Haitian orphans undergoing health screening

The 59 disabled Haitian children have arrived in Jamaica and are undergoing medical checks by local health officials in Port Antonio, Portland. 

The children, along with their 13 caregivers, arrived by boat shortly before 9 a.m. and landed at the Ken Wright shipping pier in Port Antonio. 

The boat was escorted into port by a Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard vessel and the Marine police.

They were fed and provided with water.

The children, who were under the care of HaitiChildren, a non-profit which caters to abandoned, orphaned and disabled children in Haiti, will be received by Mustard Seed Communities and transported to its Jacob's Ladder home in Moneague, St Ann.

It is understood that the arrangement is initially for two years and funding will be provided by HaitiChildren's various established donors.

In a statement today, Father Garvin Augustine, Executive Director of Mustard Seed Communities International, said that following a series of meetings with government agencies, it was granted permission for the children to enter Jamaica legally and to get the necessary care in a safe environment.

Meantime, founder and chief executive officer of HaitiChildren, Susie Krabecher, who reportedly approached the leaders of Mustard Seed Communities in Jamaica, in the wake of the gang warfare which has disrupted the lives of the Haitian people, especially the most vulnerable in the society, noted that because of their disabilities, the children faced mounting challenges primarily because of the escalating violence in Haiti.

- Gareth Davis Snr

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