The Opposition People’s National Party, PNP, is urging the government to request that the US government postpone the deportation of several Jamaicans, until the borders re-open.
The PNP’s call was in response to media reports that US President Donald Trump signed an order that imposes visa sanctions on countries that refuse to accept the deportation of their citizens despite the prevailing coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, the PNP said the Prime Minister should explain to our US counterparts that the country’s border closure is to protect citizens against the spread of the deadly virus.
The PNP says it’s concerned that accepting the deportees could without proper checks on their health status, pose a real and present danger to citizens.
According to the PNP, anyone travelling abroad who’s not been screened pose a direct threat to public health.
And, it says the government must make a compelling case that protects the country, despite any pressure from the US.
The PNP says it’s firm and unequivocal that in this instance the Government must uphold Jamaica’s sovereignty and decline the request to accept the persons being deported at this time.
