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Barbados PM responds to immigration critics

The Prime Minister of Barbados David Thompson has hit out at what he called the "reckless and grossly unfair" comments in the Caribbean about his country's immigration policies. 

Critics have claimed that the Barbadian authorities have been ill-treating undocumented immigrants, particularly Guyanese.

Mr. Thompson said he was bewildered by the claims and insisted that his government did not condone human rights violations. 

Prime Minister David Thompson has defended the amnesty for immigrants which took effect on June 1 and said there was no evidence to suggest a hardening of attitudes against non-nationals by immigration and the Barbados Police Force.

Mr. Thompson said so far only eight non-nationals including four Guyanese have been deported from Barbados and 107, including 71 from Guyana, have had their stays extended.

Barbados has faced widespread criticism from Guyana and other countries in the Caribbean and also domestically.

But David Ellis, head of news for Barbados Starcom Network, said Prime Minister Thompson has a high level of support by ordinary Barbadians for taking action against illegal immigration.

The Guyanese consulate to Barbados said many Guyanese nationals in Barbados were worried about their security and status.

David Ellis says Prime Minister Thompson has a tough balancing act because whilst the government has to be seen taking action over illegal immigration, Barbados also needs foreign labour.

 



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