Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer

PORTLAND POLICE are investigating reports that fugitive Haitians are being used as cheap sources of labour on construction sites in the parish.

Last week, the police said they received reports from residents claiming that Haitians were working on construction sites as common labourers at Fairy Hill, Long Bay and Anchovy Gardens.

There are also suggestions that they are being paid a meagre $350 daily, far below the daily wages of a common labourer, who earns from $1,000 to $1,200.

The Gleaner also understands that employers provide the Haitians with daily meals and mobile phones as part of the compensation package.

Face prosecution

A senior police officer, who asked not to be named, said the matter was being investigated and has warned that anyone harbouring Haitian migrants or employing them illegally will be charged with aiding and abetting fugitives.

Under Jamaican law, illegal aliens face prosecution for illicit entry and other immigration charges, while persons who offer them employment or house them may be charged for harbouring fugitives.

Member of Parliament for East Portland, Dr. Donald Rhodd, who is also the Junior Minister for National Security, told The Gleaner yesterday that the ministry was not aware of any Haitians working, or on the loose, in Portland.

Dr. Rhodd, however, added that his office has been on the lookout for illegal persons who may have escaped holding facilities.

"We will investigate any such reports of Haitians working in Portland," said Dr. Rhodd.

He added: "Our approach might have to be different, as persons claiming to have information might not be willing to come forward voluntarily. Then there are others who might even try to hide information from the police."

In 2005, when there was an influx of Haitians into the island, more than 120 refugees were being housed at the Winnifred Rest Home facility in Fairy Hill. On more than three occasions, security personnel stationed at the facility disclosed that some of the refugees had cut their way through sections of the perimeter fence and escaped into the Fairy Hill community.

Although the Ministry of National Security, in a release shortly after, said the Haitians had returned to the facility and were later transferred to Montpelier in St. James, some residents denied that claim.

Contacted yesterday, Gilbert Scott, permanent secretary in the National Security Ministry and Jamaica's chief immigration officer, said illegal migrant Haitians are still at large. He was, however, unable to state how many.

Police have frequently picked up illegal migrant Haitians who are found working here.

Last month, 45 Haitians, including 23 who arrived in Jamaica on February 15, were repatriated to their homeland. The other 22 Haitians had been picked up over the past few months for immigration breaches, and were awaiting deportation.

While Mr. Scott said he was hearing of the Portland allegations for the first time, he stressed that "they (the Haitians) may well be legal," noting that some Haitians were previously granted political asylum.