Jamaican Students in Mexico Safe – PM Golding Assures

Prime Minister the Hon. Bruce Golding has given the assurance that none of the approximately 100 Jamaican students in Mexico has contracted the Influenza A (H1N1) Virus (Swine Flu) currently affecting that country. The Prime Minister was speaking last night (April 29) on his monthly call-in radio programme, Jamaica House Live.
Mr. Golding said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is currently making every effort to be in direct communication with each of the students to verify reports that they are in good health. The students are on scholarships courtesy of the Government of Mexico.
The Ministry of Health, Jamaica Customs and other relevant agencies have activated a national emergency programme at all air and sea ports to ensure that any cases of persons, animals or meats that might be infected with the virus are identified and appropriate measures taken to prevent the spread of the disease on the island.
As an additional precaution, the Minister of Health, Hon. Ruddy Spencer, said that 1,000 doses of antiviral medication are on the way to the country as a boost to the current stock.
The Ministry has established a toll free line to provide the public with information on the virus. The number is 1-888-663-5683.