Government Prepared to Receive Returning Jamaicans While Strengthening Security Measures
“Come back with a good heart and a good mind. Come back willing to work. Come back with your resources. You will be able to make life here.”
– Prime Minister Holness
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Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness has reassured Jamaicans that the government is fully prepared to receive returning and deported nationals amid changes in U.S. immigration policies.
Prime Minister Holness emphasized all hardworking Jamaicans returning will be welcomed in their homeland as they reintegrate into society.
“Jamaicans all over the world will always be welcome back to your homeland. We are prepared to receive all our hardworking Jamaicans who have been in the United States or wherever they may have gone for economic benefits. Jamaica has always been, since its colonial days to now, a net supplier of talent to the world. It may be a good thing to have some of our Jamaican talent return to our shores to help us to build our country,” Prime Minister Holness stated.
While welcoming law-abiding Jamaicans, the Prime Minister also issued a strong warning to individuals with criminal intent. Dr. Holness made it clear that the government will not tolerate any efforts to destabilize communities or increase crime rates.
“For those Jamaicans who intend to return with crime and violence to undermine what we have been building, let me be clear—this is not the Jamaica you left years ago. It is not the same Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) that you left 10 or 20 years ago. You will either meet a judge or your maker if you come back and violate our laws,” Dr. Holness warned.
The government has already implemented enhanced security measures to monitor and manage individuals with a criminal history. Those convicted abroad and deported after serving their sentences will be strictly monitored to ensure they do not contribute to crime and violence in Jamaica.
“We have sacrificed long and hard. The people of Jamaica have borne the negative impacts of local violence. We will not tolerate criminals coming back here to increase our crime rate or murder rate. Our crime rate is on a downward trajectory, and we will not allow this to change,” the Prime Minister declared.
Prime Minister Holness urged returning Jamaicans to come back with a positive mindset, ready to contribute to the country’s growth.
“Come back with a good heart and a good mind. Come back willing to work. Come back with your resources. You will be able to make life here,” Prime Minister Holness said.
The government remains committed to ensuring that returning Jamaicans are received with dignity while safeguarding national security and the well-being of its people.