Byron Lafayette - Sheldon Williams photo

Reintegration and resocialisation of deportees into Jamaica has received a pioneering boost with the formation of the Deportee Assistance Unit (DAU).

The DAU, the first of its kind in Jamaica, was launched in April by executive director Shechem 'Byron' Lafayete, days after he was deported from the United States after spending 24 years and seven months in prison for a crime he denies committing.

Interestingly, it was while incarcerated that Lafayete educated himself extensively with the practice of law, with an emphasis on immigration and criminal matters.

It is that knowledge, and subsequent experience as a prison law clerk, whichcompelled him to form DAU to assist displaced deportees upon his return to Jamaica.

"The primary goal is to assist deportees in various ways so as to provide assistance to them, whether in Jamaica or abroad," Lafayette reasoned.

At the same time, Lafayette remarked," we are a very comprehensive organisation committed to assisting deportees on many fronts".

DAU was founded with the core goals of educating the public about different aspects of deportees, deportation and providing tools and life skills for deportee clients.

Additionally, it intends to provide legal assistance for deportees who wish to challenge the judicial system of the United States.

In a newsletter submitted to THE STAR, DAU asserts its "legal team is willing and able to render services to those clients who would like to challenge their criminal convictions and deportation from the United States".

The letter also explains that "if successful, these individuals will be able to return to the United States,".

Among others, members of the DAU include attorneys-at-law Nadine Ramsey, Hopeton Fearon and Nicole Murray.

Paralegal associates include, Anthony Maxwell and Paul Cross. Dr.Jephthah V. Ford serves as a consultant physician.

Persons interested in accessing the services of DAU can visit its office at 65 Half Way Tree Road, Kgn 10, or call (876) 920-1688 or (876) 873-8209.