Family of Trini trapped on cruise ship: We want her home

The relatives of a woman trapped aboard a cruise ship off the coast of Martinique are calling on government officials to do their best to ensure she returns home.

The woman, who is originally from Maraval, joined the cruise liner on March 6, but was trapped aboard. The outbreak of the covid19 virus prompted the Martiniquan authorities to leave the cruise anchored offshore.

When Newsday spoke to a relatives on Monday, they said when they spoke to the woman hours earlier, the situation had not changed . She was still awaiting word as to when she and other passengers would be allowed to leave. She was supposed to return to TT on Saturday night.

"Nothing has changed since we spoke last time. We can only communicate via WhatsApp and the WiFi signal is poor so it's intermittent and far apart.

"We just want her to come home at this point. We would appreciate it if the local authorities can do their part to make sure that she comes back to us safely, and hopefully before tomorrow (Tuesday) night."

The relative insisted that contrary to social media reports there were no cases of covid19 among the passengers.

The stranded passenger has said conditions aboard the cruise liner had not worsened in terms of hygiene or food supplies.

Speaking at a post-Cabinet media briefing on Monday, National Security Minister Stuart Young said he was aware of the situation and was in contact with the relatives. But he said it was up to the French government to decide whether the TT passengers and others would be allowed to leave the ship. There are said to be 75 TT citizens aboard.

"We are prepared in Trinidad to take control of the situation once these nationals arrive here in Trinidad. Those preparations are already in place."

Young thanked the medical personnel who worked overnight together with the Defence Force to ensure the country is prepared to deal with these individuals.

Minister of Health Terrence Deyalsingh said there were adequate facilities in place to accommodate the 75 TT nationals in 40 beds at the Couva Hospital and another 40 beds at Caura Hospital.