Prime Minister Holness stresses that U.S. did not approach Jamaica to accept deportees with criminal backgrounds

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness has stressed that the United States did not approach Jamaica to accept deportees with criminal backgrounds, under the Third-Country Nationals (TCN) agreement.

Some Jamaicans have raised concerns about the migrant deal, citing safety as a major issue.

During an event in Hope Bay, Portland today, Dr. Holness was questioned about the matter.

A video of the conversation posted to his Instagram page, shows Dr. Holness assuring that Jamaica will not accept migrants with serious criminal backgrounds.

He emphasized that the U.S. did not ask Jamaica to accept such migrants, adding that the United States has noted the island’s reduction in crime.

He clarified that Jamaica has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of the United States, but it is not yet operational.

The Prime Minister said more information on the deal will be provided when the negotiations have been completed.