KINGSTON, Jamaica – Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator Kamina Johnson Smith is appealing to Jamaicans who were refused boarding on their connecting flights in Panama on the weekend, to make contact with the ministry.

OBSERVER ONLINE understands that Jamaicans were not allowed to board their flight due to the airlines’ refusal. They were then required to remain at the airport in Panama in what was described as deplorable conditions until their return flight to Jamaica on Sunday.

Johnson Smith, in an update via Twitter on Thursday, said the foreign ministry’s probe into the matter is being hampered by the lack of formal complaints by the affected citizens.

To date, only two individuals have filed such complaints.

“Regarding the recent incident concerning 6-9 Jamaicans in Panama, further to our formal communication to the Gov’t of #Panama on Monday, the Ministry met with the Panamanian Amb. to JA. We have also written to KLM to request an investigation into the matter,” tweeted Johnson Smith.

“Regrettably we have only received complaints from two persons so our info is incomplete,” she informed.

Anyone knowing persons who were refused boarding by KLM in Panama last week are being asked to contact consular@mfaft.gov.jm.

This, according to Johnson Smith, is due to both the airline and the Panamanian government requiring further details on the issues.