Ukraine Student’s Mother Relieved at Safe Evacuation

21 Jamaican students who were trapped in Ukraine are scheduled to arrive at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay on, March 2. The foreign affairs minister says two of the students who arrived with the group in Poland will not travel to Jamaica, as they have made other arrangements. The flight is being paid for by the Government of Jamaica. 

Meanwhile, our reporter Velonique Bowen conducted an exclusive interview with one parent who says she’s relieved her son is finally out of Ukraine and will in fact, make it home.  The smile you’re seeing is one of relief and gratitude as Lori-Gaye Allen takes CVM Live on the traumatic experience that has been her life for the past week, having had a son trapped in Ukraine in the middle of the catastrophic Russian invasion. 

Allen recalls speaking to her son, Matthew hours before the first explosion. She says all seemed well; however she was soon contacted with what she calls the most bizarre news. Allen says she immediately began contacting other parents, which eventually became somewhat of a support group. She says they encouraged each other to remain strong and focused on the goal, evacuating their children. She says she’s beyond proud of the students for sticking together throughout the crisis, even as they were hauled off a bus while heading to the polish border.  Despite being relieved her son is among the group currently heading to Jamaica, she says she’s heartbroken for all the students, who are now uncertain about their future. The students will arrive in Montego Bay where they’ll be shuttled home under the arrangements of the government.