LETTER OF THE DAY - Humiliated by Customs

The Editor, Sir:

I would like to highlight the ordeal I was subjected to at the Norman Manley International Airport while visiting Jamaica recently. As a white British citizen who is married to a Jamaican who also lives in England, I regularly visit the island, as I have stepchildren and family who still reside in Jamaica.

My son, who is 12, also comes across from England to spend time with his family and, at times, attends school in the Paul Island district, Westmoreland. Therefore, over the last three years, I have visited the island 12 times - this last time was to attend the funeral of my father-in-law, who was recently killed by a car on Bay Road, Westmoreland.

While waiting to check in, I was asked for my passport by Customs. I gave it to them. On seeing several Jamaican stamps in my passport, I was told that my bag was going to be searched. This I half expected, as I have been searched the last seven times I have been to Jamaica. Unfortunately for Customs, nothing could be found. Although I was standing in the check-in line with my husband, his luggage was not searched.

nothing to hide

I asked the customs officer if he was going to search my husband's bags as obviously, this would contain further articles belonging to me. They declined and said that wasn't necessary. However, they then informed me that they wanted to search me further and wished for me to undergo a body scan. Having nothing to hide, I agreed. They found nothing. However, I was then taken in to a small room behind the security desk and informed that a urine sample was needed from me. Although I was shocked at this, I agreed.

On entering the toilet to give a sample, I was followed in by a female officer who informed me she was there to see me do the sample. I felt degraded and humiliated as I was forced to give a sample in front of this female officer, whose attitude was also very rude. Initially, as I was being watched, I couldn't pee. I was threatened with not being allowed on the flight and to join my husband if I did not comply.

Once the sample was taken and tested - for what I am not sure as I was refused an explanation - I was told I could go. Feeling very angry and upset at this type of treatment I received with no evidence of wrongdoing while in custody, I also witnessed a male passenger who was also detained. When he produced a urine sample, nobody was present in the toilet with him, and he never received threats like I did.

Having endured such humiliating circumstances, I feel that I would never return to the island to be subjected to such degrading behaviour again. Even though I have a home on the island, and have set up a charity where we donate toys and educational supplies to a local school in Paul Island, I could not face such treatment again. Why can't people get it into their heads that genuine visitors to the island come because we have family friends and property, and are not drug smugglers?

I am, etc.,

NICOLA KEATING BLAKE

nicolakeating2003@yahoo.co.uk

8 Ledbury Walk

Backley, Manchester

England