PORTLAND, Jamaica — With Portland increasingly targeted by smugglers ferrying illegal Haitian migrants to Jamaican shores, concerns are mounting over a sharp uptick in violent crime and organized trafficking activity.
Minister of National Security, Dr. Horace Chang, on a recent visit to the parish, warned that Portland is now grappling with unique security challenges tied directly to the illicit migration routes from Haiti. Describing the situation as a “special problem,” Chang pointed to a troubling rise in homicides, fueled by a dangerous network trading firearms for narcotics.
“Portland is easily accessible by small vessels, making it a prime landing spot,” Chang explained. “Illegal migration from Haiti is not random — it is deeply intertwined with organized criminal networks. Weapons flow in, drugs flow out, and Portland is caught in the middle.”
In recent years, political unrest and deepening poverty in Haiti have triggered an exodus, with desperate citizens seeking new beginnings. However, authorities say criminal syndicates have seized the opportunity, turning migration into a lucrative enterprise — one that is now spilling violence into Jamaican communities.
According to Chang, coast guard patrols have intercepted several vessels before reaching Jamaican waters, preventing what could have been even greater infiltration. However, the impact is already being felt on land. Portland has recorded seven murders so far this year — a troubling figure for a parish historically considered among Jamaica’s safest.
“Two of the recent murders are directly tied to disputes among illegal migrants,” Chang revealed, adding that approximately 50 Haitians have been intercepted and returned by authorities. “These networks are armed. They are not just moving people; they are moving guns and drugs. Cocaine and marijuana are trafficked heavily, and the weapons often remain behind, fueling local conflicts.”
In a chilling example, a fatal confrontation between two Haitian nationals in Windsor Forrest earlier this year ended in bloodshed — one man dead, another facing murder charges.
The illegal influx has also reportedly attracted scammers, drawn to the firearms trade. “When scammers pay for weapons and don’t receive them, it often leads to deadly retaliation,” Chang said.
To combat the escalating threat, the government plans to expand the Jamaica Eye surveillance system throughout Portland, with additional cameras earmarked for strategic locations in Port Antonio and other vulnerable areas.
“We cannot allow Portland to spiral,” Chang stated firmly. “We’re committed to proactive intervention rather than reactive clean-up.”
Commissioner of Police, Dr. Kevin Blake, echoed the urgency, noting that while Portland’s crime rate remains lower than many other divisions, the trajectory is worrying.
“We’ve seen how quickly a parish can slip if early warning signs are ignored. We will not make that mistake here,” Blake vowed.
Meanwhile, Portland Eastern Member of Parliament, Ann-Marie Vaz, praised the police for their swift responses and called for the rapid installation of the new surveillance network. She also urged residents to support law enforcement efforts, stressing that community cooperation is vital to restoring peace.
As Portland grapples with these emerging threats, officials hope intensified policing, upgraded surveillance, and strong community ties will prevent the parish from becoming a permanent target for criminal networks.
