Tamarri Lindo, a talented Toronto athlete who recently won a bronze medal at Canada’s national track and field championships, faces imminent deportation to Jamaica due to fears of political persecution and unsafe conditions following a hurricane.

Lindo, now 20 years old, moved to Toronto with his family at the age of 15. He excelled academically and athletically, graduating from high school in Toronto and continuing his education at York University. Despite being born in Toronto, his five-year-old sister will also be taken to Jamaica with the family.

The Lindo family left Jamaica due to concerns over political affiliations, particularly his father’s involvement with the opposition People’s National Party. However, their refugee applications have been repeatedly rejected, and they are scheduled to return to Jamaica imminently, a decision Lindo learned about while preparing for his recent championship race.

Facing the prospect of deportation, Lindo expressed deep emotional distress, fearing for his safety in Jamaica where he believes he could be targeted due to his family’s political background. Their lawyer, Aidan Simardone, has filed a judicial review as a last-ditch effort to appeal the decision, emphasizing the life-threatening risks they could face upon returning.

Lindo recounted harrowing experiences from Jamaica, including threats against his father’s life, which prompted their move to Canada seeking refuge. Despite efforts to secure refugee status and humanitarian considerations, their applications were denied.

Support for Lindo and his family has rallied within the community, with petitions and advocacy efforts urging authorities to halt the deportation. Organizations like the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change are actively campaigning for regularization, which would grant permanent resident status to undocumented individuals facing similar circumstances.

Meanwhile, Lindo remains hopeful that he can continue his studies and pursue his athletic aspirations in Canada. He dreams of representing his adopted country on the global stage, underscoring his deep-rooted desire to contribute positively despite the adversity he and his family are currently facing.