, Bahamas) Chief Immigration Officer (CIO) in charge of the Eleuthera District, Shema Darling, reported, on Monday, June 20th, 2016, that ten (10) illegal immigrants – eight (8) males, and two (2) females were transported shortly after 5pm on Monday afternoon into New Providence for further processing and repatriation, as a result of an operation which began at 3:30am on Monday morning. Immigration personnel confirmed that the areas involved in the operation included a general sweep of the central Eleuthera area, beginning in Savannah Sound, and continued all the way into areas of north Eleuthera, including Blackwood.
Since CIO Darling took up her post in June of 2015, the numbers of illegal Haitian immigrants who have been taken into custody in The Eleutheras are now approaching 700, she said following today’s sweep. With beefed up personnel in the district, including two officers in Harbour Island, five officers in north Eleuthera, four officers in central Eleuthera, and another two officers in south Eleuthera – Immigration personnel now stands at thirteen.
Immigration Officials gave a reminder to members of the public about the recent increase in fines and jail time for people convicted for harbouring illegal immigrants, and assisting or aiding illegal landings, which include fines of up to $10,000, and up to three (3) years in prison. Several Bahamian citizens from the district have been placed before the courts charged with aiding illegal landings. Marriages of convenience are also on their radar, said Officials, which pose similar stiff penalties. Work permits, they said, can also be revoked if people holding them are working outside the scope of their permit, in addition to other possible consequences, including arrest, prosecution and fines.
