The Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force has provided an update in regards to the Haitian Migrants rescued of the coast of St. Kitts.

On September 20th, 2023, the St. Kitts Coast Guard responded to a distress call from a sea vessel close to the coastline at Halfmoon Bay in Frigate Bay, St. Kitts. Inquiries revealed that there were initially eleven persons on board, with two persons swimming towards the coastline, and another two having made it to land, observed fleeing the scene.

The individuals were all apprehended, nine identified as nationals of Haiti, and one Dominica-born child. According to the police, they were all afforded the requisite humane treatment. It was reported by persons on board the vessel that the captain, a national of Dominica, had abandoned the vessel by way of a smaller boat. The man however arrived at the Mary Charles Hospital for treatment and transported to the Joseph N. France General Hospital. He was later discharged and arrested by police on suspicion of Smuggling.

In its efforts to maintain its “zero tolerance” stance for human trafficking, the government has decided to repatriate the individuals, with six detainees having been transported to Haiti by air. The remaining four were expected to be flown to Haiti before midweek. The local authorities also said they were awaiting the consent of the Government of Dominica to transport the child and mother back to its shores