Government must explain TCN Agreement with US

THE EDITOR, Madam:

The decision of our Government to enter into a Third-Country National Agreement with the United States should be clearly explained to Jamaican citizens, who will show compassion where needed.

Government ministers have stated that Jamaica is assisting in the transit of asylum seekers to their home countries. We should be told:

• What countries are their home countries?

• If they entered the USA as asylum seekers, is Jamaica assisting in their return to countries where they may be subjected to torture, victimisation, or inhumane treatment?

• Since the USA has far greater resources than Jamaica, what is the reason for using Jamaica as a transit station?

• Since the USA has the greatest air-travel facilities, why is transit through Jamaica necessary or logical?

• If the country to which they are ultimately returned refuses to accept them, what will be Jamaica’s position?

Lloyd G. Barnett