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The Government last evening said it was closely monitoring Hurricane Melissa as it moves through the Caribbean Sea. In a release yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs said the safety of all nationals remains a top priority. “According to Government records, 268 students under the SATD and GATE programmes are currently in Jamaica. Of these, 69 receive bursaries, five are CAPE students, 179 are GATE recipients, and 15 are enrolled at UTECH,” it stated. It said the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, and Caribbean Airlines agreed to give Trinidad and Tobago nationals, including students, priority on the national carrier for travel out of Jamaica. “A blast email was sent to all students on October 23, asking if they wished to return to Trinidad and Tobago ahead of the storm. Seventy-two students opted to return, 13 declined, and 183 did not respond. “Among those who declined, six reported they were safe at home, while the remainder were comfortable in University of the West Indies Halls of Residence. “The following day, students were informed via email of support measures, including provisions by UWI for on- and off-campus residents, shelter locations, and Caribbean Airlines flight schedules for those wishing to return,” the ministry said. It said Caribbean Airlines operated two non-stop flights from Kingston to Trinidad on October 24—with 38 and 121 open seats, respectively. “Nationals are encouraged to check Caribbean Airlines’ website for updated flight information,” the statement said. According to the ministry, the High Commission yesterday “visited UWI’s Mona campus to distribute food items to students in all halls of residence, based on a needs list compiled by the Trinidad and Tobago Students Association (TTSA). The Charge d’Affaires, accompanied by the TTSA president, personally delivered parcels to student representatives and was en route to provide additional support to a student at Edna Manley College at the time of reporting”. It continued, “In a demonstration of regional co-operation, the Government of Barbados requested that Barbadian nationals be accommodated on Trinidad and Tobago’s flights. The Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs coordinated with Caribbean Airlines to facilitate their safe return. “The Ministry has urged all Trinidad and Tobago nationals in Jamaica to follow official guidance from local authorities, including the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), and parish authorities. Residents are advised to prepare emergency kits, stay indoors during strong winds, avoid low-lying and flood-prone areas, and maintain communication with family and friends.” It said consular assistance is available through the High Commission in Kingston and the Ministry of Foreign and Caricom Affairs in Port of Spain. Students and nationals are reminded to have proof of identity and current contact information when reaching out.
