As details begin to emerge about the confiscation of the mobile phone of the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Home Affairs at a US Airport, News Source has learned that the senior Government official was also handcuffed and interrogated by US authorities at the airport.

Senior Government officials have confirmed to News Source that the incident took place at the Miami International Airport and not New York’s JFK Airport, as previously stated.

The Permanent Secretary, Mae Touissant Jr. Thomas, has spoken with some government officials on the issue and remains heavily traumatized by the ordeal.

While she has not provided a complete brief of her detention at the US Airport and the seizure of her mobile phone, she has related to some government officials that she was left confused and helpless by the actions of the US Authorities, a senior Government functionary related to News Source.

The Permanent Secretary was on her way to China via Miami when the incident took place. She was able to continue with her to trip to China.

Ms. Thomas was traveling on a Guyana Government service passport, which is given to government functionaries for official travel duties.

While sources at Foreign Affairs have indicated that the Permanent Secretary was on “official” business, News Source understands that her trip to China was in fact to attend a political conference.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wrote to the US Embassy on Friday, seeking information about the seizure of the Permanent Secretary’s mobile phone.

The US Embassy responded, but refused to offer an information, but stated that US Customs and Border agents can subject any passenger to additional questioning and examination.

In a statement to News Source, the US Embassy on Friday night also explained the work of border security agents.

“”At ports of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection can request information to determine admissibility into the U.S. Anyone entering the United States, including U.S. citizens, may be subject to secondary inspection, which may include detailed questions and a thorough search, to include electronic and telephonic devices”, the Embassy said.

Guyana Government officials are very concerned about the incident and are awaiting more details from the Permanent Secretary on her return.

PS Thomas will be returning to Guyana today via London and Barbados.

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