Cubans will be allowed to leave on boat

Seven Cubans who washed up on northern Ambergris Caye last month and were later charged with immigration violations will be allowed to leave Belize, exactly the way they came. The charges against Jaime Sanchez, Enrique Camacho, Ramon Rivero, Alejandro Maury, Roberto Miranda, Armando Quintana, and Luis Maquedo have been withdrawn and an Order to Leave was issued by the Immigration Department. Last week, an attorney and group of supporters acting on the men’s behalf, worked out an agreement with Immigration officials to have the Cubans leave within a few weeks time, during which they should have repaired their boat and stockpiled adequate food for their journey, which they claim will take them back home to Cuba.

The men sought refuge on Ambergris Caye after drifting for days without food and water. They claim their destination was Costa Rica, but poor weather conditions and a failing boat engine caused them to drift off course. When they arrived, two of them needed medical attention, but are said to be improving. They are expected to join their five countrymen for the impending journey.