Jamaica weighs US proposal to accept up to 10,000 deported non-nationals

Jamaica is in discussions with the United States about a possible agreement that could see the island accept up to 10,000 non-Jamaican nationals facing deportation from America.

A United States embassy document outlines a framework under which Jamaica would receive as many as 25 foreign nationals every two weeks. The arrangement would exclude unaccompanied minors, Jamaican citizens, and people convicted of serious crimes. Before any transfer, the US government would provide Jamaica with documentation on each deportee. Both countries intend for actions under the agreement to comply with the 1951 Refugee Convention. Washington would also ensure deportees are not subjected to persecution or torture in Jamaica or any other country. Either nation could terminate the pact with 90 days’ notice. The United States plans to explore foreign assistance funds to support the initiative and cover services for transferred individuals.

The proposal has prompted wide public debate over Jamaica’s capacity to absorb newcomers and the strain such arrivals could place on health, security, and education services. Some observers have questioned the humanitarian rationale, while others note Jamaica’s longstanding diplomatic and trade ties with the United States.

In St. James, members of the Granville community expressed disappointment after Constable Andrew Wilson, charged in connection with the death of 45-year-old Latoya Bulgian, also known as BJU, was granted bail in the St. James Parish Court on Tuesday. Witness documents were submitted into evidence. One of Wilson’s attorneys, Michael Hemings, said a chief filing presented in court related to a civilian witness. Wilson was offered bail of $1 million with a surety, along with reporting conditions, an order to surrender his travel documents, and a stop order. The matter returns to court on July 10.

Elsewhere, conjoined twins Carmen and Lupita Andrade, 25-year-old sisters originally from Mexico who now live in the United States, have drawn international attention after Carmen married her boyfriend Daniel McCormack in an intimate autumn ceremony. The sisters share a torso, pelvis, and reproductive system. Lupita, who publicly identifies as aromantic, remains single and supports her sister’s marriage. Carmen met McCormack on Hinge in 2020, and the couple eloped after nearly five years of dating. Carmen wore a glittering emerald green dress for the ceremony.

In football, Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick at age 38 in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, marking his first World Cup hat-trick. Kylian Mbappé scored twice in France’s 3-1 victory over Senegal, and Erling Haaland netted twice on his Norway debut.