The Free National Movement Says Five Defence Force Officers Have Admitted To Abusing Cuban Detainees
By KHRISNA VIRGIL
Tribune 242
August 27, 2013

FIVE Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers have admitted to abusing Cuban detainees at the Carmichael Road Detention Centre by way of written statements, according to the Free National Movement.

The confessions, FNM shadow Foreign Affairs minister Hubert Chipman said, were expected to see those officers face a RBDF panel at a summary trial last week. However, the hearing was cancelled indefinitely, he said.

“The government must be held accountable and they must come clean,” Mr Chipman said, “This matter has gone on for far too long causing the Bahamas embarrassment.

“At any given time, on every shift, there are 10 Defence Force officers and four immigration officers on duty. The same was the case when this incident took place. I can tell you that five of those 10 have confessed in written and signed statements.

“The Christie administration would have done well to admit that the incident happened and punished those responsible. But instead they have chosen to conceal the findings of an investigation led by the police and defence force. It was completed a long time ago.”

But Fred Mitchell, Foreign Affairs Minister Foreign Affairs Minister, chastised Mr Chipman for the allegations. The Minister in an email to The Tribune said that the statement stands to compromise the outcome of an ongoing probe, which is still weeks from completion.

“You have read what our statement says and there is nothing further to add by way of a comment from me. The FNM by their irresponsible conduct in this matter may well jeopardise the outcome of an inquiry and the question of a fair hearing . I certainly do not want part of their tomfoolery,” Mr Mitchell said.

When The Tribune contacted RBDF spokesman, Lieutenant Origin Deleveaux he said he could not comment on whether a summary trial concerning officer’s conduct in allegations of Cuban detainee abuse had been cancelled.

He told this newspaper: “It is a normal occurrence for summary trials at the base. They are a part of the military justice system for marines who are in breach of our regulations. I cannot comment on what you are asking because I am outside of that system as I work out of headquarters along side the Commodore (Roderick Bowe). He remains detached from summary trials until the event that an appeal is launched. The Commodore must remain neutral.”

Another call was placed to base RBDF legal advisor 1st lieutenant Shawn Adderley. However, he refused comment. When The Tribune attempted to question Lt Adderley he said : “Why are you contacting me about this? You need to call the Commodore.”

Several attempts were made to reach the Commodore at his office, but they were unsuccessful up to press time.

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