Six Cuban citizens, four men and two women, were detained by Jamaican authorities on Sunday night after arriving illegally on the Caribbean island aboard a small vessel.
The group, as reported by Jamaica Gleaner, landed on Harvey Beach, located in Rose Hall, in the parish of St. James, a tourist area near Montego Bay.
The arrival took place on Sunday afternoon and was reported to local authorities, who proceeded to arrest the migrants hours later.
The Chief Superintendent of Police, Eron Samuels, head of the St. James police division, confirmed the arrest and explained that the six Cubans are in custody while their legal process is coordinated with the relevant immigration authorities.
So far, the authorities have not provided details about the health status of the detainees or their possible intentions regarding asylum or return.
This new case of irregular migration adds to the increasing number of Cuban citizens who use Jamaica as a transit point or temporary refuge in light of the worsening economic and social conditions in various parts of the Caribbean, including Cuba.
In January 2024, another group of ten Cuban rafters was detained at a hotel in Coopers Pen, Trelawny, after their boat veered off course towards Florida due to bad weather. A Jamaican court ordered their deportation, dropping the charges of illegal entry.
In October 2024, ten Cubans were detained after illegally entering by sea in two separate groups, using four vessels. Seven of them were intercepted on the main road of Unity Hall, while the other three were found on a hotel property in Rose Hall.
In December 2024, Jamaican authorities repatriated 21 irregular Cuban migrants via the port of Santiago de Cuba, marking the first operation of its kind carried out by Jamaica by sea.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Migration of Cuban Rafters and Detentions in Jamaica
Why do Cuban rafters choose Jamaica as their destination or transit point?
Jamaica has become a destination or transit point for Cuban rafters due to its geographic proximity and the economic and social conditions in Cuba. The desperation to improve their living conditions drives many Cubans to risk dangerous maritime journeys to nearby countries like Jamaica.
What happens to the Cuban rafters detained in Jamaica?
When Cuban rafters are arrested in Jamaica, they are held in custody while their legal process is coordinated with the relevant immigration authorities. In many cases, migrants are repatriated to Cuba once the necessary legal procedures are completed.
What is the impact of the economic crisis in Cuba on irregular migration?
The economic crisis in Cuba has a significant impact on irregular migration, driving many citizens to seek better opportunities outside the island. The lack of economic opportunities and a system unable to provide a dignified future are key factors motivating Cubans to emigrate irregularly.
How does the Cuban government respond to the repatriation of its citizens from Jamaica?
The Cuban government, through the Ministry of the Interior, coordinates the reception of its citizens repatriated from Jamaica. In 2024, Jamaica conducted the first operation to repatriate irregular Cuban migrants by sea, highlighting international cooperation in managing irregular migration.
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