Illegal departure of most West-African migrants appears to be a relief to the Browne Administration, UPP chairman says

Suggesting that it is less than interested in their situation, the
Cabinet claims it did not discuss the West Africans in St. Kitts this
week, even though the migrants were granted their UNHCR asylum-
seeker certificates mere days ago.

However, residents are still calling for a public inquiry into why they
came here, and for information on how they continue to leave the
island in their bid to reach a US port.

By mere observation, fewer and fewer West Africans have been seen
in recent months, says the chairman of the United Progressive
Party (UPP), D.Gisele Isaac, and the Browne Administration appears
to be unconcerned about their method of departure.

They do not seem to be leaving the country through the regular
ports, she says, and the authorities are showing no interest in
stopping them from leaving by illegal means.

In fact, Isaac says, the Administration appears to be relieved that the
West-African migrants are leaving the country on their own steam,
which means the Government will not have to take proactive
measures to deal with their situation.

Meanwhile, the Cameroonians being held in St. Kitts have been
moved from the government’s detention centre and into an
apartment complex and now enjoy freedom of movement.
Since they will be living comfortably as they wait for word on their
applications for asylum in the United States, Isaac does not believe
they will abscond in an effort to reach a US port.

As a result of the situation in which the migrants have placed its
government, the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis says it will be
forced to review its laws governing amnesty.

Isaac lays the blame for this on Antigua and Barbuda, since it is the
Browne Administration that brought the migrants to the region,
where they have created challenges for several neighbouring
islands.