Haitian sounds crime warning to Jamaica

An Haitian expatriate is cautioning Jamaicans about opening their doors to persons fleeing his native land in search of shelter. The Haitian, who gave his name as Kevin Forbes, warned that Jamaica runs the risk of sheltering dangerous criminals if it makes itself a safe haven for persons fleeing violence in his war-torn country.

"It's best to do the necessary checks and those who are good, you can keep them, but send back home the bad ones," said Forbes, who told THE WEEKEND STAR that he fled Haiti years ago and now lives in The Bahamas.

"Do not harbour them to bring more violence to Jamaica. We have to remember that Haiti is a part of the violence that is happening in Jamaica because there are a lot of gangs in Haiti and there are illegal transactions between both countries. Jamaicans bringing weed to Haiti and they get guns in return to take back home. This is something I know for sure," Forbes said.

The Jamaican authorities have been keeping a close eye on developments in Haiti since the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021. A former Haitian senator, John Joel Joseph, was found hiding in Jamaica shortly after the murder. Following extradition to the USA to stand trial, a federal judge in Miami sentenced Joseph to life in prison for conspiring to kill Moise.

Dozens of Haitians turned up on Jamaica's shores in boats last year and were sent back home by the Jamaican government, which cited security concerns. Forbes said he is in no way or form bashing his countrymen, but feels it is not a good idea to open the doors to all asylum seekers.

"I have nothing against them because I am an Haitian, but I just don't want that mentality in Jamaica. If I ever have control, I would never allow a Haitian to enter that country illegally. The men in government train some of these same refugees to do bad things so they can kill each other all the time, and you just don't want that in Jamaica," he alleged.

Forbes said he left Haiti in search of a better life in 2009. He said he had just completed primary school and got a visitor's visa to visit an aunt in The Bahamas.

"I just took the opportunity and I completed high school in The Bahamas. College is pending, but I am working in the engineering field now. I left because of the same political issues and the lack of employment, the poverty and there are no proper healthcare and education there. I left loved ones there and I am worried about them, of course. My concern is that they are going to die," he said.

"The reality is that they have no food, government, clean water or security. They don't know what to do and my heart bleeds for them," Forbes added.

The Haitian, who has ties to Jamaica through one of his offspring, said he is also urging the Jamaican government not to extend any help to Haiti's acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry should he come seeking shelter.

"The people do not want that guy (Henry) in Haiti and that is what is causing the rift, but he went for international help to get that power. He is the problem and he is not legit. I am against the gang activities but those in power are a part of the violence," he said.