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Last Updated: Apr 14, 2020 - 5:34:54 PM |
DNA Deputy Leader: What is the protocol for migrant apprehension in COVID-19 environment
By Buscheme Armbrister, Deputy Leader
Apr 14, 2020 - 4:26:38 PM
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 On Friday April 10th 2020, 11 Cuban migrants were brought into the Defense Force Base at Coral Harbour, by the Royal Bahamas Defense Force. It was reported that 11 Cuban male migrants were apprehended on Thursday the 9th of April 2020, in the Anguilla Cay area. They were medically screened for COVID-19 and were cleared to Embark the HMBS Nassau for transport to the Coral Harbour Base. They were examined by the Ministry of Health Officials and eventually handed over to the Department of Immigration. They are expected to be quarantined before introduction to the General population at the Detention Center.
First of all let me commend All of the courageous men and women of the Royal Bahamas Defense Force for keeping our borders secure, especially given the pandemic that’s upon us. We have you in our Prayers and hope the Lord continues to guide and keep you safe.
This event is very concerning to the Democratic National Alliance, and leads us to wonder “ IS THERE AN EFFECTIVE PLAN IN PLACE AS IT RELATES TO APPREHENSION OF MIGRANTS AT SEA “ as we try to control the spread of COVID-19 ? If there is, can the Government please explain. In this statement it is said that these persons were apprehended on the 9th, medically screened ( inclusive of COVID-19 ) and cleared to embark HMBS NASSAU. How is this possible at sea ? What type of kit was used to test for COVID-19 ? I am not a Doctor, but I have been made to understand there are only two ways of testing. Rapid test kit - this requires a blood sample, results take about 12hrs and it is not approved by the Ministry of Health for initial testing, because there have been a lot of false-negatives & false positives. This test is best used to test patients to determine if they had or have died from COVID-19 as this test only shows antibodies.
Antigen test - which requires a swab of the nostrils and/or the throat. This is the most reliable and effective test, but these results can take 24-48 hrs for results, and it’s only done by the National testing Lab at Victoria Gardens in Nassau. Hopefully you can see our concern for Our marines and the Bahamian Public at large. Our suggestion to the Government moving forward is to have any vessel found to be carrying migrants, escorted out of Bahamian waters ( if their vessel is sea worthy ), or have that vessel and it’s occupants taken to a remote cay ( provide food and medical supplies if needed ) and arrange to have them deported to their Country of origin ASAP.
It truly amazes me. I know personally 4 Bahamian Citizens in Florida that cannot return home, numerous Bahamian vessels that cannot return home ,but we can allow foreigners to enter our Capital under these circumstances. If we are serious about closing our borders, it should be closed PERIOD.
I hope our Government would put a plan in place to address these concerns, as soon as possible to mitigate any future apprehension of Migrants found in Bahamian waters, and to communicate a policy for the benefit of the wider Bahamian public and to put in place a standard operating procedure for the Men and Women that serve on the Royal Bahamas Defense Force.
Buscheme Armbrister
Deputy Leader
The Democratic National Alliance
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