Returnees association head wants Gov't to do more

Percival Latouche, head of the Jamaica Association for the Resettlement of Returning Residents, says he is not impressed with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade's (MFAFT) latest initiative to protect returning residents.

The returning residents task force was established by the ministry, and it has recently put into motion strategies to support individuals in their transition home. This includes engagement on the priority areas identified by returning residents, such as enhanced service delivery, involvement in community and national development, and the creation of safe and cohesive communities.

Latouche has, however, rubbished their efforts, stating that it would not be effective in fighting crimes against returnees.

"What we need is proper policing and honesty, and the people will be alright. Police officers need to be paid properly so that they can go out there and do their jobs. The Government needs to make sure they don't leave any loopholes out there so criminals can spy into people's lives," Latouche said.

Headed by State Minister Senator Pearnel Charles Jr, the task force is a collaborative effort of stakeholders, including MFAFT, representatives from the returning residents associations, the Ministry of National Security, the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), and the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA). In an effort to immediately increase awareness, a Returning Residents Safety and Security Handbook was created by the JCF, which is available for download on the MFAFT's website and on other partners' online platforms.