The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade says it has initiated enquiries with the United States Authority in relation to the alleged transfer of a Jamaican national to Eswatini.

In a post to her Instagram account yesterday, Portfolio Minister Kamina Johnson Smith said the Ministry is aware of reports in the public domain, of the transfer of individuals including a Jamaican man, to the Southern African country.

Yesterday, the BBC reported that the Jamaican man and 4 other people described as “criminal illegal aliens” were deported to Eswatini.

The BBC added that US Homeland Security Department Assistant Secretary Tricia Mclaughlin said, on board the flight were five deportees from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba and Yemen who have been convicted of crimes ranging from child rape to murder.

Jamaica’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said if the reports are confirmed, it will continue its engagements with the US on the arrangements necessary to facilitate the individual’s return to Jamaica.

It further noted that the Government has not refused the return of any Jamaican to the island.

The Ministry said it will keep the public updated as soon as further verified information is obtained.