COVID-19 spike thwarts plans to bring home J’cans stranded in US

Jamaica’s Ambassador to the United States Audrey Marks has revealed that a spike in the number of coronavirus cases in the island this week has thrown off plans to announce a gradual return to the island on a phased basis for nationals stranded overseas.

In an online meeting organised by the Jamaican Embassy in Washington with more than 300 Jamaicans around the world taking part, Marks said that efforts are ongoing to have Jamaicans stranded in the United States return to the island as soon as possible.

“ … Please be assured that we will be working with the authorities, both here and in Jamaica, to get you home as soon as we possibly can,” Marks said, addressing the meeting.

She added that Jamaica was also in talks with the US authorities for waivers to be granted to Jamaicans who have been unable to renew expired visas due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The ambassador said that critical to the discussion was a request for a waiver of the visa renewal fee in the amount of US$450 (approximately J$60,000), which many persons may not able to pay at this time due to the circumstances.

Among the Jamaicans currently seeking to return home are seasonal workers, cruise ship workers, students and others with temporary status in the US.

A call centre, which will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., has been established for persons with questions or requiring assistance from the embassy. Persons are asked to call 1-877-226-6879 or email counsul@jamaicanembassy.org.

Marks also revealed that her office was in contact with cruise line operators with a view to having a vessel taking all Jamaican cruise ship workers home.