KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of National Security says yesterday’s deportation of 42 Jamaicans from the United Kingdom (UK) is not an unusual nor a first time occurrence for the country.

According to a statement from the ministry, in 2014, 40 people were returned to Jamaica on a charter flight, and since then, people have been returned to the island on a regular basis.

However, the ministry said the return of Jamaicans living overseas in this instance raises interesting questions on human rights and natural justice.

“The Ministry of National Security will give due consideration to the various expressions, both by the returned citizens and observers, with respect to this latest deportation, and will where applicable, incorporate views and perspectives in the improvement of its own protocols governing deported persons from Jamaica,” added the statement.

See statement in full below:

In April 2007, the then Jamaican Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of the United Kingdom, under which we are obligated to accept persons being deported from that country.

In the present circumstances of the 42 Jamaicans who were deported from the United Kingdom on Wednesday September 7, all the individuals were duly processed at the JCF Mobile Reserve and a case manager has been assigned to assist in the reintegration process which includes making contact with potential local support as well as overseas family members.

It should be pointed out that this not unusual, nor the first time, where Jamaican citizens have been deported by the United Kingdom in such large numbers. In 2014, 40 persons were returned to Jamaica on a charter flight, and since then, persons have been returned to the island on a regular basis.

The Ministry of National Security acknowledges the sensitive nature of the circumstances, and has always respected the individuals’ rights to be reunited with family and friends away from the glare of publicity. Our practice has always been to afford families to have the space and time to recover from the trauma of this sudden displacement.

We call therefore on all Jamaicans to respect this private time because not all the returned Jamaicans wish to have their circumstances revealed.

The return of Jamaicans living overseas in this instance raises interesting questions on human rights and natural justice. 

The Ministry of National Security will give due consideration to the various expressions, both by the returned citizens and observers, with respect to this latest deportation, and will where applicable, incorporate views and perspectives in the improvement of its own protocols governing deported persons from Jamaica.

The Ministry is also watching and waiting on the outcomes of the legal challenges in the United Kingdom and will lend support where necessary.

In 2015, 310 persons were deported from Jamaica, and since January 2016, 95 persons have been deported from Jamaica.

We concede and admit that the behaviour of some of our countrymen, has not always been in keeping with Jamaica’s values, and we urge all Jamaicans at home and abroad to obey the laws of the land.

Equally and importantly, in our finest traditions, we urge all Jamaicans to keep in touch with family, friends and communities.

The Ministry offers its heartfelt appreciation to the staff of the Jamaican High Commission in London for the high levels of professionalism and care in dealing with this matter.

We also wish to thank the families and friends of the returned Jamaicans, as well as non-governmental organizations, NGOs, which have rallied in support of these persons as they seek to reintegrate into the Jamaican society.

Regardless of colour, creed, circumstances or station in life, we wish to assure all Jamaicans that Jamaica will be that “abiding city” for its sons and daughters wherever they may be or whatever they would have done, because Jamaica is still the land that we love.