Caribbean Airlines Limited has taken a decision to halt all commercial services to Cuba with immediate effect, due to the prevailing COVID-19 situation in the country.
A statement from the airline advised that this move follows correspondence from the Instituto de Aeronáutica Civil de Cuba (IACC) advising of the country’s latest protocols and restrictions, specifically as it pertains to inbound commercial flights in combatting COVID-19.
There are 12,964 coronavirus cases in Cuba with 147 fatalities.
“Persons with bookings to Cuba are asked to contact the airline’s Reservations, Sales and Service Centre. Caribbean Airlines regrets any inconvenience caused and thanks its valued customers for their understanding,” CAL said.
CAL had announced the commencement of operations between the Cheddi Jagan International Airport and José Marti International in Havana, Cuba, from November 21, with flights on a weekly basis.
Stranded
In light of these developments, persons have been left stranded in Cuba until flights resume. This is the current situation for the parents of Linden toddler, Tafari Jacobis, who recently underwent emergency heart surgery in Cuba.
They are currently stranded following the sudden closure of one of the country’s airports. The two-year-old, who was accompanied by his parents, Latoya and Orville Jacobis, recently underwent a successful surgery after the family sought monetary assistance from the public. His parents have expressed frustration about not being able to return home.
Speaking with this publication on Monday, the toddler’s father, Orville Jacobis, said he was expected to travel back home on Saturday last while his wife and son were expected to travel the following Saturday. He noted, however, that when he went to the José Martí International Airport last Saturday, he was informed of the closure.
“Cuba close off the airport and we’re stranded here. Finances dwindling. Where we’re staying at the hospital, every day we have to pay a money…When I turn up at the airport, to my surprise everything cancelled…When I find out, only to hear that due to COVID issues they decide to close off the airport,” Jacobis shared.
The family was informed that the next available flight might be possible in March. This, he said, is very frustrating since the family cannot afford to stay in the foreign country, due to lack of finances.
This publication understands that they would have reached out to Guyana’s Consulate in Cuba but were unable to speak with anyone. Apart from that, Jacobis noted that he spoke with a junior representative from the Health Ministry, who promised to raise the issue at a higher level.
“…but we haven’t gotten on to any senior personnel…If we get money to last we three more days, that is all the money…because we didn’t cater for so long,” he stressed.
“…The problem is not with the healthcare system. The healthcare system is a hundred per cent on par, but it’s just that we’re stranded here,” he continued. (G12)
