Gov’t monitoring situation in Middle East, 178 Jamaicans registered so far

The Government has issued an updated advisory to Jamaicans amid escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, urging nationals to avoid travel to the region, exercise heightened caution and remain in contact with authorities.

Speaking at this morning’s post-Cabinet press briefing, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, said this is the second advisory issued in relation to the developing situation involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

She said the Government “continues to monitor with concern” the unfolding developments and expressed hope for “calm and restraint”.

In the interim, the minister advised that Jamaicans should avoid all travel to the Middle East at this time.

Nationals who are already in the region are also being encouraged to exercise extreme caution.

She disclosed that thus far, telephone and internet services remain active.

Johnson Smith noted that while some commercial flights continue to operate from certain areas, there have been challenges, particularly with outbound flights to this side of the world.

She also noted that France and Britain are working to evacuate their nationals, and the Government is monitoring that development.

She disclosed that some Jamaicans have been able to leave the region, including a couple with whom she spoke directly, who travelled to Bangkok on Tuesday.

However, she indicated that flight availability remains a concern.

Nationals in affected territories are being urged to follow the directives of local authorities, verify information from official sources, and exercise caution before sharing or acting on any information.

The minister also announced that a virtual town hall meeting, being hosted from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been rescheduled.

The session, originally set for 7:30 p.m. UAE time, will now take place at 8:30 p.m. UAE time, which is 11:30 a.m. Jamaica time.

She said the details and Zoom link have been circulated in WhatsApp groups and are also available through the ministry.

Providing updated registration figures, Johnson Smith said that as of this morning, 178 Jamaicans have made themselves known to the Government.

Of that number, 85 are in the UAE, 44 in Kuwait, 40 in Qatar, six in Bahrain, and one each in Saudi Arabia, Oman and Israel.

Johnson Smith noted that as of yesterday afternoon, 138 persons had registered, reflecting a steady increase in nationals coming forward.

The foreign affairs minister emphasised that the Government will remain in communication and dialogue with its honorary consuls and other representatives in the affected areas.

Jamaicans seeking assistance or information may contact the Foreign Ministry via WhatsApp or phone at +1-876-391-8105.

She asked Jamaicans not to disturb the process by testing the number, as it is working.

Those in the UAE may also call +971-88-2626-4363.

Johnson Smith underscored the importance of staying connected, particularly for those who may be listening online and are directly engaged with persons in the region, as the Government continues to closely monitor the evolving situation.

- Andre Williams

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