JLP, PNP squabble over charter flight
Published:Tuesday | May 7, 2024 | 12:11 AMKimone Francis/Senior Staff Reporter
The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) yesterday criticised the People’s National Party’s (PNP) response to the German charter flight carrying more than 200 Indians which landed in the island on Thursday.
The governing party said the Opposition’s response to news of the arrival is “disappointing and opportunistic”.
The JLP said the statement released by the PNP on the matter was “vulgar” and an attempt to politicise the issue.
The PNP called for “immediate clarity” from the Government, noting that the charter flight landed in Jamaica in breach of applicable immigration and customs protocols.
Opposition spokesperson on foreign and regional affairs Dr Angela Brown Burke wants the Government to disclose the origin, destination and purpose of the flight; 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 permitted to enter Jamaica.
The PNP is also questioning why standard immigration and customs procedures were reportedly not followed; the plans for the travellers and the measures being taken by the Jamaica Constabulary Force 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. The difference in treatment of the passengers on this flight is stark, and demands answers,” said Brown Burke.
Humanitarian grounds
The Ministry of National Security has since indicated that the flight landed legally and said while the travellers were refused entry amid security concerns, they were allowed to remain in the island for a few days on humanitarian grounds.
The ministry said this was to facilitate plans for repatriation. Some 253 persons were onboard including the Indians, German crew members, at least one French citizen, an Uzbekistan and a Russian.
The latter two were reportedly not accounted for on the flight manifest.
“Having reviewed the reports from the various agencies it is clear that our immigration systems worked to ensure the proper enforcement of our laws and the respectful treatment of passengers,” the JLP said in a media statement.
It said based on the Government’s investments in airports and flight connectivity, Jamaica is fast becoming a hub and a gateway to the region.
The party said over five million persons visit Jamaica each year and charters are an increasing feature of travel to Jamaica.
“While we must continue to build Jamaica’s image globally as a welcoming destination, we will also continue to be vigilant in the protection of our borders and immigration to prevent any illegal use of our territorial space.
“The Jamaica Labour Party understands the concerns expressed in some quarters regarding the entry of the charter flight. However, those concerns should be allayed, as our laws were enforced, and there was no cost to the Government,” the party said.