Opposition wants answers about entry of over 200 Indians to Jamaica

The Opposition People's National Party is demanding clarity from the Government regarding the chartered flight that recently landed in Jamaica, allegedly in breach of applicable immigration and customs protocols. 

The group of 220 Indians, German crew members and at least one French citizen landed in Jamaica on chartered flight XG201 from Cairo International Airport in Egypt on Thursday.

Opposition spokesperson on foreign affairs, Dr Angela Brown Burke, is now demanding that the Government disclose the identity of the individuals or organisations responsible for chartering the flight; why the flight was allowed to land in Jamaica without proper clearance; and why the passengers were allowed to disembark and enter Jamaica.

She is also questioning why standard immigration and customs procedures were not followed in this matter; and the whereabouts of the persons who were on board.

Additionally, she wants information on the measures being taken by the police to ensure the safety and security of the passengers and the public.

"The public will recall that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many Jamaicans were denied entry into Jamaica, forced to wait in limbo on cruise ships, and generally subjected to strict protocols; and, more recently, Haitians have been repeatedly refused entry into Jamaica and summarily returned to war-torn Haiti," Brown Burke said.

"The difference in treatment of the passengers on this flight is stark, and demands answers," she added.

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