NASSAU, Bahamas (AP) – The government of the Bahamas says it has placed a senior immigration officer on leave as it investigates allegations that he sexually assaulted a Jamaican detainee.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement yesterday that it has spoken with Jamaica’s honorary consul about the case and that police are investigating.
The announcement comes just months after the Bahamas approved new residency and work permit rules that prompted authorities to arrest hundreds of migrants living there illegally. Human rights groups have accused the government of holding migrants in a detention centre that lacks adequate access to medicine and sanitary items.
The government has denied treating migrants inhumanely but said it would reduce overcrowding by deporting migrants.
