Cubans take refuge on East End beach
(CNS): Local authorities are said to have waived the usual rules for Cubans landing on local shores and allowed 26 migrants who arrived in East End in a homemade wooden boat last week to wait out the bad weather on the beach. Four women and 22 men were given food and drink by members of the public and were allowed to use the cabanas as well as other facilities on the district's public beach at Colliers and were not detained by immigration. The relevant authorities have not yet supplied any details about the arrival of this group or the humanitarian decision to allow the men and women to take refuge without being subject to repatriation as normal. (Photo Peter Polack)
It is not clear if the group has resumed the treacherous journey. According to local lawyer Peter Polack, who spoke to them, the migrants said they were from Camaguey and were four days into their journey when they took shelter in East End. It is understood the group made camp and slept in the cabanas.
The last group of migrants to pass through Cayman waters arrived last month, when 18 men and women stopped in the Sister Islands. Three Cubans had ended their journey in Little Cayman. They were travelling in an 18-ft, wood and metal vessel with a small engine. Prior to their arrival at the beginning of the month, the immigration department repatriated 24 refugees from the detention centre in George Town.
Category: Local News
Cuba offers a variety of stunning sights to see. I visited this region few months ago after completeing my kissimmee bus trip with my wife. We can enjoy incredible attractions of this region with our family and friends. Cayo Coco is one of my favorite attractions. It is one of the most famous beach destinations of Cuba that attracts the visitors due to its crystle clear water and white sandy beaches.
Now that travel restrictions will be lifted, it is no reason for Cubans to pay captains heaps of monies to travel on boats and risk their lives.
I understand they want to come here or go to the United States, they can now go by plane!
CC, you are right, if that is your opinion, but if you are stating that as a fact, them you are far from been right. Just because Obama made a speech wealth wont fall from the skies. before any of this will materialised people will suffer, starve and cry at night out of dispair and frustration without been able to change anything.
history has proved me right, I have my hopes high, just the timeframe that rightioness will be deliver is the issue here.
what we should be concern is how dependant we are from USA here in cayman, we havent done any big bussines with Cuba for fear of represalies from USA, now they decided to open to them and we are left behind. that is what we get for been a brown nose to the almighty USA empire.
Well Obama just blew up South Florida. So they can all go home now and take the Cuban flag with them.
Southern Alabama shall rise again!
This is what is happening in the world around us while Cayman is still wondering about where to put their dump:-
1. The United States of America has just reestablished diplomatic ties with Cuba. The next step is asking Congress to lift the 50 year old embargo.
2. Bermuda has just passed legislation allowing casino gambling.
3. Jamaica has passed legislation ensuring that possession of marijuana for religious reasons and in small amounts for personal use is no longer a criminal matter.
4. Jamaica has amended its Offences Against the Persons Act to ensure that persons who were previously convicted of possession of ganja have their records expunged.
Meanwhile in the land where time forgot, the Cayman Islands is still refusing to acknowledge that the forced repatriation of Cubans seeking asylum is inhumane.
Continue on Cayman, who knows you may really become the land where time forgot
One has to question whether the MOU signed, on the instructions of the UK, by the Cayman Islands Government, is legal under international law and the Geneva Conventions.
It's about time we treated these poor Cuban refugees with some compassion. Most people today have no idea that back in the early 1920s 30s & 40s cuba was a haven for Caymanians in that we went there to work for medical care and even certain foods, and they treated us like we were family. In fact the Isle of Pines has a little town of indigenous Caymanians that is called Jacksonville named after the caymanians that went there to live many years ago, and many of us lived in the main town called Nueva Gerona where my grand parents family still lives.
So Cuba was a God send for us in those days and we should never forget. So when ever you see a cuban who lives in Cayman or whenever you see refugees come ashore give them food and water or clothing or whatever they may need! Treat them with kindness and dignity.
They were there for us when we needed them!
An MLA said on the radio this morning that the day after his election victory he was going to give food and water to some Cubans when a policeman informed him that he should not because it was against the law. His instinct had been to treat the Cubans humanely. Is it not his duty now as a lawmaker to do something about changing the law i
Bad move Franz et al.
This is very good for the people of Cayman to extend a hand with food water and clothing. Give them plenty coffee and bread.. I would say give them some tents on the beach and let people help them repair their boat buy gassoline and bid them safe travel.
Bit of humanity for once.i
Do not set a precedent. Word will get out quickly that they are welcome here.
Finally we are starting to become more civilised when it comes to situations like this.If the shoe was on the other foot you would be glad of any help you could get.
If Cuba wants them back they should bear the financial responsibilty..
Shouldn't we clarify whether the Cayman Islands have a policy of repatriating migrant Cubans or not…how do we account for the enormous variance in response to these frequent situations? One minute we are detaining them in camps with barbed wire (which they seem to easy escape from), the next, it's a pot-luck beach party. Although, I much prefer the humaine later option, Immigration should be asked to clarify what the next wave of migrant expectations should be.
Thank God they have finally been shown some compassion.
I agree with their actions! Help them with food & water, it’s cheaper than keeping them here & Wasting our $$$!