Update | Jamaican fishermen back home from Colombia

Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamina Johnson Smith is reporting that the more than 30 Jamaican fishermen who were detained for illegal fishing in Colombian waters today safely arrived at Port Royal in Kingston.

Four nationals of the Dominican Republic who were also detained on the same vessel and who have work authorisation for Jamaica were also repatriated.

Johnson Smith says the fishermen were received at sea by members of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) as well as representatives of the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA).

“I am happy to report that all 33 Jamaican fishermen are now on the island although regrettably, as previously advised, the captain has been detained to face charges. I extend heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for securing the necessary funding for the Jamaican leg of the repatriation, as well as to the JDF for coordinating the logistics with their Colombian counterparts and receiving the fishermen at the arranged meeting point where they were then transported to Jamaica. I also acknowledge PICA's integral role in the verification process relating to the crew members,” said Johnson Smith.

“I also commend the boat owner who, in recognition of the private nature of his enterprise, has committed to reimbursing the Government for no less than one half of the cost of fuel purchased by the JDF to undertake the repatriation exercise,” she continued.

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