Caption: Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, notes with deep sadness, the significant loss of life and extensive damage as a result of the massive earthquakes that affected sections of the Republic of Türkiye and the Syrian Arab Republic between 6th and 7th February 2023. The Minister provided an update on the status of Jamaican nationals in the region. Johnson Smith said, “Reports from our Mission in Geneva and our Honorary Consul in Istanbul indicate that no Jamaicans have been affected, but I had been advised indirectly and informally of a Jamaican woman who has been living in Turkiye, is safe and will be leaving that country later this week.”
Minister Johnson Smith noted, within the context of this natural disaster, the efforts under way by the Ministry to develop a Portal to allow Jamaicans travelling overseas temporarily to register themselves. She said that she would soon announce the date of its availability, noting that that it will be an important tool in helping to locate Jamaicans who may be caught up in emergency situations while travelling overseas and in need of assistance.
Minister Johnson Smith continued, “We offer our deepest condolences to the Governments and people of Türkiye and Syria at this time. We hope that, given the scale of the crisis, assistance will reach those who need it quickly. Our thoughts and prayers and with them as the situation continues to unfold.”
The Minister stated, “I am deeply saddened by the significant loss of life and injury to thousands of persons, as well as the extensive destruction of property due to the massive earthquakes that struck Turkiye and Syria over the last two days.” The Minister noted that international search and rescue operations have been widely activated and recognized the quick response of the global community in providing assistance.
