The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is aware of a post circulating on social media that claims Bahamians are stuck in Canada as airlines have cancelled Caribbean flights. This action taken by Canada's main airlines comes after the Federal Government announced it will introduce new mandatory quarantine rules in its continuing/ongoing efforts to discourage international travel.
The social media post further claims there is currently no Bahamian High Commissioner in Canada to assist those seeking to return home as Alvin Smith returned to The Bahamas last year after completing his tour of duty on November 7, 2020.
The Ministry wishes to clarify that while there is currently no High Commissioner in Canada, there is a very competent Foreign Service Officer in the post, Ms. Chanelle Brown, who is serving as Chargé d'Affaires, a.i. until High Commissioner Designate, H.E. Kenneth Russell is in post. The Ministry reported 18 November 2020 on the end of the tour of duty of High Commissioner Smith and that Ms. Brown would serve as Chargé. Ms. Brown and the team are in close contact at all times with the Bahamian community in Canada.
Reports from the Chargé are that the Orders to give effect to the measures announced by the Federal Government are not yet in place. It would be premature for the High Commission to make a general announcement until the Government has provided more details. Furthermore, while the airlines will be making arrangements with their customers who are in Canada to organize flights home, no Bahamians have reported concerns to the High Commission. By way of reminder, the emergency contact information for the High Commission is 1 613 790 6801 or
ottawa.mission@bahighco.com
The High Commission, as it always does, will monitor the situation closely and take steps needed if any national is found to be in distress.
