US offers Iraqi asylum - Man said to be former immigration officer
(snip) The Iraqis -- three men, three women and two children -- are expected to leave the island by tomorrow, the Observer learnt yesterday.
Meanwhile, two Canadians, who were held along with the Iraqis, went back home yesterday, according to government officials.
The group of 10 was travelling from Havana, Cuba and was to connect on a flight to Belize from Montego Bay. Their final destination was the USA. But the connecting flight to Belize developed mechanical problems, had to return to the airport and was eventually cancelled. The group wanted to be landed in Jamaica but did not have the necessary papers and immigration officers held them for questioning.
Last night, another Observer source said the Iraqis had gone to Cuba because it was one of the countries to which they could travel directly from Iraq.
They were whisked away to a Montego Bay hotel and, according to our source, local authorities, apparently being cautious, called in FBI agents who landed in Montego Bay Monday evening.
Jamaica Tourist Board chairman, Dennis Morrison, said it was his understanding that the FBI were called in because of the travellers' nationality and their final destination.