Jamaica stands at a pivotal moment. As the United States signals the possibility of mass deportations, our nation is being called to act with courage, compassion, and clarity of purpose in response to social injustice after the shame of our coerced dismissal of our Cuban medical professionals from our shores.

People must prepare ourselves to stand up and show strength and solidarity as a people socially, economically, and spiritually and stand firm for liberty and justice. As we prepare to provide refuse for the displaced, oppressed, persecuted, and frightened whose lives have been overturned again by political action.

Jamaica has always stood with our Caribbean brothers and sisters. From Grenada, Haiti to Cuba, our history is one of solidarity, shared struggle, and mutual upliftment. Today, as Haiti faces unprecedented turmoil, we must reaffirm that bond. Our doors must remain open with responsible controls to our shores. We must also be receptive, and our institutions ready to support families seeking safety and employment to become productive citizens of our communities and country as they provide for their families and prepare for the future.