Despite borders being closed in the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago, talks have led to the Government agreeing to the repatriation of Jamaicans to their homeland. The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith explained that up to 150 Jamaicans will be returning on a Caribbean Airlines flight.
“We started discussions with CAL as soon as it was brought to our attention that there was a large number of Jamaicans in the Twin Island Republic who had not been aware of the June repatriation flight or had not been able to travel because of obligations at that time, but for whom return home has since become urgent.” Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade publicly announced.
The Jamaicans had approached the Jamaican High Commission in the twin island republic wanting to return home. Senator Johnson Smith said it became important to raise the issue with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in order to create a solution.
“We had a success ultimately. I am very pleased that the Minister of National Security, Minister Young who I was able to engage on the matter has approved the repositioning of a Caribbean Airlines plane from Port-of-Spain to Kingston,” Senator Johnson Smith explained. ” Repositioning so it may run routes up here and this has created the opportunity for CALS to offer this 150 seat plane for Jamaicans who urgently need to return home.”
Other Jamaicans in Trinidad and Tobago wishing to return home but not on the flight list are being asked to contact the high commission to be added. Details of the flight have been sent to the nationals already approved for the departure flight.
“If you are one of the Jamaican nationals who have registered and have been approved on jamcovid19, and you have advised the Jamaican High Commission of your need to return to Jamaica, you will be placed on the flight list. If your circumstances have changed and you no longer wish to travel at this time, you should advise the High Commission,” she said.
