An Ontario track star, Tamarri Lindo, along with his family, has successfully obtained permanent resident status in Canada, averting the looming threat of deportation back to Jamaica, their country of origin. The Lindo family, consisting of Tamarri, his parents, and three siblings, received confirmation from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) granting them permission to remain in Canada, as disclosed by their immigration lawyer, Aidan Simardone.
Simardone mentioned in a statement to CBC News that the decision by IRCC was influenced by public pressure. Over 1,300 individuals signed an online petition orchestrated by the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, urging the federal government to halt the deportation order targeting the family.
Expressing relief, Simardone emphasized the significance of the Lindo family’s newfound status, allowing them to stay in Canada without the fear of deportation. He highlighted that this development enables the parents to focus on their daily endeavors while Tamarri Lindo can pursue his Olympic aspirations without hindrance, attributing the positive outcome to public support.
The immigration lawyer acknowledged the collective effort behind pressuring the federal government, citing the petition signatories, social media shares, and contacts with politicians as instrumental in influencing the decision. While IRCC has not yet officially confirmed the resolution, Lindo, a third-year health studies student at York University and a standout athlete, recently achieved success at the Canada Games, clinching gold in the 4×100-metre relay and silver in the 110m hurdles.
The Lindo family sought asylum in Canada from Jamaica when Tamarri was 15, fleeing due to threats stemming from his father George Lindo’s political involvement, which led to multiple assassination attempts. The family’s affiliations with the People’s National Party and the political landscape in Jamaica posed significant risks, necessitating their escape to Canada.
Despite the challenges, various organizations extended their support to the Lindo family, including endorsements from York University, Athletics Canada, Athletics Ontario, and the Canadian Olympic Committee. The family had previously received a one-year reprieve in response to public outcry, with temporary resident permits granted by IRCC, while their humanitarian and compassionate application for Canadian residency remained under review.
Amidst the backdrop of the travel advisory cautioning against high levels of violent crime in Jamaica, the Lindo family can now look forward to continuing their lives in Canada without the specter of deportation looming over them.
