Jamaica in US talks to accept up to 10,000 deported non-nationals

Jamaica is in discussions with the United States about a possible deal to accept up to 10,000 non-Jamaican nationals facing deportation from American soil.

Details outlined in a United States embassy document propose transferring as many as 25 foreign nationals to Jamaica every two weeks. The arrangement would exclude unaccompanied minors, Jamaican citizens, and persons convicted of serious crimes. Before any transfer, Washington would provide Kingston with documentation on each individual.

Both governments intend for actions under the agreement to comply with the 1951 Refugee Convention. The United States would also ensure deportees are not subjected to persecution or torture in Jamaica or any other country. Either side could terminate the arrangement on ninety days' notice.

American officials plan to explore foreign assistance funds to support the initiative and services for transferred persons. The proposal has already stirred debate over Jamaica's capacity to absorb arrivals and the strain the plan could place on health, security and education systems.

In St. James, Constable Andrew Wilson, charged in connection with the death of forty-five-year-old Latoya Bulgian, otherwise called BJU, in Granville, Montego Bay, was granted bail in the St. James Parish Court on Tuesday as witness documents were submitted into evidence.

One of Wilson's attorneys, Michael Hemings, said a key document relating to a civilian witness reached the court that morning, though other papers remained outstanding. Bail was set at one million dollars with surety, along with reporting conditions. Wilson must surrender his travel documents, and a stop order was put in place. The matter returns to court on 10 July. Members of the Granville community have expressed disappointment at the bail decision.

In international news, conjoined twins Carmen and Lupita Andrade, aged twenty-five and originally from Mexico, have drawn attention after Carmen married her boyfriend Daniel McCormack in an intimate ceremony. The sisters share a torso, pelvis and reproductive system. Lupita, who identifies as aromantic, remains single and publicly supports her sister's marriage. Carmen met McCormack on Hinge in 2020 and the couple eloped after nearly five years of dating. Carmen wore an emerald green dress for the ceremony. The trio have addressed public curiosity about their relationship on YouTube.