Some Jamaican Students Still in Ukraine As Tensions Mount

As the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces becomes more probable, the Jamaican government is reporting that no student has taken its offer to assist in their evacuation. However, our newsroom can confirm that at least one student has returned to Jamaica.

As Russian troops continue to gather near the Ukrainian border, suggesting the diplomatic response window is indeed closing, Director of Public Relations in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Delona Flemming tells CVM LIVE no student has taken up the government’s offer to assist them, whether with purchasing a ticket to travel home or otherwise. 

While Flemming is unable to verify how many students are still in Ukraine at this time and how many have left, CVM LIVE can confirm, of the over forty students in the country, at least one has returned to Jamaica recently. Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise in the eastern European nation following bombings at its borders, which has reportedly resulted in the evacuation of some Ukrainians in the eastern part of the country. With this, the opposition People’s National Party (PNP) is condemning the aggression of Russian forces on Ukraine and is calling on the Jamaican government to stand up for sovereignty as it has done in the past. 

Reporter: Velonique Bowen