Prime Minister Holness Rejects Claims Jamaica Will Admit Criminals Under US Third Country Nationals Deal

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has firmly rejected claims that the Government of Jamaica made arrangements with the United States to bring criminals into the country under a third country nationals agreement, describing the allegations as nonsense.

Holness addressed the matter on Friday while touring the Bound Brook urban centre in Portland. He said Jamaica has invested heavily and citizens have paid a steep price to reduce crime, and he would not put the work of the police and military at risk. Although the Government signed a memorandum of understanding to support the transit of third country nationals, he said every person would face rigorous criminal background screening. Any offender among them would immediately void the agreement. He added that those involved would pass through Jamaica in transit to their home countries, not to live here.

The National Housing Trust said it lost two years toward a five-year target of 70,000 housing solutions because of the COVID-19 pandemic and adverse weather. Of that total, the trust was assigned 42,000 units. By the end of 2025, it recorded roughly 31,540 housing starts and 21,166 completions, while issuing 67,000 mortgages for the 2026–2027 financial year. For that period, it is starting 10,675 housing solutions and expects 5,673 completions. Holness acknowledged the output will not meet demand, especially for low-income and affordable housing, but said the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority will work with the trust to identify developable lands along planned highway corridors. He was speaking at the handover of 14 units at the NHT Vineyard Town Housing Development.

In Westmoreland, 102 churches received a combined $18.7 million under a cleanup and restoration grant programme run by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development and the Social Development Commission. Pastors and church representatives collected cheques at Darliston Holiness Church. Minister Desmond McKenzie praised congregations that continued ministry in tents after Hurricane Melissa and said an additional $50 million will support parishes in Clarendon and St Ann affected by the storm. Bishop Bernard Fenley of Bible Way Apostolic Church called the assistance a timely boost.

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck tabled the Mediation Bill 2026 to establish a legal framework for mediator registration, licensing of mediation service providers, and a mediation board. He said mediation would help settle conflicts, prevent crime and violence, and support implementation of the Singapore Convention on Mediation to strengthen Jamaica's position for international business.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett announced plans for a national tourism council during the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association's 65th Tourism Forum at Sandals Dunn's River in St Ann. He said the council would bring together ministries and key stakeholders and complement a planned national tourism authority created by merging the Jamaica Tourist Board Act and the River Rafting Act.

Castleton Botanical Gardens in St Mary has reopened following a $172 million restoration under the Jamaican Path from Hills to Ocean initiative, with funding through the Ministry of Agriculture, the European Union in Jamaica, and the Planning Institute of Jamaica. Upgrades include climate-resilient protection works along the Wag Water River, improved walkways, renovated gazebos, solar energy, security, and enhanced accessibility. Agriculture Minister Floyd Green said work is also underway at Bath Botanical Gardens in St Thomas and designs are advanced for a new garden at Montpelier in St James.

Track and field coach Stephen Francis died on 4 July at age 64. Holness said his contribution to building Brand Jamaica is immeasurable. Opposition Leader Mark Golding said Francis revolutionised the sport by developing world-class athletes in Jamaica, noting that MVP Track and Field Club athletes won more than 56 World Championship medals and more than 28 Olympic medals. Sport Minister Olivia Grange said part of his legacy was preparing athletes to excel globally and give back to their communities. The Government awarded him the Order of Jamaica in 2017.