Statement on Abu Bakr's deportation
By the Multimedia Editor
Story Created: Oct 16, 2014 at 2:36 PM ECT
Story Updated: Oct 16, 2014 at 2:36 PM ECT
On Wednesday 15th October 2014, Imam Yasin Abu Bakr, along with one of his wives and son boarded a flight from Trinidad and Tobago to Jamaica for a six-day visit to his daughter who is studying Medicine at Mona Campus.
The Imam, who will be turning 73 on Saturday, was also invited by the Honourable Minister Louis Farrakhan to be a guest at the 19th anniversary of the Million Man March will be commemorated in Kingston, Jamaica on Sunday 19th October 2014.
Upon arrival to the Norman Manley International Airport, the three were greeted by Jamaican Immigration Officials, who refused them leave to land in the country saying that they were all threats to Jamaica’s National Security.
After deliberations, the initial decision was reversed. The Imam’s wife and son were allowed entry into Jamaica, however the Imam was informed that he would be deported. The Imam refused to leave, stating that he wanted clear information on how he could be perceived as a threat to Jamaica.
He said as a Caricom citizen he was willing to be taken to court to assert his rights to freedom of movement in Jamaica and the Caribbean. He asked to be detained and taken to court to prove that he was not a threat to Jamaica’s National Security. He asked for proper proof or information to be presented.
“How could Imam Yasin Abu Bakr, a man who has travelled to over 60 countries in the world, a man who does not have a criminal conviction despite the political rhetoric, be a threat to national security in Jamaica? Who gave Jamaican authorities this information? Is this a regional immigration issue? Or is it the mischievous work of politicians in Trinidad and Tobago or Jamaica?” asked Fuad Abu Bakr.
Efforts by Dr. Iva Camille Gloudon, the Trinidad and Tobago High Commissioner to Jamaica and Minister Louis Farrakhan are ongoing. We thank them for all the efforts being made to assist.
The Imam boarded a private flight and returned to Trinidad just after 6 a.m. this morning. He is in good health and strong spirits and is resting comfortably at.
He is requesting the intervention of the relevant authorities in Trinidad and Tobago to clear up this matter.
Imam Yasin Abu Bakr said: "The statements and actions of politicians affect the citizens of their respective countries at home and abroad. These decisions were not made by immigration officials at the airport. They are in bad taste and it is unfortunate that I have been mixed into this mess at this point.
“It is embarrassingly incorrect to come to the conclusion in these circumstances that I would be a threat to Jamaica's National Security. I support freedom of movement in the region and employ a number of Jamaican nationals in Trinidad.
“My private school also caters to foreign nationals, a number of whom are Jamaican and find difficulty accessing education in the government run institutions. We will continue to make efforts to get to the bottom of this abuse and appropriate action will be taken in accordance.”
A press conference will be held at the Jamaat Al Muslimeen Headquarters, #1 Mucurapo Road St. James, Trinidad and Tobago at 2pm, Friday 17th October 2014. All members of the media are invited.
Public Relations Office
Jamaat Al Muslimeen Trinidad and Tobago
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