Information Minister says Gov’t intended to make Third Country National agreement with U.S. public once details were finalised

The Government had every intention to make the Third Country National (TCN) agreement with the United States (US) public once all the details had been finalised.

That is the explanation from Information Minister, Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, amidst public backlash over the recently signed agreement, which would see Jamaica temporarily accepting deported non-Jamaican migrants from the U.S.

The public was first made aware of the agreement through a media report, which cited the U.S. Embassy as a source.

The situation has re-ignited discussions about transparency regarding Government dealings.

Dr. Morris Dixon said the Government planned on informing the public about the agreement once all aspects of the deal, including where the non-Jamaican migrants will be accommodated, had been settled.

There are conflicting reports about the number of non-Jamaican migrant nationals to be accepted temporarily under the agreement.

Dr. Morris Dixon emphasised that up to 25 people will be housed in the country at a time.

The Minister also sought to assure that persons with criminal antecedents will not be allowed to enter Jamaica under the TCN Programme.