Refugees in TT since December

IMMIGRATION officers said the Dominican Republic refugees who attempted to stowaway on a vessel bound for Miami over the weekend, had been hiding in this country since December. The men, Mario Perez, 26, Agripino Diaz Almanzar, 27, and Joel Reyes, 37, attempted to board a container vessel at the Port in Point Lisas around 10 am on Saturday, which was bound for Miami. However, they were caught by the captain and crew of the vessel with assistance from PLIPDECO security officers.

However, Immigration officers who visited the Couva Police Station yesterday, said the men had been hiding in the country since December. The men illegally boarded a ship in the Dominican Republic which they believed to be en route to Miami. However, the vessel ended up in Trinidad, docking at the port in Point Lisas. The men managed to escape and went into hiding until last Saturday, when they attempted to board another vessel, which was destined for Miami. However, the captain and crew held two of the stowaways on the ship. As attempts were being made to catch the third refugee, he dived off the ship but was held by port security as soon as he reached land. The three were taken to the the Couva Police Station where they were interrogated and detained. Immigration officers visited the station yesterday and issued a detention order for the refugees to be taken to prison where they will remain until arrangements for their deportation are finalised.