Jamaica signs deal to accept non-Jamaican deportees from United States

Jamaica has agreed to accept non-Jamaican nationals removed by United States authorities, National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang disclosed following a post-Cabinet media briefing. Chang said the arrangement was signed last week and that an announcement was planned after further coordination, including work with the International Organization for Migration to secure suitable accommodation.

Under the agreement, persons apprehended at the US border would undergo routine checks before being sent to Jamaica as a transit point. Chang said they are not expected to remain on the island; the United States would cover airfare for their return home. He reported a return rate of about 94%, with only a small number choosing to stay. He added that if an entire group opted to remain, the programme would be halted immediately.

Opposition spokesman on national security Fitz Jackson questioned whether Jamaica should become involved in US immigration enforcement at a time when local detention facilities are already under strain. He cited overcrowding at the General Penitentiary and St Catherine District Prison, and called on the Government to publish the memorandum of understanding so the public can assess the full terms.

In St Elizabeth, a 15-year-old student of BB Coke High School in Junction has been charged with robbery with aggravation and assault occasioning bodily harm after a May 26 incident in which a 13-year-old schoolmate was allegedly stabbed and robbed of $450. Police said the attack occurred on the school compound around 11:00 a.m.

A car struck a fuel pump and caught fire shortly before 4:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Texaco station at 141 Constant Spring Road in St Andrew. Staff and security used extinguishers before the Jamaica Fire Brigade and police arrived. It was not immediately confirmed whether anyone was injured.

Separately, a 29-year-old construction worker from Brunel Savannah, St Elizabeth, has been charged with multiple sexual offences against his 15-year-old stepdaughter, including possession and distribution of child pornography after allegedly recording and sending a video of one incident. Shawn Walker, 34, of Crawford, St Elizabeth, was granted $2 million bail in the St James Parish Court on Tuesday while facing charges over the alleged smuggling of US$270,580 in soap boxes at Sangster International Airport on June 7; prosecutors said US authorities are also investigating him.