Horace Chang Warns Jamaica Cannot Guarantee Third-Country Acceptance for US Deportees

National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang says there is no certainty that deportees from the United States whom Jamaica agrees to house temporarily will later be received by their home countries.

Addressing reporters at a Wednesday briefing, Dr. Chang said some deportees may instead seek permission to remain in Jamaica. He cautioned that taking that route would have bearing on whether the arrangement with the United States can continue.

In St. Elizabeth, a businessman accused of trying to bring more than US$270,000 into Jamaica concealed inside soap boxes has been granted $2 million bail, despite objections from prosecutors and investigators. The court was told that United States authorities are investigating Shawn Walker and that further charges could be laid locally.

A St. Catherine pastor, Shawn Green, who is charged with fraudulent conversion and the non-delivery of service, has told the court he intends to repay a complainant in full after collecting more than US$12,000 toward the purchase of a truck. He was ordered to produce evidence that the money was used for the vehicle from Japan or face trial.

Police have charged a 15-year-old student of BB Coke High School in St. Elizabeth with robbery with aggravation and assault following an alleged attack on a fellow pupil last month. Officers allege the teenager assaulted a 13-year-old girl in a school bathroom, held a knife to her neck, and robbed her of $450.

Waterhouse Football Club chairman Bruce Bicknell said he was shocked and disappointed by the sudden resignation of head coach Xavier Einstein, who had been expected to return for the upcoming Jamaica Premier League season.

At midday Thursday, one US dollar sold for $158.89, the British pound sterling for $216.02, and the Canadian dollar for $115.86. Thursday's forecast called for mainly sunny conditions.