Residents concerned about VI students in Jamaica
This was the concern shared with this news site by at least five persons, three of whom said they were alerted by one medical student LaFayette Hazel who is among several other Virgin Islanders studying in Jamaica.
“They are scared, they are worried and especially when they see the other countries pulling out their people, their students,” said one concerned resident.
Ms Hazel posted on the BVI Community Board, “You guys I'd just like to say there's a category 4 hurricane passing Jamaica where a bunch of us medical students are studying and when Turks and Caicos sends for their students, the Bahamian government charters a flight for Bahamian students and citizens wishing to return home, and the Trinidad government ensuring that each student is accounted for but the VI government is silent, it makes you wonder how important we are to our country. Pray for our safety and that the hurricane shifts its course please.”
Hazel indicated that since the storm watch, the Jamaica authorities have closed down the campus and “still have us on storm watch just in case, despite the fact that the eye of Hurricane Matthew, so far is expected to pass to the east out over open water. The worst of the storm is to the north and east of it.”
Gov’t should be proactive
This news site reached out to several leaders of government, including Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith and Minister for Education and Culture Hon Myron V. Walwyn but got no response.
However, in a later update Hazel said, “Guys, just to update you all. The hall that most of us stay on says we should be OK here but if it's bad they may move us. Someone got in touch with a government official so we're waiting to see what happens. We're not expecting to be flown out because we know our country's economic state but it would be nice if someone would've checked in with us to see if we're OK.”
Nevertheless, residents say government should have been pro-active and reached out to its people in Jamaica earlier. “But we are praying that God protects them and all the people of Jamaica too. We are also praying that all the Jamaicans living here in the BVI be comforted that we are praying for you and your families. One family, one Caribbean.”
Hurricane Matthew expected to hit Jamaica & Haiti on Monday
According to weather reports, the most ferocious Atlantic hurricane in almost a decade, Hurricane Matthew, is expected to batter Jamaica and Haiti on Monday October 3, 2016.
The “dangerous” category four hurricane brings up to 150mph winds and the power to cause widespread flooding and destruction.
The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) said: “Matthew is expected to remain a powerful hurricane through Monday night.”
The centre's latest forecasts show that the middle of the hurricane will first hit the southwest coasts of the island nations.
On Sunday, the NHC said: “Tropical storm conditions are expected to reach Jamaica and Haiti this evening.
“Hurricane conditions are expected to reach Jamaica and Haiti on Monday.”
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31 Responses to “Residents concerned about VI students in Jamaica”
Really, NDP government should evacuate them, smh.
Who would think that these children would be seekingconcern and attention from a Government and strangers when they have so-called parents and relatives. The lack of concern and efforts by their parents is a bigger concern than Matthew in my opinion.
My best advice is while the residents are waiting for the storm to pass. Ppl of the bvi could be creating care packages to send for them. Many organizations and individual groups and come together and start a care package drive.
My parents would have flown me outta there if they felt it necessary long time . I would be in touch with my child and take what action necessary long time. Surrogate parenting by Government would spell shame..Really
I don't think that our govt had to fly the students out but they should have gotten in contact with them for accountability purposes and to show that they care.
Now it is a College student. Is there no depth that the vipers won't slither into just to slander?
Unbelievable and tragic.