Jamaican gov't dismisses claims third-party nationals will be housed in St Mary
Key Points(5)
- The Ministry of National Security and Peace has dismissed as false and misleading claims that third country nationals (TCNs) are to be housed in the parish of St Mary, insisting that no such arrangements have been approved by the Government of Jamaica.
- The ministry was responding to an assertion made during Television Jamaica’s Prime Time News broadcast on June 25, which suggested that TCNs would be accommodated in the parish.
- “There is no Third Country National in Jamaica at this time and the government has no arrangements for housing TCNs in St Mary.
- Any housing arrangements for TCNs are the responsibility of the International Organization for Migration,” Dr Chang said.
- The ministry also stressed that Jamaica maintains full sovereignty over all decisions related to the programme and urged members of the public to verify information through official government sources rather than sharing unsubstantiated claims.
The Ministry of National Security and Peace has dismissed reports that third country nationals (TCNs) will be housed in St Mary, calling the claims false and misleading and stressing that no such arrangements have been approved by the Government of Jamaica.
The clarification came after Television Jamaica’s Prime Time News broadcast on June 25 suggested that TCNs would be accommodated in the parish. The ministry said the report misrepresented the government’s position and has contributed to unnecessary public concern.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace Horace Chang said the government has not authorised the transfer of any third country nationals to Jamaica at this time, nor approved any housing locations.
“There is no Third Country National in Jamaica at this time, and the government has no arrangements for housing TCNs in St Mary,” Chang said. “Any housing arrangements for TCNs are the responsibility of the International Organization for Migration.”
He added that no transfers will proceed until all operational procedures are fully finalised. Chang also pointed to a video circulating online that he said misrepresents the government’s position.
The Ministry of National Security and Peace reiterated that Jamaica maintains full sovereignty over all decisions related to the programme and urged the public to rely on official government sources rather than unverified social media content.
The government’s statement comes against the backdrop of a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the United States on June 10, which sets out arrangements for TCNs transiting through Jamaica to third destinations. Under the agreement, up to 25 individuals may be facilitated every two weeks, with the United States covering initial accommodation costs.
Chang has previously said the arrangement is strictly for transit purposes and does not establish permanent migration pathways. He noted that in comparable international programmes, roughly 94 per cent of individuals return to their home countries or other destinations.
He also outlined that any individual seeking to remain in Jamaica would need to apply for asylum through the courts, adding that those who do not qualify would be returned to their country of origin.
Officials say further operational details are still being finalised and that updates will be provided as necessary.
