Jamaica to block Dominican Republic’s entry to CARICOM

For some time there has been discussion as to whether the Dominican Republic should become a part of CARICOM. If this Dominican Republic/Haiti matter is not resolved in the spirit of full adherence to human rights, and adherence to acknowledged international norms, Jamaica will not support the Dominican Republic.

Jamaica has waded into the Dominican Republic/Haiti controversy and has indicated that it will block attempts by the Dominican Republic from joining the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

According to Jamaica’s Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister, A.J. Nicholson, “Jamaica will withhold any support the Dominican Republic needs to joining the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) if that country fails to appropriately resolve attempts to denationalize hundreds of thousands of its own people who are of Haitian descent.”

Despite CARICOM’s strong condemnation of the denationalization and deportation plans, the regional body has not been able to sway the Dominican Republic on the matter, as, according to international reports, these activities could begin as early as this week.

Read more: Jamaica Observer