Monique Hepburn, Staff Reporter
Haitian refugees camping at Winnifred Rest Home in Portland, photographed on Tuesday, February 22, 2005 - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
WESTERN BUREAU:
HAITIAN REFUGEES seeking political asylum in Jamaica could soon learn their fate, as the Appeals Tribunal, chaired by retired High Court judge Justice Lloyd Ellis, is expected to submit an interim report later this week to government.
Wilton Dyer, spokesman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, told The Gleaner yesterday that prior to the appointment of the tribunal, seven Haitians have so far been granted political asylum.
Minister K.D. Knight added: "The Appeals Tribunal is proceeding with the work of processing the appeals of the Haitians.
"I am expecting an interim report during the course of this week and with its advice and recommendations I will know how to proceed," he added.
The minister also noted that the government "is working swiftly to expedite the appeal process."
Justice Ellis told The Gleaner yesterday that 141 cases for political asylum were brought before the Appeals Tribunal from the Eligibility Committee, which first processed the applications and denied the Haitians refugee status in September last year.
APPLICATIONS PROCESSED
The Appeals Tribunal was appointed in January this year under the auspices of the Foreign Affairs Ministry to review applications for political asylum and make recommendations. Since its establishment, the tribunal has processed more than 30 appeal applications.
"The lawyers or legal representatives for some of the Haitians are still gathering statements and making submissions but we expect to wrap up soon," said Justice Ellis.
Following political tensions in Haiti last year, 511 Haitians fled to Jamaica. Many sought refugee status in Jamaica, while others returned home. To date, 323 Haitians are being housed in a facility in Montpelier, St. James. The facility has the capacity to host 500 persons.
Additional Haitians, who have landed in Jamaica during recent weeks, are housed at Winnifred Rest Home in Portland.
