Jamaican fishermen, minus captain, safely home from Columbia detention

In total 33 Jamaicans and four nationals of the Dominican Republic, who have Jamaican work permits, were repatriated.

The crew was transported by the HMJS Alexander Bustamante of the 1st Dist JDFCG without any incident after a transfer at the maritime border between Jamaica and Columbia at 8:00 am Friday.

The fishermen were received by representatives of the Jamaican army and immigration. Upon their arrival at Port Royal, each member was medically examined by local doctors on site before receiving the all-clear to reunite with their family.

Majority of the fishermen are from Old Harbour Bay, which is the largest fishing community in Jamaica.

• Old Harbour Bay fishermen to arrive in Port Royal tonight
• Date set for return of Jamaican fishermen in Columbia, but captain to be charged and vessel sold
• WATCH | Old Harbour Bay fishermen stuck in Columbia

On October 9, the Jamaican authorities were notified that a 41-man crew aboard Jamaican registered vessel Hope-On was detained by Columbia Coast Guards for allegedly fishing illegally in its territorial waters.

Both Kingston and Bogota have since been communicating on hammering out a resolution with the end result seeing 37 crew members being repatriated.

SUCCESS! 37 men including 33 Jamaicans who were detained in Colombia are safely home. The HMJS "ALEXANDER BUSTAMANTE" of the 1st Dist JDFCG was able to collect and bring home the fishermen safely and without incident.

Bravo Zulu Lt Cdr Wynter and your team! pic.twitter.com/k2vYlFqqQR

— Jamaica Defence Force (@JDFSoldier) November 12, 2022

Reacting to the latest development, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, said: “I am happy to report that all 33 Jamaican fishermen are now on the Island although regrettably as previously advised, the captain has been detained to face charges. I extend heartfelt appreciation to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries for securing the necessary funding for the Jamaican leg of the repatriation, as well as to the JDF for coordinating the logistics with their Colombian counterparts and receiving the fishermen at the arranged meeting point where they were then transported to Jamaica. I also acknowledge PICA’s integral role in the verification process relating to the crew members.”

Added Johnson Smith: “I also commend the boat owner who in recognition of the private nature of his enterprise, has committed to reimbursing the government for no less than one-half of the cost of fuel purchased by the JDF to undertake the repatriation exercise.

“I commend the hard-working consular team at the foreign ministry for always exercising care for our citizens, as they perform the often challenging and detailed process of providing assistance to our nationals in distress overseas.”

Meanwhile Old Harbour News can report that the detained captain of the seized vessel has retained legal representation and the matter is being treated expeditiously.

As for the other crew members still in Columbia, the Honduran and Nicaraguan governments have been contacted and briefed about their situation. However, the possibility of a swift solution remains unclear.