Jamaica to reject entrants with criminal records under US third-country nationals deal

Minister of National Security and Peace Dr. Harris Chang told the House of Representatives on Wednesday that persons with criminal records will not be permitted entry under Jamaica's third-country nationals arrangement with the United States.

Dr. Chang said Jamaica retains discretion to accept or reject proposed individuals. All documentation on identity, medical history and criminal background must be supplied, and persons with criminal antecedents will not be accepted under the pact. Applicants may seek refugee status, but courts will decide those cases. He noted that in other jurisdictions more than 90% of such cases result in return to home countries.

Where adverse information emerges after arrival because it was not disclosed initially, authorities may deny refugee applications and deport individuals. Under international law, he said, home countries are obliged to readmit them. Dr. Chang also said stays in Jamaica will be financed by the United States and that either government may pause the programme at any time for review, with limited scope for expanding numbers. He reported that the operational working document would be tabled in the House.

Minister with responsibility for works Robert Morgan reported that dualisation of Grange Lane in Portmore is complete and already easing traffic for motorists and commuters. Widening of the Brighton to Helsa main road has reached 40% completion. Morgan said the administration is committed to strengthening Portmore's road network to support growth, commercial activity, public transport and future development.

Tender processes are under way for widening Arthur Wint Drive and Camp Road, both including potable water and sewage infrastructure. The Public Investment Management Secretariat has approved the projects, which together represent $3.4 billion in planned expenditure. Under the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to Road Network programme, work stands at 26% completion, with nine orders worth $18.39 billion covering 369 roads across four packages. Construction has started on 210 roads and 109 are finished. Morgan said each road is designed for a minimum service life of seven years and may perform for up to 14 years.

The 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference has concluded, with organisers citing new partnerships, investment prospects and stronger ties between Jamaica and overseas nationals. Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Alando Terrel Long told the closing ceremony, "This conference has been far more than a gathering. It has been an investment in Jamaica's future, in our national resilience, in the continued strengthening of the relationship between Jamaica and our diaspora."

Ahead of the closing session, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness urged members of the diaspora to pursue investment opportunities under the Facilitated Acceleration for Strategic Transformation initiative, a companion programme to the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority designed to streamline approvals and coordinate infrastructure planning for qualifying projects valued at US$15 million or more. He said coordinated planning can align public road and utility works with nearby private development to crowd in investment.