Investigation into Allegations Involving Haitians/Immigration Officers at P.G.I.A.

Over the weekend, reports surfaced once again of Haitian nationals arriving at the Philip Goldson International Airport. And while a visit to Belize doesn’t always warrant news attention. It is when there is an allegation of extortion by immigration officers. Information shared with News Five is that inside the passports were monies in exchange for the immigration officers to turn a blind eye. Today, News Five caught up with the C.E.O. of the Ministry of Immigration, Doctor  Gilroy Middleton says collecting any money by an immigration officer in cases like these is illegal. An investigation is underway in this matter. 

Duane Moody

“Why are immigration officers allegedly taking monies from these persons to allow them entry into the country?”

Gilroy Middleton

Dr. Gilroy Middleton, C.E.O., Ministry of Immigration

“Well as you noted that wouldn’t be the protocol, that wouldn’t be what should be done or what is required to be done so we are currently doing our investigation and that will be sent to the Public Service Commission. If any funds are collected, as alleged, that is wrong. It is actually illegal and we are addressing it.”

Duane Moody

“So these officers are at risk of losing their jobs?”

Dr. Gilroy Middleton

“I wouldn’t be able to comment on that. That’s the Public Service Commission, the Ministry of Public Service. But we are working on addressing in within the processes and within the framework that is there.”

Duane Moody

“But as C.E.O., it is frowned upon or zero tolerance for something like this.”

Dr. Gilroy Middleton

“Not only frowned upon; it is illegal, it is immoral and it is wrong. So as you said zero tolerance and we are addressing it. As noted, it was brought out to the public so that was addressed. So there are also officers that know that it is wrong and they would have had to be the ones that brought it out.”