Cuban influx unlikely if Castro dies - Clifford

Cuban influx unlikely if Castro dies - Clifford
By Simon English

Government ministers are playing down fears that the Cayman Islands
could see a massive influx of Cubans if Fidel Castro dies and the
country moves towards becoming a democracy.

Some Caribbean nations are said to be worried that if Cuban people
become free to leave home, tens of thousands of immigrants could
suddenly arrive on their shores.

Castro was recently taken sick but his condition remains the subject of
speculation, gossip and wild conspiracy theories.

The most recent reports suggest the president, who turns 80 on Sunday,
is recovering from intestinal surgery and could be back at work in
weeks. At the moment, leadership of the country has passed to his
brother, Raul Castro.

Asked at a press conference last week if the Cayman Islands was ready
for the arrival of large numbers of immigrants, Tourism and Commerce
Minister Charles Clifford replied: "We are prepared to the extent that
we can be. There is a policy in place for dealing with Cuban refugees."

The minister said he doubted that thousands of Cubans would arrive in
the Cayman Islands, even if there were a sudden upheaval following
Castro's death.

"I do not necessarily share the view that if Castro passes away there
will be a large exodus," he said, while acknowledging that there is
unlikely to be a 'smooth transition' to democracy.

In making his statement, Clifford recalled the infamous 'Tent City'
episode of the 1990s when around 1,400 Cuban refugees landed in Cayman.
It was, he admitted, an awkward situation that led to rioting among the
refugees, but he said he was confident that such incidents would not be
repeated.

"We do not want to get back into that situation," said Clifford, adding
that in such circumstances, the UK government had certain obligations to
help.

"It is not going to be a smooth transition. It is wise for us to be
prepared for the day. But who knows, it could all be a PR stunt. He
[Castro] might come back next week and give another five-hour speech,"
said Clifford.

Part of the government's preparations for the potential arrival of
refugees includes beefing-up the marine arm of the police to create, in
effect, a Cayman Islands coast guard. But Clifford, himself a former
police officer, admitted: "This is not going to happen overnight."

The Royal Cayman Islands Police Service has been considering the
purchase of several vessels as it works towards this goal.

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