KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government of Jamaica continues to monitor the rapidly evolving security situation in the Middle East, which has further deteriorated in recent days, and is hosting a town hall meeting Wednesday to provide information for citizens in the conflict area.

The town hall will focus on sharing experiences on the ground, reiterating the messages of sheltering in place, staying away from windows, ensuring compliance with messages from the local authorities, identifying shelters, among other things.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, gave an update on the situation at a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday.

She explained that the town hall meeting is being hosted by High Commissioner to India, Jason Hall, who is accredited to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), to provide critical information for citizens in the region.

“In the UAE we have 85 Jamaicans who have registered, who have made themselves known. Kuwait 44, Qatar 40, Bahrain 6, Saudi Arabia 1, Oman 1 and Israel 1. This is up to 178 as at this morning,” the minister disclosed.

She highlighted that several Jamaicans have been able to leave the conflict zone.

“I spoke with a couple who was able to leave yesterday but they travelled to Bangkok. The difficulty is with flights coming in this direction… .  I believe the UAE has opened some corridors for safe air travel, but the actual airlines and the flights are not only limited but they are subject to cancellation in the event of changing circumstances,” Johnson Smith explained.

She urged Jamaica nationals in the Middle East to exercise extreme caution and to follow instructions from official sources.

“It is noted that commercial air services across parts of the region have been disrupted, with cancellations and periodic airspace restrictions affecting several routes. However, some commercial flights continue to operate from certain locations, and Jamaican nationals who wish to depart should remain vigilant, should monitor these flights, and should consider available options once it is safe to do so,” Senator Johnson Smith advised.

She further encouraged Jamaicans in the Middle East to remain alert to developments that may impact their safety.

The foreign affairs minister noted that Jamaican nationals in the area have reached out through Jamaica’s overseas diplomatic and consular missions to provide updates on their welfare.

She emphasised that the Government will remain engaged throughout this period as it considers further actions that may be required.

“The Government hopes for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urges calm and restraint for the protection of civilian life,” the foreign affairs minister stated.

Meanwhile, Senator Johnson Smith emphasised the importance of relying on verified information from official sources and established news organisations.

“Unverified reports circulating online may contribute to confusion and anxiety, and individuals are, therefore, encouraged to also exercise caution before sharing or acting on unverified information,” she stated.

Jamaicans in the affected countries can contact +1-876-391-8105 from wherever they are.

“If it rings without an answer, leave a message or send a WhatsApp [message]. It is monitored and callbacks are made,” Senator Johnson Smith assured.

Alternatively, citizens can contact Jamaica’s High Commissioner to India, at +91-882-626-4363.

“This contacts the mission in Delhi. It similarly is monitored and perhaps given time zones you may feel more comfortable trying to work with that number,” the foreign minister said.

She noted that internet and telephone services in the Middle East are still available, so Jamaicans in the region should be able to contact their families here.

Individuals who are however having difficulty contacting their family members in the area can also contact the high commission for assistance.

— JIS