Date set for return of Jamaican fishermen in Columbia, but captain to be charged and vessel sold

In an update via the press this afternoon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said, Kingston and Bogota have reached an agreement for the transfer of the crew at an agreed point on the high seas.

Hope-On, a Jamaican registered fishing vessel was seized in October by Columbian Coast Guards for allegedly fishing illegally in the territory of the South American nation.

A total of 34 Jamaicans, one Honduran and six nationals from the Dominican Republic were aboard the vessel at the time.

Majority of the Jamaicans are from the community of Old Harbour Bay in the south of Old Harbour, St Catherine.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said the matter was brought to their attention on October 19 by the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and that arrangements were being made to have the Jamaicans return home initially on November 5.

However, the situation only came to national attention yesterday when a video of the men voicing dissatisfaction of their circumstances was shared on social media.

• WATCH | Old Harbour Bay fishermen stuck in Columbia

Senator Kamina Johnson-Smith, delivering her contribution to the State of the Nation Debate in the Senate yesterday, used the opportunity to inform the country. 

“We are looking forward to the safe return of these Jamaican nationals who understandably want to be back home with their families. As a ministry and with our partners the Ministry of Agriculture and the JDF, we will continue to work towards this goal,” said the minister.

While the return of the crew if expected in another week from now, they will do so without the vessel, which has been seized and their captain who has been detained and slated to face the Columbian courts.

“The owner, who operates a commercial fishing enterprise, advised that he was seeing to the needs of the crew who were not in jail, but living on the vessel. He also indicated that he had retained the services of a lawyer in Colombia and hoped to secure arrangements to have the vessel released and the crew to sail it back to Jamaica.

“The ministry, aware of the risks and concerned about the welfare of the individuals, enquired further of the Colombian authorities as to whether such a process could be possible.  It was confirmed, however, that the vessel had been seized and would be sold as provided for in Colombian law, and that while the captain would be detained to face charges in Colombia, they would still keep the offer open to transport the other members of the crew to a point agreed with the JDF,” Johnson-Smith informed.

During her presentation Johnson-Smith appealed to boat owners and captains to familiarize themselves with existing legislation and take the necessary steps to comply with the new rules governing ocean fishing.

“Owners and fishermen need to recognize that times have changed and countries have changed their laws. Illegal fishing is a major international issue. Vessels are seized and crew are liable to be imprisoned. We are grateful that in this case the whole crew has not been detained.” She added. “Owners, operators and fishers need to fish responsibly in Jamaican waters. Boat owners also need to insure their vessels, not only for damage, but for loss and seizure and also for the care and protection of their crew.”