Haitians move to High Court seeking dismissal of deportation orders

Attorney Wade reminded that the Haitian nationals have still not been taken before the Court or charged with any crime and therefore he believes that the deportation orders granted against them are unlawful.

Haitians move to High Court seeking dismissal of deportation orders

The Association of Haitians in Guyana through their Attorney Darren Wade, has moved to the High Court seeking the dismissal of the deportation orders that were granted this week against 26 Haitian nationals who have been detained by the Guyana Government.

Chief Justice Roxanne George will hear the matter this evening virtually.

Attorney Wade reminded that the Haitian nationals have still not been taken before the Court or charged with any crime and therefore he believes that the deportation orders granted against them are unlawful.

“Everyone has a right to be heard, its a matter of natural justice that everyone be given that opportunity and as a consequence I moved to the Court again to quash those deportation orders that were made by Magistrate Sherdel Isaacs…we are of the view that several of the rights of the Haitian nationals were violated” the Attorney said.

The group of Haitians arrived in Guyana from Barbados three weeks ago and were all granted legal entry by the Immigration Department. However, one day after their arrival, they were all rounded up by the Police and taken to the Hugo Chavez Centre in Berbice.

Attorney Darren Wade

The Government at first claimed that the Haitians were placed in protective custody as they were suspected of being human trafficking victims. But when the Haitians complained to the media and made it clear that they were not victims of any form of human trafficking, the Government then decided to seek their deportation.

The Attorney who is representing the interest of the Haitians said the law is very clear on the issue of natural justice being provided to everyone.

He also reminded that Guyana and Haiti are both full members of CARICOM and citizens of member states are allowed free movement to other member states.

A number of Civil Society Organisations have called for the Haitians to be released since they had not broken any law and were not being held for any crime.

Haitians have been traveling to Guyana to make their way to Brazil and French Guiana.

You must be logged in to post a comment Login