On a visit to Grand Bahama, Haitian Ambassador to the Bahamas Antonio Rodrigue heard reports of mistreatment and abuse of Haitians at the hands of the island’s immigration officials.
The ambassador paid a courtesy call on local immigration officials and met with members of the Haitian community on the island who also registered complaints of being refused work permit approvals.
Grand Bahama has one of the largest Haitian populations in the Bahamas, outside of New Providence. It was the ambassador’s first visit to the island since taking up his appointment in October at the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti in Nassau.
During a two hour meeting, the Ambassador said Haitians had expressed concerns about a number of things, including the inefficient service at the Haitian Embassy, claims of mistreatment and abuse during apprehension exercises, and work permit related issues.
