Portland (Jamaica) police are urging residents to be cautious and consider certain risks if they are faced with the arrival of illegal Haitian nationals.

Speaking at the Portland Municipal Corporation meeting in Port Antonio, Superintendent Lloyd Darby, Commanding Officer of the Portland Police Division, while commending residents for their kindness and cautioning "The citizens who first encountered the [29] Haitians[on July 13 in Boston]" did a commendable humanitarian job by assisting them with food and water upon arrival.

"However, I caution that if there is a repeat of this kind of mass arrival, that the citizens be careful of the risk of persons among the group who might be armed,” adding "

“However, I warn that if there is a repeat of this kind of mass arrival, citizens should be aware of the risk of people among the group who may be armed," adding "There is also the possibility of the risk of infectious diseases. So [residents] should properly mask themselves [during] their interaction with them before the authorities reach."

Superintendent Darby indicated that a multi-agency approach has been taken to deal with the situation, adding that the Haitians are housed in a facility in St. Mary where the process of interviews by the Passport Agency for the Immigration and Citizenship (PICA) was undertaken.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Port Antonio Mayor Councilor Paul Thompson, who praised the agencies involved for their collaborative effort.

SL/HaitiLibre