Anguilla’s home affairs minister has warned ferry captains that not including the names of all passengers in their manifest could impact the island’s national security.
“We’ve be receiving complaints from the Immigration Department about persons being permitted on ferry boats and their names not included on the manifest document,” Kenneth Hodge said.
“This is a key matter of national security that could have far reaching implications.”
Hodge, who was speaking on the topic during a government press conference on Monday, 2 December, added: “God forbid if we ever have an incident at sea.”
He appealed to all captains of ferries travelling between St Martin and Anguilla to ensure their manifests include the names of everyone travelling on the boat.
“I saw an image this morning of well over a dozen names scribbled on a sheet of paper that was serving as a boat captain’s makeshift manifest. This is totally, totally unacceptable,” he said.
“So we’re asking for your cooperation as this protects all parties involved, including you as owner, operator, captain.”
The home affairs minister said non-compliance may lead to prosecution of offenders.
