The joint operation between the Jamaican and Colombian coast guards to facilitate the return of 34 Jamaican fishermen will take place on Thursday, a day earlier than previously announced.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Senator Kamina Johnson Smith said the Jamaican fishermen are expected to arrive in Port Royal at approximately 11 o clock on Friday night, subject to favourable conditions at sea.

Regarding the foreign nationals, who are also members of the crew, 4 of them, from the Dominican Republic, are legally employed to operate in Jamaica, and will be included in the repatriation to Jamaica.

While the Honduran and Nicaraguan Authorities have been advised of the circumstances of their nationals, who have not been able to demonstrate a legal right to work in Jamaica.

These persons will be transferred to their respective destinations.

The fishermen had been detained by Colombian authorities on allegations that they were fishing illegally in Colombian waters.

The captain has been arrested and charged, and the boat seized.