Riverton Meadows residents offer dump access to deportees

As Jamaica prepares to accept its first set of deportees under the controversial third-country nationals deals with the United States of America, residents of Riverton Meadows say they have no objection to the migrants coming to Jamaica—provided they are expected to work for their daily bread instead of depending on taxpayers.

The inner-city community, which sits on the edge of Riverton dump, is home to many residents who survive by scavenging through mountains of garbage for recyclable materials they can sell. Several residents told THE STAR they would find it difficult to accept the deal of public funds were to be used to support people from overseas when many Jamaicans are already struggling to survive.

Gladston Bennett believes the dump could provide a source of employment for the deportees while they await immigration proceedings in the USA.

“If the Government is going to take these people then they will have to learn how to survive,” Bennett said.

National Security & Peace Minister Dr Horace Chang has said the Government is working with the International Office of Migration to secure appropriate accommodation for the third-country nationals while they are in Jamaica. He said the Government will not absorb the cost of their stay.

Despite the pronouncements, residents like Bennett are adamant about what role, if any, the Government should play.

“Our tax dollars should not take care of them,” he insisted. “Send them come to Riverton let them see how hard people have to work for their own. Dem can’t come live free suh,” Bennett said.

Pointing to the poor conditions in the community, Bennett said many residents already endure harsh conditions to earn a living and the same should apply to those arriving under the agreement.

“We don’t even have good houses because a lot of board houses deh here. It better the Government all build up one place down here suh a house dem, and a daytime dem go on the dump go hustle dem food because a dat most a the residents dem do,” he reasoned.

His views were echoed by Gina Samuels, who said the reality of life in Riverton is far removed from the idyllic image of Jamaica often portrayed overseas.

“I don’t have any problem fi dem come a Jamaica, enuh, as long as a nuh mi a take care of them,” she said. “Put dem to work and Riverton is a good place because a lot of times people hear about Jamaica and dem only see the part that dem see on the tourist advertisement. Nuff a the deportee dem probably glad fi come here because dem tink a vacation but bring dem come a Riverton where we literally eat we food from the dump.”

“Send dem come and make dem come hunt fi copper and loom and plastic bottles. Make dem come run dung de truck with we and see how hard life is. A nuh beach and sand dem a come but sun, dirt and garbage,” Samuels added.

While many residents focused on the financial implications of the agreement, Rose Thomas said her greatest concern is public safety.

Standing fully covered from head to toe to shield herself from the dust and grime of the dump, Thomas said the Government must ensure every individual undergoes thorough background checks before being allowed into the country.