Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08NASSAU691
2008-09-30 14:15:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Nassau
Cable title:  

GCOB TO NAME NEW AMBASSADOR TO CUBA

Tags:  PREL PGOV PINR BF CU 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0000
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHBH #0691 2741415
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 301415Z SEP 08
FM AMEMBASSY NASSAU
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5774
INFO RUCNCOM/EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHUB/USINT HAVANA PRIORITY 0612
C O N F I D E N T I A L NASSAU 000691 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/28/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV PINR BF CU
SUBJECT: GCOB TO NAME NEW AMBASSADOR TO CUBA

Classified By: Charge Zuniga-Brown for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L NASSAU 000691

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/28/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV PINR BF CU
SUBJECT: GCOB TO NAME NEW AMBASSADOR TO CUBA

Classified By: Charge Zuniga-Brown for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) The director of the Department of Immigration, Vernon
Burrows, told PolChief September 23 that he was preparing to
take up an assignment as ambassador in Havana soon, possibly
by the end of next month. There has been no official
announcement of any impeding change, though an
opposition-affiliated web-site has reported it. By sending
one of its most senior immigration officials to Havana, the
appointment may signal the GCOB,s emphasis on addressing
illegal migration. Cuba is the one of the largest source
countries for illegal migration to The Bahamas.


2. (U) The veteran Mr. Burrows joined the Immigration
Department in 1965 as a sixteen-year old clerk, became an
officer in 1968, Superintendant in 1988, Deputy Director in
1998, and director in 1999. Mr. Burrows, past dealings with
Cuban officials on thorny repatriation issues, including
several official visits to the island during his career, may
recommend him for the job. He is also well known, and
largely well-regarded, among international NGOs dealing with
human trafficking and migration management issues. He has
been a frequent GCOB representative at international
conferences and events dealing with migration-related issues.



3. (C) Comment: The large number of Cuban migrants in The
Bahamas provides a good explanation for the immigration
director's reassignment as ambassador to Havana. Ensuring
that The Bahamas keeps its ability to repatriate Cubans
directly to Cuba will likely be his primary area of focus.
While Burrows is well-disposed toward the United States, it
is unlikely that he will be more than just a passive, private
supporter of human rights or other U.S. goals in Cuba. End
comment.
ZUNIGA-BROWN