Minister for Efficiency, Innovation and Digital Transformation, Ambassador Audrey Marks is seeking to bring clarity to issues surrounding the Third Country Nationals agreement due to what she describes as “total misinformation.”

She explains that a proposal relating to a structured migration programme for workers which was put to U.S. officials last year is different from the Third Country Nationals or TCN agreement which the United States initiated with Jamaica in January and for which a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in June.

Ambassador Marks points out that the workers’ proposal which was to be discussed further with the U.S. was put on hold to allow for the MOU discussions relating to the transit of TCNs through Jamaica.

That MOU, which the Government says is not yet in effect will result in Jamaica hosting 25 TCNs at any one time under specific stipulations and with the support of the International Organization for Migration.

Ambassador Marks says the two programmes have been conflated.

She explains that she is now responding to the matter as she thought the issue had been settled following the Government’s clarification. 

The issue of the Third Country National Agreement has sparked widespread debate, with many, including the Opposition demanding more answers from the government.