Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith has stepped forward to clarify Jamaica’s stance regarding the acceptance of Haitian orphans amidst ongoing turmoil in Haiti.
During a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, Johnson Smith emphasized that Jamaica will only be accommodating a small number of Haitian orphans, specifically those under the care of a private charity operating in the violence-stricken nation.
A humanitarian effort in partnership
The minister revealed that fewer than 50 severely disabled children, who have been abandoned by their families, will find refuge in Jamaica.
Collaborating with local charity Mustard Seed Communities, the Jamaican government has been instrumental in facilitating discussions with the Haitian charity overseeing the children’s welfare.
Navigating complexities of aid
Johnson Smith underscored that while the government has extended support wherever possible, the matter primarily remains a private charity-to-charity arrangement.
She highlighted the dire conditions faced by the orphanage in Haiti, citing instances of gang attacks resulting in the theft of essential supplies and tragic fatalities due to lack of medical assistance.
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Seeking legal channels for assistance
Expressing concern over the vulnerability of the children, the minister affirmed that the government is actively exploring legal avenues to enable their transfer to Mustard Seed for proper care and support.
Roughly 30,000 children out of some 4 million nationwide live in about 750 orphanages across Haiti, according to reports.
