Jackson calls for full disclosure on Jamaica-US third country nationals agreement

The government has announced a bilateral arrangement with the United States to accept third country nationals into Jamaica, but the opposition says neither the party nor the wider public was told the deal was being pursued. Opposition spokesperson on national security Fitz Jackson told CVM Television that his concerns raised in Parliament this week remain unanswered and that later disclosures have only deepened them.

Jackson said he asked National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang directly to table the memorandum of understanding signed on behalf of Jamaica, but that request has not been granted. He argued the provisions of any implementing agreement should be placed before Parliament before the programme starts, so Jamaicans at home and abroad can assess the impact rather than react after the fact.

During the House sitting, Jackson questioned whether the arrangement serves Jamaica's interests, what benefits the country would receive, and whether security risks are involved. He linked public anxiety to comments from Opposition Leader Mark Golding about deportees described as convicted or alleged sex offenders, and he noted Chang told Parliament the individuals would not be detained and would be free to move around the country.

Jackson said he has never heard of a comparable arrangement for non-Jamaican third-country nationals, distinguishing it from agreements covering Jamaican citizens completing sentences abroad. He repeated that the minister has not stated what Jamaica stands to gain from the bilateral deal.

On reports that the United States had threatened visa action, Jackson called that line manufactured propaganda and asked the government to produce evidence. He also questioned shifting official accounts after a leaked United States Embassy document pointed to a figure of 10,000 deportees. Chang denied that report at a post-Cabinet briefing, and officials later referred to 25 persons, while Information Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon said Ambassador Marks' engagement concerned skilled workers rather than mass deportations.

Jackson said he does not trust ministerial statements on the matter and pointed to Chang's post-Cabinet remark that the programme would stop if any of the 25 chose to remain in Jamaica, which he said conflicts with the minister's parliamentary account. He dismissed debate over whether Jamaica or the United States proposed the deal, insisting the government should release documented proof.

Asked what support from the opposition might require, Jackson said Jamaica must first know who would be sent here, why convicted or undesirable non-citizens should be accepted, and what tangible benefit would accrue to the country.