JLP Defends Immigration System Amid Chartered Flight Controversy

The governing Jamaica Labour Party says the immigration system worked to ensure the proper enforcement of the laws and respectful treatment of 253 passengers who landed in Jamaica last Thursday on a chartered flight.

The JLP issued the statement in response to criticism from the Opposition Spokesperson on Foreign and Regional Affairs, Dr. Angela Brown Burke.

Dr. Brown Burke said based on her information, standard immigration and customs procedures were not followed.

She drew a contrast between the treatment of the passengers and crew aboard the flight with the experience of Haitians who’ve been repeatedly refused entry into Jamaica.

She says some Haitians have been swiftly sent back home, notwithstanding the wanton violence in their homeland. 

But the JLP reject that view, calling Dr. Brown Burke’s position disappointing, opportunistic and a vulgar attempt to politicise the issue.

And the youth arm of the JLP, Young Jamaica, has accused the Opposition of political gamesmanship.

Young Jamaica says Dr. Brown Burke’s comments demonstrate a willingness to discard prudence and fact-finding in favour of political gimmickry.

Young Jamaica says rather than conducting the necessary checks, Dr. Brown-Burke opted to quickly allege the failure of the JLP administration in an effort to score political points.