National Security Minister, Dr. Horace Chang, says Jamaica is leading the way in finding a diplomatic solution to the Haitian crisis.
The matter became a topic of discussion during Thursday’s sitting of Parliament’s Standing Finance Committee.
Dr. Chang also defended the government’s policy of sending back Haitian refugees who arrive in Jamaica.
Shaloy Smikle tells us more.
The situation in Haiti continues to deteriorate.
Gangs have seized control of more than 80% of the capital, Port-au-Prince.
Said gangs are also pushing for the removal of interim Haitian Prime Minister, Dr. Ariel Henry.
Dr. Henry attempted to fly back to Port au Prince on Tuesday but ended up in the US territory of Puerto Rico after being unable to land in the Haitian capital.
The airport was under siege by armed gunmen attempting to seize control.
Dr. Horace Chang says Jamaica remains a strong international advocate for the world to deal with the Haitian crisis.
Several Haitian refugees have already arrived on Jamaican shores, fleeing the crisis.
They’ve requested asylum, which has so far been denied.
Opposition MP Julian Robinson criticised the government’s willingness to send back these refugees, considering the situation on the ground.
But Dr. Chang dismissed the concern.
He notes that the area to which these refugees are being returned is far from the troubled Haitian capital.
Meanwhile, the National Security Minister says the government continues to monitor the situation on the ground in Haiti.
He says this will inform its policies toward Haitian refugees.
