PORTLAND, Jamaica — The 35 Haitians who landed at Kensington near Manchioneal in Portland early Sunday morning spent less than 24 hours on the island.

Observer Online understands that after the Haitians were checked at the health facility in Port Antonio, they were sent back to their homeland via a Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) coast guard.

On Sunday it was reported that the group consisted of 29 males, five females and one child.

READ: More Haitians arrive in Portland

This follows two separate arrivals also in Portland back in May. At that time, more than 16 Haitians were picked up in the Anchovy Gardens area of Port Antonio in a vehicle that reportedly developed mechanical problems.

Haiti has been mired for years in intertwining economic, security and political crises, resulting in thousands of citizens fleeing the country.

The assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021 has dramatically worsened the situation, with gangs taking an increasingly strong hold.

— Everard Owen