36 Haitians sent home

The 36 Haitians who landed in Portland over the weekend were sent home on Sunday morning.

Police sources confirmed that their departure was made via a Jamaica Defence Force coastguard vessel with assistance from the Jamaica Constabulary Force and other local authorities.

The 36 Haitians landed shortly after 6:00 a.m. on Saturday at a beach in Long Bay, East Portland, and were spotted by residents who then called in the police. The residents fed the castaways and provided them with bottled water. 

This is the second of group arriving in Portland in recent times. 

Another group of Haitians, which landed in Boston on July 10, are being housed at a facility in Robin's Bay, St Mary, awaiting word as to whether or not they will be granted asylum or will be deported for illegal entry.

Prior to their departure, the Haitians were provided with blankets, water, food, items of clothing, sanitary napkins, soap, and other personal items through a collaborated effort between the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, the Portland Municipal Corporation, and community residents

- Gareth Davis

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