Jamaica repatriates 36 Haitian nationals

CMC – The Jamaica government Monday said it had repatriated 36 Haitians who landed in the eastern parish of Portland on Saturday.

The Ministry of National Security in a statement said the Haitians, who had arrived by boat, were safely returned to the French-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country, where socio-economic and political instability as well as armed gangs have made life difficult.

“Following the completion of our immigration checks and security vetting, the group was denied entry. From the vetting process it was found that there were members who had been previously removed from Jamaica for breaches of entry,” the Ministry of National Security said.

It said it had become aware of the group’s arrival and consequently mobilised through the Jamaica Constabulary Force and Passport Citizenship and Immigration Agency, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the necessary measures to see to their safety and welfare needs.

The ministry said the authorities there had been in dialogue with the Haitian government and that arrangements were made with the relevant authorities in Haiti to facilitate the group’s safe return.

This is the second reported boatload of Haitians to land in Jamaica over the last two months. In July, 37 Haitians landed on Boston Beach in Portland. They have since applied for asylum in Jamaica.

The government said, with support from its partners, it continues to provide support to that group of 37 Haitians.

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