Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, is informing that the Government of Jamaica had made a special offer to assist Jamaican students seeking to return home, and that ultimately no students had utilized it.
“On 12th February 2022, our offer of assistance was communicated to the students by our Embassy in Berlin, in the form of a loan for airfare to Jamaica, whereby the government would book and pay for the tickets for their return to Jamaica. Although seven (7) students had requested assistance, ultimately they decided not to go this route.” said the Minister.
The Foreign Minister shared that, “The seven (7) Jamaican students who had indicated their interest in accepting an offer of support from us to purchase tickets for their return home, decided against returning to Jamaica. We understand that while some students are making private arrangements to travel to other cities in the region until the situation in Ukraine improves, others are still cautiously monitoring the situation. We are aware of eight (8) students who have left thus far, with an additional five (5) travelling from Ukraine over the course of this week”.
“We note the cancellation of flights between Ukraine and Germany, which increases the complexity of travel, should students still choose to return to Jamaica. We have shared the options available to them, for example through Turkey, and have highlighted our concern that travel may become even more challenging as events unfold and would even become impossible should Ukraine’s airspace be closed entirely. Our message to them has been that they need to take immediate action if they intend to leave,” said Minister Johnson Smith.
The Government of Jamaica remains hopeful that diplomatic efforts will yield a de-escalation of tensions, but notes with concern the intensification of tensions in the region.
In the meantime, the Ministry remains actively engaged with the students as well as with their family members in Jamaica. The Ministry may be contacted via email at consular@mfaft.gov.jm or at consularassist@mfaft.gov.jm, or via WhatsApp at 876-469-4058.
