Barbadian authorities detained twelve persons, all reportedly Guyanese, five days ago and are holding them at the airport while deciding what to do with them.

The group is facing possible deportation back to Guyana and is reportedly being held in a “cold room” at the airport.

Contacted on the issue yesterday, Guyana Consul in Barbados Norman Faria said his office was aware of the incident and was following it up with the Barbadian authorities. Additionally, he said, the office was providing assistance to the Guyanese nationals who are being held. Faria declined to say anything further on the matter.

Stabroek News was informed by a relative of a female who was picked up that the group was just rounded up and taken to a room at the airport. The woman said a phone call came through to the family yesterday.

Based on the information received, she said, the Guyanese were picked up from different locations and taken to the airport where the Barbadian authorities threatened them with deportation. The relative said Barbadians have been feeding the group only bread and water since last Thursday.

According to her, the persons detained were not told why they were picked up. However, they were warned of possible deportation. She said her relative who is among those being held left for Barbados late last year to work. However, she had no idea whether the woman had secured a job.

Guyanese visiting Barba-dos and working on the island have encountered a range of problems in recent years.