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Thursday, July 29, 1999

Jim Beatty and Petti Fong
The Vancouver Sun

VICTORIA - Police and immigration officials ordered the immediate security lockdown of 123 Chinese migrants yesterday after the refugee claimants launched a hunger strike moments after their lunch was served.

It appears the majority of the illegal migrants, who arrived on Canada's shores in a dilapidated boat from China last week, are protesting the quality of the Chinese food they are being served while in detention. It includes sauteed calamari and steamed salmon.

Immigration proceedings were postponed for several hours as officials addressed the tense situation at the compound where the migrants are being held under tight security near Victoria.

"Numerous individuals refused to eat. We don't know exactly why," RCMP Constable Tracey Rook said.

"We are trying to keep the lines of communication open."

Earlier in the day, one migrant who has been identified as one of the "snakeheads" or "enforcers" involved in the trans-Pacific shipment of humans, was quickly removed from the compound after he refused to eat his breakfast.

Const. Rook said he was removed because others were willing to follow his lead.

The individual was taken to an RCMP office where officials using a translator discussed the problem with him. Several hours later, when police were satisfied the dispute had been resolved, the man was returned to the gymnasium where the refugee claimants are being held at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt.

One legal aid lawyer, Leandre Rupert-Bailey, had interviewed a large number of the refugees and heard concerns about the food as well as their general treatment.

"I've heard complaints that the food is cold," she said yesterday.

In addition to complaints about the food, they have complained about being strip-searched and find it humiliating being watched by security officers while they shower and brush their teeth while naked.

Canadian officials continue to be concerned about the refugee claimants becoming malnourished, having just spent 39 days crossing the Pacific Ocean and arriving with sparse food supplies and no potable water.

Immigration officials were attempting to restart the immigration hearings aimed at determining whether the claimants would be released or whether they would continue to be detained.

The Chinese migrants were discovered in a derelict boat off Vancouver Island on July 20.

Canadian officials say they have made every effort to provide food that is appropriate to the migrants. All of it has been catered by Ming's Restaurant, a popular Victoria institution since 1950.

Henry Cho, Ming's owner, said he has served the refugee claimants a mixed variety of authentic Chinese food.

Lunches and dinners have included mixed vegetables, steamed rice, fresh fruit, noodles, chicken, beef and pork as well as sauteed calamari and steamed salmon.