Haitian caregivers came to Jamaica under “false pretense,’ says minister

The Jamaican government has defended its decision to deport 12 of the 16 Haitians who arrived in Jamaica as caregivers for 59 disabled orphans. The orphans were allowed entry in March as part of a humanitarian effort led by the international charity, Mustard Seed Communities.

The Haitians were deported at midnight on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Minister of National Security Dr. Horace Chang informed the Jamaica Observer that the decision was based on security concerns and doubts regarding their claim of being caregivers.

According to Dr. Chang, while the Government welcomed the orphans and their caregivers due to the crisis in Haiti — where gangs have seized control of large parts of the capital — it soon became apparent that only two of the 16 Haitians were actual caregivers — a claim that was also backed by MSC’s Chief Executive Officer, Father Garvin Augustine. The remaining individuals appeared unaware of their supposed responsibilities.