- Contributed
Three Haitians awaiting processing in Portland yesterday.
Garwin Davis and Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writers
TEN ARMED Haitian refugees, including eight policemen, claiming that they are fleeing the violence in their country were picked up by local authorities off the shore of Manchioneal, Portland, yesterday.
Describing their homeland as a battleground and a place where "no one is safe anymore", the group all men said they left Haiti in the dead of night on Thursday, leaving behind family members and loved ones. Their original destination was the United States but because of "poor navigational skills", their 13-foot engine boat found its way into Jamaican waters. They would later encounter a group of local fishermen who assisted them in getting to shore.
"They arrived in Manchioneal about 6:00 a.m. on Saturday," explained Anthony Davis, Deputy Superintendent of police at the Port Antonio Police Station. "Their boat had apparently developed engine trouble and was seen drifting by some local fishermen who then gave them a helping hand. We were then called in and once on the scene, we realized they were armed with .38 revolvers and 303 rifles. Eight of the men were also in uniforms and carrying police identification cards."
Mr. Davis said the men spoke of their country being under siege where human life had very little value.
"They told us that their station had come under attack from millitants and militia groups opposed to embattled President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and were forced to run for their lives," he said. "They left everything behind family members and loved ones. We are dealing with them now on strictly humanitarian grounds. The political directorate will intervene later."
The Associated Press (AP) reported yesterday that rebels ousted police officers in a northern town and built flaming barricades on a road leading to the neighbouring Dominican Republic. (SEE PAGE B6). This was the second time in less than three years that Haitian refugees have landed in Manchioneal. Two years ago, a group of 12, including women and children, were rescued just off the coastal town and later sought political asylum. Their application was denied and they were sent back.
"There is no way we can go back there," explained Calin Joseph, one of the eight policemen and the person with the best command of English among the group. "We had to run for our lives. We were attacked by militants, people who wanted to kill us."
Parish co-ordinator of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), Fay Neufville, said the refugees, once processed, would be housed at the rehabilation centre off Folly Road in Port Antonio and would be treated and given everything which is required by law.
