“We’re Investigating Abuse and Bribery Allegations”

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – The Department of Immigration is looking into serious allegations of abuse and bribery involving foreign nationals.

The allegations come after several Haitian nationals spoke to foreign media following their repatriation, claiming they were physically abused and forced to pay money to immigration officers.

Speaking on the sidelines of another repatriation exercise at Lynden Pindling International Airport Wednesday morning, the Minister of State said the claims will be investigated and anyone found guilty will be held accountable.

In recent weeks, the government has ramped up repatriation exercises, sending undocumented migrants home more frequently, with most returning to Haiti.

On Wednesday, 62 Haitian nationals were repatriated, including 49 men, 12 women and one minor.

Now, another issue is emerging.

As repatriations have increased, reports have surfaced in Haitian media by those who were sent back home, alleging abuse and mistreatment by immigration officers in The Bahamas.

With migrants lining up to board a Bahamasair flight at Lynden Pindling International Airport behind him, Minister of State for Immigration Darron Pickstock said the government is taking the allegations seriously.

Darron Pickstock – Minister of State, Immigration

“Our fine men and women of the Department of Immigration work under very strenuous circumstances. While there have been allegations of abuse, I want to assure the public that we are addressing and investigating any allegations of abuse. There are mechanisms in our laws to deal with any of our officers who breach the law.”

Pickstock also encouraged anyone with evidence of misconduct to come forward and report it.

Darron Pickstock – Minister of State, Immigration

“If that is the case, then I encourage those individuals to either report it to the Royal Bahamas Police Force or report it to the Department of Immigration.”

“This works both ways, so you have to report instances of any breach or whatever malfeasance there may be.”

But taxpayers often ask: How can an agency investigate itself?

Darron Pickstock – Minister of State, Foreign Affairs and Immigration

“We have reporting mechanisms at the detention centre. These individuals do go to court as well, where they are charged. Again, we have independent investigations at the Department of Immigration. We have an independent body that investigates any complaints.”