By: Staff Writer
The St. Kitts and Nevis Students’ Association of Jamaica (SKNSAJ) expressed “sincere gratitude” to the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis yesterday, Friday, May 1st, 2020, via a statement issued by President Jaiida Sutton. The SKNSAJ acknowledged the Government’s role in facilitating and ensuring their safe return home.
While the students are grateful, President Sutton made it clear that students were willing to purchase their own tickets to return home.
She said:
Correspondence was sent to the Government of St.Kitts-Nevis requesting their assistance to facilitate our return home. This clearly stated that the students were willing to purchase their own tickets to return, if needs be. However, the Government saw it fit to finance this venture to assist its citizens and should be commended. We are indeed grateful.
Our fears were relieved by your generosity and support during such a difficult time.
The Federal government covered the costs for the charter flight from Jamaica that landed with over 50 students on Thursday 30, April. According to a press statement from the Prime Minister’s Secretary, the total cost of the charter amounted to $75,000.00 USD (approx. $203,000.00 ECD).
In addition to covering costs, the Government also secured facilities to quarantine the students for 14 days. On St. Kitts, the students are housed at the Ocean Terrance Inn while the Nevisian students are housed at a privately owned apartment complex at Potworks Settlement, New Castle.
President Sutton commended the Minister of Education for working on the students behalf.
The SKNSAJ President said:
To the Minister with responsibility for Education et al., Hon. Shawn Richards, thank you very much for working tirelessly on our behalf. Your concern for our well-being was evident, as you remained in constant communication with us, which was greatly appreciated.
