PORTLAND, Jamaica— On Wednesday evening, 17 Haitian nationals were repatriated to their homeland after spending roughly a year in Jamaica. The group, made up of 13 men and 4 women, had entered the island illegally and were residing in various locations, some even integrating into local communities.
Over the weekend, authorities gathered the individuals, some of whom had been in state custody. Others had been living with Jamaican partners and building new lives on the island, with a few reportedly starting families during their stay.
A court order was issued, mandating their return to Haiti, where ongoing political instability and economic hardship have driven thousands to flee. Haiti’s deepening crisis, which escalated following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, has led to widespread gang violence and chaos, further worsening living conditions for many.
Jamaica, like other Caribbean nations, continues to face challenges related to migration as Haitians seek refuge from the escalating turmoil in their homeland.
