Immigration Safeguarding National Security

The Ministry of Immigration in an effort to keep the general public informed on immigration issues will now be issuing press releases on a regular basis regarding any relevant matters and other areas affecting National Security.

On September 7th Immigration Task Force accompanied by members of the Police Force visited a house in Little Harbour and intercepted a one Ms Ana Garcia Aracena, a national of the Dominican Republic, 22 years old, who was residing illegally on the island. Upon interrogation by the Task Force she admitted entering Anguilla illegally on a small vessel via Little Harbour. Ms Garcia Aracena was further detained by Immigration. According to documents in her possession she was reportedly infected with tuberculosis. She was taken to the Princess Alexander Hospital for extensive testing after which her condition was deemed to be noncontagious. She was released on September 14th and deported the same day to the Dominican Republic. Ms Garcia Aracena was residing in St.Maarten from December 2006 prior to coming to Anguilla in late August.

On September 16th Allando Sylvester Clarke, American national from St. Croix, USVI, arrived in Anguilla on a Liat flight from St. Thomas and was refused entry. Upon interrogation by the Immigration Task Force, it was observed that Mr Clarke had seven (7) gun shot wounds. Mr Clarke informed officers that he was a victim of a drive by shooting in St. Croix three weeks prior and came to Anguilla to seek shelter. About two weeks prior his brother, Suvivo Mistic Clarke, was also refused entry at Blowing Point port after an Immigration Officer concluded he did not fulfill the requirements to enter Anguilla.

September 17th, operations carried out by Task Force accompanied by members of the Police Force found a K. Hypolite and a minor of Dominica residing illegally in Long Ground. Both were issued with asked to leave orders.

It has come to the knowledge of the Immigration Authorities that there are number of persons taking up residence in abandon houses around the island who are adding to the number of persons living under unsanitary conditions. These individuals are being asked to desist from this practice immediately. The general public is asked to be vigilant as similar issues are likely to affect the nation. Immigration has the authority but is calling on every citizen not to be a spectator in safeguarding the nation. Persons with information are urged to make their reports to the Immigration Department or relevant authorities and agencies.