KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade (MFAFT), says it has ramped up its interaction with the returning residents’ community following an upsurge in crimes against some members of that demographic in recent times.

The move, the ministry said, forms part of its initiative to support returning residents in their transition home through the Returning Residents Taskforce, which is being spearheaded by its Minister of State Senator Pearnel Charles Jr.

The ministry explained that the police, through an island-wide network of territorial officers and coordinators of the Community Safety and Security Branch, have so far hosted more than 70 meetings with returning residents.

It said that officers are also aiding in vetting prospective employees and making direct visits to returned residents.

Other collaborators on the initiative are representatives of the Returning Residents Associations across Jamaica, the Ministry of National Security and the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA).

It includes engagement on the priority areas identified by returning residents such as enhanced service delivery, involvement in community and national development and the creation of safe and cohesive communities.

There is also a Returning Residents Safety and Security Handbook that was published recently and created through the initiative by the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF).