Chartered flight to take stranded British nationals in Guyana home today

The British High Commission has managed to secure a chartered flight to the United Kingdom (UK) to transport stranded British nationals home in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

Guyana had closed its borders, including airspace, from March 18 to April 1 – one week after recording its first imported COVID-19 death.
However, in a statement on Tuesday, British High Commissioner, His Excellency, Greg Quinn thanked all the nationals for their patience and understanding in this extraordinary time when they are faced with unprecedented challenges.
He noted that the Commission is working to ensure that all British nationals return home safely.
“Let me also stress that we continue to explore options to get you all home as quickly and as safely as possible. Some of you may have heard the Foreign Secretary’s announcement on March 30 of charters to repatriate British nationals,” he stated.
On Monday, the UK Foreign Secretary, Dominic Raab stated that there are tens of thousands of Britons stranded abroad due to the coronavirus pandemic and will be flown home under a new arrangement between the Government and airlines.
As such, a chartered flight is expected to leave the Cheddi Jagan International Airport today at about 15:30h.
“Where those flights will originate is still under discussion. In the meantime, we are exploring all possible options for flights. There is an Eastern Airlines flight to Miami departing at 15:30 on the 1st of April. I encourage all of you to consider taking that flight and connecting in Miami to the UK,” he asserted.
Quinn noted that the Commission is not responsible for delays or cancellations since the flight is available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
However, he reiterated that there is no higher priority than the protection of UK citizens and lending assistance to those who are in need at this historic time in the world’s history.
“I recognise that this is not necessarily an easy option. But in the current circumstances, I encourage you all to consider taking it. I realised these are difficult and worrying times. I appreciate the stress and the worry you are all facing. And I would like to assure you that you are our highest priority.”
To this end, he assured the nationals that the Commission is exploring every possible avenue to ensure that they return home and encouraged them to take up the offer.
“I have to be honest and say we might not be able to get all of you home in short order. Our priority will be the most vulnerable. But, for those of you who we will not be able to get home straight away, or get home quickly, we will do all we can to support you in these difficult times.”
Only a few days ago, the United States Embassy in Guyana stated that it was able to facilitate some 800 citizens here in Guyana to return home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.