Awaiting determination from Jamaican immigration authorities

It is being reported in Jamaica that three relatives of former Haitian Opposition Senator John Joel Joseph are seeking asylum in Jamaica, fearing that they will be killed if returned to Haiti.

The three, Joseph’s wife Edume (38) and their two sons, Schopenhauer (18) and a nine-year-old, were arrested along with him in Jamaica last month. They have formally applied to the Jamaican authorities for asylum and are awaiting a determination.

The three along with the former Haitian senator, who were all charged with illegal entry, were brought before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court yesterday (February 15). At yesterday’s hearing their attorney, Donahue Martin successfully argued for the case be adjourned pending an application to the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) for refugee status. 

As a result, Senior Parish Judge Lori-Ann Cole-Montague set the case for another hearing date of March 3 and extended their bail.

Joseph allegedly fled Haiti with his family after he was linked to July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse last year July.

Family fled to Jamaica in December

The family was held by police on January 14 during an operation in Warminster district, St Elizabeth. Joseph reportedly arrived in the island illegally by boat in December along with his family members.

He is one of three key suspects who are being hunted in relation to the assassination. He is the second suspect to be held in Jamaica.

The first was former Colombian soldier, Mario Antonio Palacios, who was arrested in late October by Jamaican police.

Following his court appearance in Jamaica, and while being deported to his native Colombia earlier this month, Palacios was notified by American authorities and extradited to the United States.

Moïse was killed on July 7 when a hit team invaded the presidential residence and shot him dead. His wife, Martine, was wounded but survived.