Senator Kamina Johnson Smith
Enhanced operating protocols and procedures have been proposed to improve the implementation of the Shiprider Agreement between the United States and Jamaica under which, both countries cooperate to curtail illicit maritime drug trafficking.
This follows an incident in October 2020 where four Jamaican men aboard the Jamaican-registered vessel “Lady Lawla” were detained after the boat was intercepted, its cargo inspected by the US Coastguard, and items allegedly found to contain a type of narcotic drug or psychotropic substance.
Following the detention of the men, the Lady Lawla was destroyed on the grounds of representing a danger to navigation, pursuant to the provisions of the Shiprider Agreement, and the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, as well as standard maritime practice.
Still wearing their US immigration detention garb, the four Jamaican fishermen who were aboard ‘Lady Lawla’ arrive at the Norman Manley International Airport yesterday.
The four Jamaican fishermen who returned from the United States last evening were in high spirits, and their relatives were relieved to have them safely back home after more than two months detained in the US without charge after being accused of drug trafficking in what lawyers have called a breach of their rights.
The men have reportedly been left traumatised by their detention, which started on October 11, when their boat,
Lady Lawla, was boarded by the United States Coast Guard. Their ordeal ended yesterday, when they were released from US custody.