STATEMENT ON THE CAMEROONIAN DETAINEES

The Ministry of National Security hereby informs the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis of a developing situation concerning the African detainees that were rescued at sea on March 28th, 2023.

On March 28th, 2023, the St. Kitts and Nevis Coast Guard (SKNCG) responded to a call for help at sea. The situation turned out to be a rescue mission for a number of Cameroon nationals who were found alive after their boat capsized after leaving Antigua and Barbuda. The Cameroonians were transported to St. Kitts; provided with medical and psychological care; and detained at a government facility pending repatriation to Antigua and Barbuda. As of April 26th, 2023, nine (9) of the fourteen (14) Cameroon nationals have escaped from the detention facility on St. Kitts. By the morning of April 27th, four (4) of them have been found. Five (5) are currently at large and law enforcement officials are continuing the ceaseless quest to locate them.

A total of seventeen (17) Cameroonians were brought to St. Kitts by the SKNCG on March 28th. Regrettably, three of them were deceased, having perished before being rescued. After initially agreeing to accept the repatriation of the other fourteen (14) Cameroonians, Antigua and Barbuda has now rescinded this offer, thereby cancelling the pending arrangement.

The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis continues to pursue workable and diplomatic solutions as it is duty-bound so to do. The public will be provided with information updates as necessary. Should anyone have any information as to the whereabouts of any of the escaped detainees, be sure to contact the nearest police station or law enforcement agency.

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