20 Haitians repatriated

The 20 Haitians who were picked up by the police following their arrival by boat at a beach in Kensington, Portland, on Saturday, were repatriated Sunday night.

The group, which was comprised of 14 men, four women and two boys, was reportedly returned to Haiti aboard a Jamaica Defence Force Coast Guard vessel, less than 24 hours after landing.

The Haitians had earlier claimed that they were fleeing persecution, civil unrest, gang warfare and economic hardships in their homeland, where water and food is scarce.

Additionally, members of the group, who spoke through an interpreter, alleged that persons are being brutally slaughtered and raped by gang members in Haiti.

- Gareth Davis

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