Vincentian students in Jamaica must each come up with at least US$1,339.29 (EC$3,600) to fly home, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic — almost four times the regular price of a one-day ticket.
And, the price could increase if there are fewer than 56 students making the journey.
In a letter to students on Tuesday, June Barbour, the honorary consul of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Jamaica, said that LIAT has quoted US$75,000 as the cost of a charter flight from Jamaica to St. Vincent.
“This means that the fare for each person to travel, if the 56 persons quota is achieved is US$1,339.29. This is a discounted rate from US$101,420,” Barbour said.
She said that the government is in the process of making arrangements to have LIAT in St. Vincent collect all the payments for the flight.
“Please indicate as soon as possible if you still have an interest in travelling on this flight,” Barbour told the students.
The students were given the quotation weeks after one student in Jamaica caused to be published on iWitness News, an April 21 open letter to the National Student Loan Company, Ministry of Education and Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Many of the self-funded students have returned home amidst community spread of COVID-19 in Jamaica.
However, still remaining in Jamaica are Vincentian students whose education is being funded by disadvantaged students’ loans and scholarships.
The student wrote:
“A poll was conducted among us, which revealed that past the month of April, many persons funded by the disadvantage student loan would no longer be able to sustain themselves for the extended period of the semester. Against this backdrop, we call on the stakeholders of the National Disadvantaged Student Loan Scheme to investigate the unforeseen situation that has resulted in varying implications for students in this time of anxiety and concern.”
In a recent comment on radio, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves said there were issues to be worked out to bring Vincentians students home from Jamaica and Cuba.
“And I point out that I’m in touch in Jamaica with our Honorary Consul Miss Barbour, Pam Barbour and I’m in touch with Ambassador John about Cuba.
“There are issues at play which we have to work out,” he said, adding that Kingstown was keen on repatriating nationals from wherever they are.
He said that a Vincentian vessel that recently transported goods to Grenada had repatriated three Vincentians who had expressed an interest in returning home.
Labour loves you, expect no quarter.
Absolutely disgraceful state of affairs.
Just come home and when the time comes vote him out.
Liat yo to farm wicked don’t kno way on nah stop help yo
The liar Gonsalves (Shakespearian snake oil salesman), right now he pissing on other Vincies abroad who screaming in the media to come home. How are these student supposed to come up with this money? Government should front the moneys to LIAT, after Government can arrange to meet the students half way at least. Gonsalves totally don’t care, it looks like. Or he just love to hear himself lie.
THIS IS RIDICULOUS
Why they have to pay it is Rediculous they are students bring them home
Wit all d money d government of st.vincent pump into keeping liat afloat a flight 2 bring vincy home should b free u heard me FREEEE. I remember reading some time ago d PM saying dat wit liat being d regional airline we cannot let it fail now is time 4 liat to earn dat money n show that they r here 4 it’s investing countries or d next time they come wit them 2 long hand strech we should jus give dem 2 breadfruit n some coconut shell n tell dem make wat dem can wit dat
What a state of affairs. SVG is a major share holder in LIAT. Every year our Government pump millions of Vincentian tax payers money in this airline. You telling me that LIAT cannot fly these students home for free. As some people may say “This is crying shame”. Totally unbelievable. The Honourable Prime Minister needs to provide and explanation to the Vincentian people.
Wondering if One Caribbean wasnt cheaper
They could probably get SVG air to do it at half the price. As long as they don’t mind flying in an airplane with outside toilets.
The people in power always find money on their useless, extravagant trips to the furthest corners of the world. These students are desperate, they are not working. To turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to their precarious situation is vary close to committing a crime. Judge your leaders by their deeds not their fanciful words and futile promises. Demagogues are great talkers but expert liars.
I believe that fatso conspired with the airline to quote an unacceptable charter price to put the students off returning. Its the kind of thing he would do.
Lol, jolly who is fatso? Is it the man with the wellness revolution and with all the charisma? If it was for voting, they would have been already home
These are the same students whose parents and they voted the comrade into office . you must reap what you planted, don’t you are the products of the education revolution.
Who is fatso? The one with all the charisma? The one with the wellness revolution? .