MIAMI, Florida – The Jamaica Consulate General in Miami has announced the closure of their office amid the spread of the coronavirus in the state. Below reads the statement from the Consul General, Oliver Mair:
The Consulate General remains vigilant as we continue to monitor the Coronavirus (COVID-19) which continues to show signs of increase globally. As of Friday, 20th March, the Consulate in Miami will close to the public as we further our efforts to take precautionary measures to protect persons from the spread of the virus.
We encourage applicants who wish to renew their Jamaican passports to utilize the online renewal process at the Passport, Immigration, Citizenship, Agency (PICA) website at www.pica.gov.jm. Please be reminded that only applicants who have renewed their passports after 2001 can be facilitated on this platform. Persons can also submit their application via mail to the Consulate. Application forms are available on the Consulate’s website or PICA’s website (www.pica.gov.jm).
As a result of the closure, persons will still be accommodated by telephone and email responses. Additionally, as a further service to you, there is the option to speak with an officer by way of the newly instituted appointment system on the Consulate’s website at www.jamaicacgmiami.org.
We are working in tandem with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade as we stay abreast of current information regarding COVID-19. The Government of Jamaica has instituted travel restrictions for persons travelling to Jamaica from the following countries – Iran, People’s Republic of China, South Korea, Italy, Singapore, Germany, Spain and France. Everyone is being encouraged to restrict travel to Jamaica until further notice.
I urge you to remain calm and look out for others as we try to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle to keep ourselves safe from COVID-19. I encourage you our Diaspora community to pay close attention to official advisories from the relevant authorities as we all do our part in limiting the spread of COVID-19. As schools, offices and entertainment facilities remain closed to the public at this time, please note the official directives to avoid large gatherings and all kinds of social activities.
The Consulate General continues to closely monitor the environment on a daily basis and will make the necessary adjustments based on updated information as we go along.
We continue to pray for God’s guidance and protection as we face this challenge together.
Sincerely,
Oliver Mair, Consul General
Southern USA, Bahamas, Cayman Islands
