Foreign Affairs Minister Sean Sobers has assured that T&T nationals studying in Jamaica were not abandoned ahead of Hurricane Melissa’s arrival — but some students say the situation on the ground told a different story.
Yesterday, he claimed the government acted promptly after receiving concerns from students and parents on October 22nd.
He reported that all 268 students were contacted by e-mail and offered the option to return home, but only 72 accepted.
Two Caribbean Airlines flights were added on October 24th to accommodate returning students, with priority seating and discounted fares.
However, students are reporting that ticket prices were still high, with some paying over 500 US dollars for the one-way trip.
Mr. Sobers admitted Government considered funding the flights but said it was not feasible given the limited response.
He said discussions are ongoing to provide a free flight for students after the storm, but this was not yet confirmed.
For those who remained in Jamaica, he says the TT High Commission there distributed food and supplies, though students claimed the assistance was insufficient.
