A joint operation involving Her Majesty’s Customs and the Labour Department led to the detention of some 138 charter vessels and the imposition of hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines for various infractions committed by The Moorings.

But the operation also found undocumented workers, according to Commissioner of Her Majesty’s Customs Wade Smith.

Smith described the discoveries made during the operation as “very concerning issues”.

But while speaking at a joint press conference late last week which addressed some of the issues that arose, Cochran said: “I am not able to comment specifically on the case or cases, or the two cases I think that have been brought to our attention.”

“I’m not sure whether it’s a lapse in the process from an Immigration or Labour perspective. I’m not able to completely talk to that,” he added.

Cochran said he looked forward to hearing from the Labour Department at some point regarding the issue.

We accept the situation

Meanwhile, addressing the question of heavy fines faced by The Moorings, Cochran said his company accepted the situation and wanted to move forward.

“We understand what had to be done regarding the elements of the Customs process, we accept the situation that we’ve found ourselves in. We understand that they’ve worked to the statutes themselves that are written, so we make our way forward now,” Cochran expressed.

Cochran said The Moorings is now seeking to be fully compliant with the government’s regulations; noting that it was paramount from a health and safety perspective that this was done.

Several companies besides The Moorings were also fined and penalised last week for non-compliance with the government’s maritime regulations.