(CMR) Opposition spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Lisa Hanna on Thursday evening called on the government to issue another amendment to the contentious Disaster Risk Management Act.
Hanna in a signed Facebook post said that the latest version of the act, clearly allows for the re-entry of nationals on to Jamaican soil following the closure of the island’s boarders on March 24.
“The latest Order made by the Prime Minister under the Disaster Risk Management Act that was released to the public today (though dated Tuesday the 21st April) clearly states that Jamaican citizens who are overseas may enter Jamaica between 22 April and 31 May,” said Hanna.
“If the Minister is now expressing Government's true intent then Government needs to correct this monumental, and embarrassing error immediately, by making a new order by the Prime Minister announcing clearly their conditions,” added Hanna.
The latest amendment to the act seems to suggest that nationals will be granted unencumbered entry; while others would be allowed on a case-by-case basis subject to the approval by the cabinet.
However, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith later clarified that despite the amendment Jamaicans overseas are still not able to enter the country.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said re-entry would be subject to the capacity of the government to quarantine the individuals.
“The DRMA Order provides the basic legal framework. The administrative processes and the new Jamcovid App that will help to make management of the re-entry process easier, will soon be explained and made publicly available,” said Johnson Smith
“Till then, I am asking everyone to stay safe, keep calm, follow official information, wear a mask and keep washing hands regularly. Let us not put more pressure on our frontline workers than they can manage. If we truly love and support them, we will each play our part,” added Johnson Smith.
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