KINGSTON, Jamaica — 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.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, Dr Horace Chang, said the government has not approved the transfer of any third country nationals to any location in Jamaica.

“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.

He added that no transfers will take place until the necessary operational procedures have been finalised, noting that a video circulating online misrepresents the government’s stated position and risks causing unnecessary public concern.

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.

It said it will continue to provide timely and accurate updates as necessary.