Split views on airport policy

TWO TRAVELLERS who returned to Barbados last Wednesday said they were told they had no choice but to be fingerprinted or else be put back on the plane.

The two, who live in Barbados and were returning from business in Trinidad, said they believed their human rights were violated when they were forced to be fingerprinted on arrival at the Grantley Adams International Airport.

One woman told the SUNDAY SUN yesterday that as she came through Immigration and showed her British passport, she was informed of the new development.

"I was then told that I had to be fingerprinted. I said no and the officer seemed shocked. I asked why and the officer said it was standard procedure. I said this never happened before.

"She said to me if I didn't do it I would have to go back on the plane. I then complied and gave my fingerprint," she said.

The traveller, who was born in England, said she asked to see the supervisor to lodge a complaint because she was not clear as to why she had to be fingerprinted.

The Brit, who is married to a Barbadian, said: "I felt I was forced to do it and I clearly made my displeasure known. I believe in individual freedoms and rights.

"I believe people are constantly losing their freedoms and we the public need to know what could happen to that information".

Another passenger, a Canadian, said he was shocked when asked for fingerprints.

"I felt violated. The officer told me if I didn't do it I would be back on a plane," he said, noting that he, too, asked to see a supervisor.

New York's example

This traveller said the officer referred to New York, explaining this was a procedure that was already done there. He said he was not at all comfortable with this new procedure and would do all he could to have his fingerprint deleted.

On Friday, Minister of State with responsibility for Immigration Senator Arni Walters said travellers were not obligated to be fingerprinted. He further explained that it was a pilot scheme aimed at enhancing Barbados' border security.

Opposition MP Dale Marshall, who shadows the immigration portfolio, called for this practice to stop.

He told a Press conference on Friday that it was a breach of the country's human rights obligations. He said it was regrettable that Barbadians had not been consulted or prepared for this move.

Following this announcement, there were a number of comments from THE NATION'S online readers.

A reader in favour of the move said: "This is a good policy that will prevent the return of immigrants who were removed from the island. It is widely known that these immigrants often return to Barbados under assumed names with a passport.

"Anyone can buy a passport in these countries. The fingerprinting policy could prevent unwanted criminal elements from entering the island. Yes, if this is the only procedure that will prevent the unwanted criminals from entering, I support it 100 per cent."

Another said: "Fingerprinting allows for some sense of security and to a greater extent, a means of checks and balances as to who enters the country. This is done every day worldwide; protecting our borders has now become a necessity . . . ." (CM)