Freedom Imaginaries awaiting response to asylum application on behalf of 9 Haitian migrants

   

Human rights lobby group Freedom Imaginaries is awaiting a response from the government to its application for asylum on behalf of nine Haitians who arrived in Jamaica between Sunday night and Monday morning.

 

Human Rights attorney with Freedom Imaginaries, Malene Alleyne says the application was submitted Tuesday.

 

The boat which transported the Haitians was spotted at Long Bay beach in Portland on Monday morning and the police contacted.

 

Speaking today (Wednesday) on the Morning Agenda on Power 106, Ms Alleyne said twice on Tuesday, she attempted to speak with the five men and four women at the Manchioneal Police Station, but was denied by the police. 

 

"They're saying that they are instructed by PICA (Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency) not to allow the Haitians to speak with lawyers and that...this is out of their hands basically and that they're under instructions. And, you know, I explained that there's no basis in law to deny anyone in Jamaica due process and access to an attorney," she said. 

 

Ms. Alleyne expressed concern that the Haitians will be sent home today, noting that "the window of opportunity to take action is very small". 

 

"We submitted a request for asylum yesterday and this morning I followed up again with the government, but they haven't responded. And so I just urge the government to at least respond to the request and allow for due process to take place," she pleaded, adding that all relevant agencies with a mandate for children, women or migrants should get involved to ensure that they have access to protection services. 

 

In the meantime, Ms. Alleyne said Freedom Imaginaries remains uncertain, in relation to the group of 37 Haitians for which it is seeking asylum.

 

The application, which was acknowledged by the government, has been going through the process since July.

 

Ms. Alleyne said she is concerned about the welfare of the Haitians, especially the children. 

 

"My most immediate concern, for example, is that the children in the group do not have access to education. You know, the Haitians, of course, would love to, you know, not be deprived of liberty and have freedom of movement, but they've been in the stage of limbo for quite some time and you can imagine that that would take a toll on anyone and so I am very concerned about their situation."