The United States Embassy in Guyana has facilitated some 800 citizens here to return home in the last two weeks in light of the coronavirus pandemic, which has been devastating countries around the world including the US.
Persons boarding the chartered Eastern Airlines flight at the CJIA on Saturday afternoon
Guyana had closed its borders, including airspace, from March 18 to April 1 – one week after recording its first imported COVID-19 case via a 52-year-old woman who died days after returning from New York. Four of her family members, including a 13-year-old, have since contracted the deadly virus and are in institutional isolation. The Public Health Ministry on Saturday announced that three more new cases have been confirmed – bringing Guyana’s total cases of coronavirus up to eight.
In a social media post on Saturday evening, the US Embassy here said it was honoured to have helped over 800 American citizens and their families reach the US safely, while committing to continue assistance wherever needed.
US Ambassador Sarah-Ann Lynch
The most recent batch to leave Guyana was on Saturday afternoon via a chartered flight provided by Eastern Airlines, which has a capacity for 200 passengers per flight. The flight, Georgetown to Miami, was available via a first-come, first-serve basis.
The US Embassy said in a notice on Sunday that Americans in Georgetown seeking additional flights home should complete an online form (link available on US Embassy Guyana Facebook page). The Mission added that it is continuing to work with commercial airlines to organise more of these “humanitarian flights” for citizens wanting to return to the US.
British High Commissioner Greg Quinn
However, it was noted that since Guyana’s border is closed to incoming flights, the chartered commercial carrier must fly to Guyana empty with extra crew, as such the cost of the one-way flight from the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) to the Miami International Airport (MIA), is consequently higher than pre-COVID-19 pricing for this route.
In a video message posted on social media last week, US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, reiterated that there is no higher priority than the protection of US citizens and lending assistance to those who are in need at this historic time in the world’s history.
She noted that the Embassy has been successful in exploring commercial options to fly Americans home, which required special permission from the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) and will continue to make such requests.
“When that permission is granted, there is a sudden announcement of a flight as these announcements come on an irregular basis. As soon as we know about them, we will post that information on our Facebook page. If your plan is to leave Guyana, you need to be ready at a moment’s notice to purchase your ticket and get to the airport,” Ambassador Lynch advised.
The US diplomat has since expressed appreciation to both the GCAA and Eastern Airlines for their help in making these flights available to American citizens.
Eastern Airlines was scheduled to commence flights twice a week from New York City to Guyana on March 19, 2020. However, due to the closure of the CJIA to incoming commercial flights, this had to be postponed.
Nevertheless, the airline has been playing a critical role in flying Americans who are stranded overseas during this deadly outbreak, especially in Central and South America, back home.
The US Government has been working with other airlines and Governments around the world to repatriate thousands of Americans under its “Wheels down!” initiative.
Meanwhile, similar efforts are being undertaken by the Canadian and United Kingdom Governments to repatriate their citizens here in Georgetown.
In fact, the Canadian High Commission in Guyana had urged its citizens here who wanted to return home via the US to secure seats on Saturday’s Eastern Airlines flight.
A post on the High Commission’s Facebook page indicated that there were “limited seats available” and that Canadian citizens, who fulfil the US entry requirements and were interested, should book their flights.
With regards to the UK, British High Commissioner to Guyana, Greg Quinn, in a video message on Sunday, assured that efforts are being made to secure flights for citizens who want to return home. However, he lamented that in these extraordinary times, there are minimal options available in the near short-term.
He explained that initially, they had been working with the Guyana Government and airlines to allow British nationals, via a chartered aircraft, to fly to Bridgetown, Barbados, for the last connecting flights to London with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways. But those UK-destined flights from Barbados have since stopped as of March 27, hence the High Commission is unable to offer any future charters since it is unclear when they will restart.
“At this time, we do not know how long this will continue for but we’re monitoring the situation. Our colleagues in Barbados are in touch with both airlines, are monitoring the situation closely, and will let us know immediately once the flights restart. When that happens, we will be in touch with you about possible options,” Quinn stated.
Nevertheless, he reassured British citizens that they are doing everything possible to help them get home.
Like the US, citizens from both Canada and the UK are asked to sign online forms to indicate their interest in returning home.
Citizens from these three countries are being asked to check the social media accounts of their respective Missions to be updated on travel arrangements and any other critical information relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, the foreign diplomats are also encouraging their citizens to adhere to the laws and directives established by local authorities to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the coronavirus, especially by practicing social distancing.
