Caribbean News
Jamaica’s PICA says Immigration Officers adequately prepared
#KINGSTON, March 6 (JIS): The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) says the nation’s immigration officers are adequately prepared to monitor all official and unofficial entry points into the country for the novel coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
Speaking with JIS News, PICA’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Wynter, said immigration officers have been educated about the necessary precautionary measures to take following the outbreak of COVID-19.
“We have been having sensitisation sessions with them, and these sessions are held in association with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and public health persons, at the ports of entry,” he pointed out.
“We are also keeping them informed about the various developments regarding the virus, as we have been meeting with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and they have kept us in the loop, especially as it relates to announcements or any new measures that are coming out,” Mr. Wynter added.
He noted that immigration officers had also been allocated cleaning agents since the outbreak.
“We have issued them gloves, hand sanitisers, wipes and spoken to them about how to clean down their areas, and we have also issued them masks,” he said.
Mr. Wynter argued that partnerships with other Government organisations are critical.
“We work closely with them in order to ensure that whatever policies, procedures and measures taken are implemented by us. We collaborate with the Quarantine Authority, so if there are passengers who have to be quarantined or have not met the health requirements, some of them have been refused entry to Jamaica,” he explained.
According to Mr Wynter, all major ports of entry are being monitored by the relevant authorities.
“The two international airports, the cruise-ship areas, all the official ports and some unofficial areas like the dock clubs are being manned by our officials. Jamaica is an island, so we have some unique challenges, so a majority of the persons visiting the country come through our two international airports and there are persons who are coming off cruise ships who come to one of the five cruise-ship piers, and all these are monitored by both immigration and quarantine officers,” he said.
Citizens are being encouraged to educate themselves about COVID-19.
“We encourage all Jamaicans to play their part. We have a responsibility, so if you have friends overseas, advise them that they need to go to quarantine and what the measures are that they should take. If you need information, visit the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ website, as they have a wealth of information,” he advised.
COVID-19, which was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019, has, so far, claimed the lives of more than 3,300 people, with nearly 97,000 people infected in more than 80 countries.
JIS NEWS BY ROSHEIKA GRANT
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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