The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT – As threats of protests against the Bahamas continue over the Cuban detainee abuse allegations, Deputy Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis said it is unfortunate that a matter of such international concern is being politicised here.

The Miami-based Democracy Movement is now threatening to take its protests against the Bahamas to Florida airports that have flights to the Bahamas.

When asked his thoughts on the issue, Mr Davis said Cubans-Americans should be petitioning their government instead of taking matters into their own hands and attacking the Bahamas.

“We appreciate the strong lobby the Cubans have in the US. They should be petitioning their government to discuss matters of this nature with us and the conditions they would like to see, so it could be government-to-government and not just a handful of political activists who are part of what I call a political force here taking the matter in their own hands,” he said.

Mr Davis accused the opposition FNM of seizing the opportunity to make a political issue out of the controversy.

“I think it is unfortunate. Whenever we are dealing with matters of international concern, the country has to appear to be on one accord – that is not what we are sensing.

“The bottom line is that no government or administration will condone ill treatment of anyone.

“We are a country that believes in the rule of law,” he said.

“And for the argument to paint the government as the executor of these allegations is really sad,” he said.

Mr Davis said the Bahamas sits between Cuba and the US. He said migration from Cuba is a very complex problem.

“When Cubans go to the US, they are welcomed. If they are caught before they reach the US they are sent back, but all we did is send them back,” he said.