Full Marks for Prime Minister Thompson’s Handling of Ghanaian Issue

Too bad that we can’t replay the video on our blog, but Bajan Free Press gives FULL MARKS to Prime Minister David Thompson for his handling of the matter of the Ghanaians in Barbados as seen on tonight’s CBC-TV 7:00 pm evening news.

Firm, fair and open. His visit to the Africans (who are being rounded up at the Paragon defense force base) was a very good touch.

Shame on those who would seek to use this issue for political purposes. As much as we welcome closer ties with Africa, Barbados must deal firmly with putting out anyone who is here illegally.

Carry on, Prime Minister. You have our full support!

http://www.cbc.bb/index.pl/article?id=966863

Prime Minister visits stranded Africans

Prime Minister David Thompson says a full-scale investigation will be launched into the circumstances that led to several Ghanaians being stranded in Barbados. He made the comments after visiting them at the secure facility in paragon, where they are being housed. Yesterday seventeen Ghanaians and Nigerians reported to the Immigration Department, and were taken to the security facility at Paragon. Prime Minister Thompson says he agonised over the plight of the Africans, and visited the defence force base in Christ Church, to talk with officials and the Africans, and to assess the situation for himself. The prime minister says government wanted to ensure that they were being taken care of, that their medical and other needs were being met, and that they were not being detained as suggested in media reports. Mr. Thompson also encouraged other Africans to report their whereabouts or living conditions to immigration officials, so that things could be put in place for their safe return home. Mr. Thompson added that the government of Ghana would also be briefed about their stay in Barbados, so they could be facilitated on their return home. Meanwhile Ghana’s Honorary Council Dr. Erskine Simmons, who also toured the facility, said what happened was an unfortunate set of circumstances, which had nothing to do with the two governments. The Prime Minister also gave the assurance that the Africans will not be deported as suggested and that their passports will reflect that this is not the case.