The Ministry of National Security says it has put in place measures to facilitate the safe return and accommodation of approximately 62 deportees from the United States. They are expected to arrive in Jamaica on Tuesday, April 21.

Upon arrival, the deportees will be quarantined for two weeks in a secure Government facility, where they will be processed by the relevant authorities.

In a release to THE STAR, the Ministry of National Security stated that while under quarantine, the deportees will be screened twice daily by medical officers assigned by the Ministry of Health and Wellness. At the end of the quarantine period, those who are cleared by health officials will be released to family members.

According to the Ministry, the arrival of the deportees is not a novel occurrence. It is one of the monthly returns scheduled to arrive in the country on March 26, 2020. However, the Government negotiated a further date to prepare for the arrival under measures imposed to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

In keeping with the Jamaican Constitution and the Jamaica Nationality Act, Jamaica is duty-bound to accept its deportees.

Minister of National Security Dr Horace Chang says the Government is committed to ensuring respect for human rights and the elimination of discrimination under all circumstances.

“There will be controlled re-entry while observing COVID-19 prevention protocols,” Chang said.