Philipsburg:--- Attorney at law Remko Stomp has officially submitted a request for asylum for the nine Cubans that were arrested three weeks ago.
Attorney Stomp who represents the Cubans said he has delivered the signed Asylum requests from the Cubans today at the Government building.
Pending their request Stomp has sent a letter to the Minister of Justice Roland Duncan stating that the situation of the Cubans (among them young women) at the police station is becoming unbearable and has demanded their immediate release.
According to Stomp, there are no indications that a short term solution is in sight for the Cubans. Deporting them back to Cuba is no option for they have clearly indicated that they want asylum. That means that they fear prosecution once they return, Stomp said.
"I have indicated before that Government could ask for assistance with this matter from bigger nations with more resources. The US for instance but also Holland that has committed itself notably last year to intensify its support and cooperation in the field of immigration. Fact is that nothing seems to be happening and my clients are sitting in the dark, occupying space that is seriously needed at this point and time on St. Maarten. Therefore they should be released and wait for Government to find a proper solution and I am willing to assist with that."
This is obviously not a standard immigration case St. Maarten does not want to see many Cubans land on our shores if it is known that they can get asylum here.
Stomp said he indicated to the Minister that he expects to see his clients out of the police-cells before 12 noon this Wednesday December 1.
The attorney at law said that should the Minister not comply with his request then he would have no other choice but to file an injunction in the court of instance for his clients release since this case cannot go on like this.
Attorney Stomp said the Minister made a public statement a week ago saying that the prosecutor's office cannot deport these Cubans because they have no authority based on the law to make such a decision. Stomp said since then he has not heard anything from the Minister.
In an invited comment Minister Duncan said the statement he made about the prosecutor's office is based on the law and international treaties. He said he did not receive the asylum request from the Cubans even though he made a public announcement. Minister Duncan said should the Cubans submit a request for asylum he will do whatever is necessary to assist them. He said he has his own convictions for Cubans based on what has happened in the past, reasons why he felt that they should not be deported. However, the Minister said he has no intention to force anyone to stay here and if the request is not submitted then they would be deported.
