The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade says that the Government of Jamaica continues to assist Jamaican students and their families where possible during this difficult period.
We can report on the following information:
- 15 students have left Ukraine
- 26 students remain in Ukraine
- 25 students are located in Kharkiv
- 1 student is located L’viv
- 2 students have not provided information on their location
Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, has expressed her concerns about the students’ safety and welfare. In a message to the students dated 23rd February, the Minister said:
We know that you must be feeling scared and uncertain about what is happening in Ukraine, and we, like your families, are worried about you. Please know that Jamaica joins the world in calling for peace, and we are prayerful for these calls to be swiftly heeded. Until then, we continue to reach out to offer some support and guidance.
As you know, conditions have deteriorated swiftly overnight. There are no flights out of Ukraine nor is it possible (or recommended) to travel overland. As there will be elements who seek to sow panic, it is important that you pay careful attention to official sources of information and ensure that you are clear on your University’s emergency procedures, including any recommended location(s) for evacuation.
The Embassy will stay in contact by WhatsApp and email. Please keep your phones charged and let us know where you are and if you change location. Please also share your phone number, if we only have an email address for you.
Some additional practical recommended steps include:
- Send photo of your passport bio-data page/ID and provide any family/emergency contact information to the Embassy in Berlin;
- Place important documents like passport/ID in waterproof bags;
- Keep a small bag packed with your ID, change of clothes and a few basic food items and medicine;
- Try to remain together in your groups, and if not possible, ensure that you know who your neighbours are, especially if you are new to the residence.
This is a very difficult time and our prayers and thoughts are with you. Please try to stay calm and to support each other where possible. We will stay in contact and we will get through this.
Given the situation in Ukraine, the Minister has conferred with her CARICOM Colleagues and with other diplomatic partners on the situation and will remain alert to any opportunities for safe passage that can be communicated to our students.
In the meantime, the Ministry remains 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.
