The 37 Haitians who landed in Portland, Jamaica last month are receiving the highest level of support while their legal asylum process is ongoing.
This was disclosed by Jamaica’s Minister of National Security, Hon. Dr. Horace Chang.
Support for Haitian asylum seekers
On Monday, August 14, the Minister paid a visit to the Haitians at a facility in Robins Bay, St. Mary.
The minister shared that through a combined effort involving several support groups and Ministries, the Jamaican government has ensured the welfare, safety, and linguistic needs of the individuals are safeguarded.
“Critically, their right to a hearing in the court of law, and to request asylum have been guaranteed,” he noted.
As the legal process continues, the Government of Jamaica remains committed to ensuring that the dignity, health, welfare needs, and safety of these individuals are maintained.
More on Haitians migrants illegally enter Portland
Haitian migrants illegally enter Jamaica’s shores
Haiti’s deepening crisis
Haiti currently faces a humanitarian crisis, with millions of citizens facing acute hunger.
This desperate situation is made worse by increasing violence and insecurity, forcing many to flee their homes or leave the country, often under perilous conditions.
Jamaica and Haiti: Decades of solidarity
During the visit, the National Security Minister was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith.
Together, they highlighted that Jamaica and Haiti have maintained strong, uninterrupted bonds of friendship for many decades, both on a bilateral basis and within regional and hemispheric mechanisms.
Serving also as Deputy Prime Minister, Dr. Chang stressed that Jamaica has consistently supported the Government and people of Haiti.
The minister further noted that the tragic situation unfolding in the French-speaking island, leading to the arrival of this group in Jamaica, is of significant concern.
