Jamaica’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security for Jamaica Horace Chang says the country will be accommodating orphans from Haiti, amidst escalating social challenges in the French-speaking nation, particularly in Port-au-Prince.
“We have agreed to accommodate a number of individuals through legitimate means, namely the orphans residing in an orphanage facing isolation and challenges, who are being cared for by the Mustard Seed Community. Logistics for this arrangement are currently underway. Additionally, we have been approached by the World Bank to host their staff here, and we are actively working on facilitating this process,” stated the minister.
Roughly 30,000 children out of some 4 million nationwide live in about 750 orphanages across Haiti, according to government figures. Dr. Chang did not state how many orphans Jamaica would be accepting from Haiti.
Jamaica to protect borders from refugees
But while acknowledging the government’s responsibility to assist those genuinely in need, the minister also emphasized the need to maintain control over Jamaica’s borders to prevent an influx of refugees. He assured that measures to enhance border security would be implemented to address any potential challenges.
“While we remain vigilant about border security, we’ve observed a few instances of boats arriving, primarily aiming for North America through routes involving The Bahamas or South America before reaching the Pacific coast of the United States. The government is actively engaging CARICOM and international partners to stabilize Haiti and restore sustainable governance,” emphasized the minister.
State of emergency extended
Haiti’s government said Thursday that it was extending a state of emergency and nighttime curfew to try and curb violent gang attacks that have paralyzed the capital of Port-au-Prince in a fierce battle for political power.
An initial three-day curfew was announced last weekend, but gangs have continued to attack police stations and other state institutions at night as Haiti’s National Police struggles to contain the violence with limited staff and resources.
Dozens of people have died in Haiti’s recent gang attacks, including several police officers. The violence also has left more than 15,000 people homeless, in addition to some 300,000 Haitians who lost their homes to gang wars in recent years.
In addition, there were reports that gangs on Thursday looted shipping containers filled with food at the main port in Port-au-Prince, raising concerns that provisions in the capital and elsewhere would dwindle quickly.
“If we cannot access those containers, Haiti will go hungry soon,” said Laurent Uwumuremyi, Haiti director for Mercy Corps, a humanitarian aid organization.
Additional reporting from the Associated Press.
