The Jamaican Government has condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with Prime Minister Andrew Holness declaring the unfolding events in Eastern Europe of great concern for global peace and prosperity, as well as for timely and sustained economic recovery.

Holness, who was addressing today’s groundbreaking ceremony for the Stony Hill Police Station, said that, as a small country with an open economy and an open society, Jamaica depends on and supports “the multilateral cooperative system of nations in resolving international disputes”.

The prime minister’s comments were coming less than 24 hours after Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine which has left the world aghast and a number of Jamaican students desperate to escape the region.

He noted Jamaicans should brace for the economic impact of the crisis on the country.

“While it is still the early phase of the crisis, we expect that the impact on Jamaica could be through the global energy prices, oil prices in particular and possibly through some commodities. Maybe wheat, flour prices,” Holness said.

The prime minister also noted that Jamaica was monitoring the possible effects of international sanctions that would place obligations on the island.

Shortly after Holness’ appearance at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade also issued a statement on the Ukraine-Russia crisis, in which it too noted that Jamaica strongly condemned Russia’s military action.

“We are deeply concerned by the escalation of violence in Ukraine and condemn the clear violation of the United Nations Charter, particularly the obligation to respect the sovereign rights and the territorial integrity of States,” the ministry said.

“As members of the United Nations, we have all committed to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war that has often brought untold sorrow to mankind. The ongoing incursions in Ukraine are a violation of that sacred promise.

‘Jamaica strongly urges Russia to cease all acts of aggression and to withdraw from Ukrainian territory. We also call for a return to diplomatic channels to continue engagement until there is a bridge of common understanding that will lead to peace.

“Jamaica shares the hope that an escalation of war and further bloodshed can be avoided. We join other peace-loving nations in calling a cessation of hostilities, and for the immediate return to open dialogue, mutual understanding and respect for the rights of sovereign nations. Military conflict has grave implications for us all and must end without further delay.”

The foreign affairs ministry statement made no mention of the concerns raised today about the handling of the students’ plight.

Many Jamaicans had been critical of the ministry after it issued a statement yesterday in which it indicated that the students had not taken up offers of assistance which included loans to help them get out of Ukraine.

This afternoon, Robert Nesta Morgan, the minister with reponsibility for information, said on Nationwide News that the foreign affairs ministry statement on Wednesday was “imprecise communication” which did not properly outline the circumstances around the matter.

Morgan reiterated that the ministry had made several attempts to assist the students and indicated that, while challenging, the prime minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith were continuing to make efforts to help them get out of the country.

In an update on the students today, the foreign affairs ministry said 26 Jamaican students remain in Ukraine, 25 of whom are in Kharkiv with one located in L’viv.

15 STUDENTS HAVE LEFT THE COUNTRY

The ministry said 15 students have left the country and two students have not provided information on their location.

According to the ministry, in a message to the students on Wednesday, Johnson Smith said: “We know that you must be feeling scared and uncertain about what is happening in Ukraine, and we, like your families, are worried about you. Please know that Jamaica joins the world in calling for peace, and we are prayerful for these calls to be swiftly heeded. Until then, we continue to reach out to offer some support and guidance.”

She added: “As you know, conditions have deteriorated swiftly overnight. There are no flights out of Ukraine nor is it possible (or recommended) to travel overland. As there will be elements who seek to sow panic, it is important that you pay careful attention to official sources of information and ensure that you are clear on your university’s emergency procedures, including any recommended location(s) for evacuation.”