From Panama to Saudi Arabia: MOFA Checks on Bahamians Amid Overseas Crises

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NASSAU , BAHAMAS – For Bahamians travelling or living abroad, a crisis thousands of miles away can quickly become personal.

On October 9, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Panama’s Azuero Peninsula. Days later, a deadly missile and drone attack in Saudi Arabia killed 13 people and injured hundreds.

The government says its first priority was determining whether any Bahamians were affected.

Foreign Affairs Director General Jerusa Ali confirms that 54 Bahamian residents were impacted by the situation in Panama after a Copa Airlines flight was diverted to Colombia.

She says officials have been working to help those passengers get home, with some travelling through Panama to Nassau and others heading to Fort Lauderdale.

Ali says coordination with regional authorities and the airline was critical.

Jerusa Ali – Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

“Make sure we got all of the information on the nationals who were impacted and to make sure that the Colombian officials, the Panamanian officials and the Copa Airlines officials were aware and were tracking so that they could return home.”

Ali says she has also spoken with Panama’s Ambassador to The Bahamas, Ana Delgado.

Jerusa Ali – Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

“She pledged to make sure that we have even more contact with Copa so that we can manage these crises better.”

Meanwhile, the ministry has also been checking on Bahamians in Saudi Arabia following the deadly attacks.

Jerusa Ali – Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

“They don’t all live in Riyadh. Others live in Mecca and Medina. But we checked in with that community as well. You can imagine that that was an awful attack.”

With security concerns persisting in the region, Ali says the ministry is also reviewing its travel guidance, urging Bahamians to check official advisories before heading abroad.

Jerusa Ali – Director General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs

“We’re still sort of thinking through what our travel advice should be. We do issue travel advice which is updated on our website of places that you should not travel to, of places that you should exercise caution.”