Isat Buchanan urges parliamentary debate on US migrant transit pact and asylum gaps

MP Isat Buchanan told Parliament that Jamaica’s move toward becoming a republic must be matched by practical protection of rights, not declarations alone. In his contribution, he argued that the country cannot speak about stronger constitutional rights while everyday rights pressures remain unresolved.

He pointed to a newly signed memorandum of understanding with the United States, under which third-country nationals removed from US territory may be received in Jamaica during transit. Buchanan said the deputy prime minister had stated that Cabinet approved the arrangement and that it was signed on June 10. He said the government also indicated the US would cover initial stay costs, that up to 25 people could be received every fortnight, and that Panama, Costa Rica, Belize, Antigua, St. Kitts and Barbados have entered similar arrangements.

While noting official safeguards, Buchanan said those protections still need parliamentary scrutiny. He referenced government statements that Jamaica can refuse any individual, either side can terminate the agreement at short notice, and screening would include health checks, identity verification, criminal record checks, and clearance by the National Intelligence Bureau, with people who have criminal records not to be accepted.

His central concern, he said, is what happens when people remain in Jamaica and seek asylum. Buchanan argued that Jamaica still lacks a clear legislative and procedural framework for asylum or refugee status, with cases handled administratively on a case-by-case basis. He questioned who reviews refusals, what criteria are used, and how unresolved cases are managed.

To underline the issue, he cited the arrival on Monday of 17 Haitian nationals - 10 men, four women and three children - at Paisley Gardens in Port Antonio, where they were taken into custody for health and immigration processing. Buchanan said the country’s credibility will be measured by how it treats vulnerable arrivals, and insisted the matter should be debated in the House rather than left to press briefings.