Govt asks Jamaicans in Ukraine to take precautionary measure, amid crisis

Kingston, Jamaica: Amid the Russia-Ukraine crisis, like other governments, the Government of Jamaica (GOJ) has asked the Jamaican nationals in Russia to take precautionary measures for their safety and leave where necessary.

It further indicated the ongoing crisis in Ukraine might impact the nationals stuck in Russia and other neighbouring Eastern European countries.

According to the Press Release by the Government of Jamaica, “The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) is encouraging Jamaican nationals in Russia to take precautionary measures for their safety and leave where necessary. There is an indication that nationals in Russia and surrounding Eastern European countries could be impacted by the crisis occurring in Ukraine.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, regarding this matter, stated, “We are aware of eight Jamaican students, but our team has been receiving anecdotal reports of a higher number who are in Russia. Although we understand all of them are well and not experiencing disruption, we take this opportunity to strongly urge Jamaicans in Russia, or the person who is aware of Jamaicans living in Russia, to provide the relevant contact information and location to the Consular Affairs Department here in Jamaica, and leave where possible before the tension rises in that country.”

Minister further said, “We take this opportunity to strongly urge nationals in these and surrounding countries in Eastern Europe to exercise prudence in their activities and to take precautionary measures. “

He added, “These include, and are not limited to, securing safe passage to alternative locations, securing the necessary resources to do so and establishing relations with family or friends that may be of assistance, as necessary, in ensuring their security.”

“It is always helpful to let us know of your contact information and location when you are temporarily abroad, in the event there is a need for consular services, especially during emergency situations,” Foreign Trade minister Smith mentioned.

Johnson Smith further notified that the ministry had provided the contact details to the Consular Affairs Department for the safety of the children in Ukraine, Russia and other Eastern European countries.

The minister further assured that the “Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and its Embassy in Berlin have been closely monitoring the situation in Ukraine as well as Russia.”