Posted on 02/25/2004 1:12:46 AM PST by sarcasm
As Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide warned of an exodus by sea from Haiti's violent rebellion Tuesday, the Turks and Caicos Islands reported the capture of 100 of some 400 Haitian migrants who landed there since last week.
Island authorities also have intelligence reports of another five boatloads en route, said Alonzo Malcolm, deputy director of immigration for the islands, a British dependency 90 miles north of Haiti's northern coast.
The arrival of the Haitians, and the arrival of another 62 who sailed to Jamaica over the past week, underlined fears of an emigration wave as Haiti sinks deeper into chaos amid a rebellion to topple the Aristide government.
Michael Misick, chief minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands, two days ago asked the British Royal Navy to send in a frigate to patrol the surrounding waters to block a possible influx of refugees.
`PANIC MODE'
''We are in a panic mode,'' said Malcolm, adding that although illegal Haitians have long been arriving there, the latest numbers are higher than normal.
``It does seem to be on the increase.''
Misick said he is very concerned about how an exodus of migrants from Haiti would impact his tiny island chain of 33,000.
''As a small developing British territory with limited resources, we would need international assistance if the situation becomes worse on the ground. We have no coast guard, no army,'' Misick said. ``We are concerned about the problem in Haiti, and we believe a solution needs to happen fairly quickly.''
Malcolm said the 100 Haitians captured were repatriated by plane to the northern port city of Cap Haitien before it fell to rebels Sunday.
SEARCH IS ON
Authorities are still searching for the additional 300 or so Haitians, but with no commercial flights to Cap Haitien, they would have to remain in the Turks and Caicos in the meantime.
In light of the intelligence report about the five approaching boats, both police and immigration authorities have increased patrol by air and sea, Malcolm said.
Authorities are also in contact with the U.S. Coast Guard and Bahamian authorities, both of which reported Tuesday that they have seen no increase in migrant activity from Haiti.
Old Patriot
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