Caribbean crisis: several Israeli hostages released

Foreign Affairs Ministry confirms that several of the Israeli nationals being held by disgruntled Chinese laborers on isolated Caribbean island freed thanks to negotiations with local law enforcement
Anat Shalev and Roi Mandel

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Thursday evening that the majority of the Israelis held hostage by Chinese laborers on West Caicos, several more remain on the small isolated island.



At present time it remains unclear how many Israelis were on the island, with some of the reports putting the number at 12 and others at 13. At present time it remains unclear how many Israelis were on the island, with some of the reports putting the number at 12 and others at 13.



The hostages were freed following several hours of negotiations between the hostage-takers and local police. Israeli and British diplomats stationed in the Caribbean began working towards resolving the crisis after news of the developing situation was first reported by Ynet in the early afternoon.



One of the 'captive' Israelis spoke with Ynet after his release: "Right now there are six Israelis trapped in a room with the Chinese – and the other six, myself among them, are sitting here in a stationary boat in the marina. There are guys form an unarmed security firm here, and 10 more armed men who are making sure the Chinese don't get to where we are. We're waiting for the other Israelis to be let go so we can leave. The authorities are trying to negotiate with (the Chinese) and get them what they want."



Israel's ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Amos Radian, spoke with Ynet following their release: "In all there were over 10 Israelis on the island, along with four Romanians and three Indians. In all 14 people were let go and six remained. Most of the Israelis were released."



The ambassador said that the negotiations were conducted by local law enforcement officials and a security firm. "To the best of my knowledge some of the payments have already been transferred to them. The authorities here have assured me that none of the hostages are in danger. I believe that in the coming hours the other six will also be released."



The Israelis are employees of the Ashtrom Engineering and Construction firm, which employed the 300 Chinese laborers for a large tourism project. The venture, however, was put on hold due to the collapse of an American.



The laborers had refused to release the hostages until they receive the money promised to them by the Chinese manpower company that hired them for the project. A representative from Ashtrom told Ynet that the company has decided to pay the laborers the full amount demanded.



"The company has decided to pay the Chinese laborers everything, even the money we don't owe them but that the Chinese manpower firm charged them in return for sending them here – just to bring this situation to an end," said an Ashtrom representative, adding that the process was complex and was taking some time.