The 17
Cubans who arrived on Northern Ambergris Caye yesterday morning are tonight at the Price Barracks after being taken there this morning. CEO in the Prime Minister’s Office Audrey Wallace has confirmed to us that the plan is not to deport them. She says they have told Belizean authorities they were heading for Honduras, so their boat will be repaired, they will be given fuel and provisions, and hopefully, a compass, and sent on their way.
And while that may not conform to the letter of the standing deportation agreement with the government of Cuba, it is consistent with what has been the standard practice. A number of times in the past Cuban boats ended up on Belize’s outer islands such as Lighthouse Reef – and the BDF gave them gas and water, fixed their vessels if necessary and sent them off. And while that’s what’s planned this time, it might not be so simple. Seems their vessel was adapted to run on a diesel car engine and we are told by our sources, is completely not sea worthy. If repairing it is not an option, they would likely have to be deported.
