National

“Senior Immigration Official Placed on Leave?”

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Keith Bell was questioned if senior immigration official was placed on leave due to the round up Chinese nationals at the British Colonial.

Published

9 months ago

July 20, 2023

Berthony McDermott

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The immigration minister tightlipped when questioned on if a senior immigration official has been placed on leave after giving the order to round up Chinese nationals at the British Colonial Hotel due to some irregularities.

Days after it was revealed that Immigration Minister Keith Bell superseded immigration officials allowing Chinese workers to return to work at the British Colonial Hotel, Our News understands the senior immigration official who gave the order has been placed on leave.

We put the question to Immigration Minister Keith Bell.

On Tuesday, Bell admitted Chinese nationals working at the British Colonial Hotel in January were released from custody to return to work despite irregularities that prompted officers to detain them.

He said it was determined that taking them to the detention center was unnecessary.

Speaking to reporters today, Bell said he plans to put the matter to rest.

In response, Free National Movement Leader Michael Pintard said the matter should not solely be addressed in a communication in Parliament.

On Tuesday, Bell said the hotel has a head of agreement that allows for the temporary importation of foreign laborers for the completion of the hotel.