Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States issues statement on safety of students in Morocco

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States has played a major role in establishing ties between the Caribbean and Morocco. This has allowed Morocco to become a haven for Caribbean students who receive scholarships to study in the north African nation.

Recent events in Morocco though, have taken the world by storm. A devastating earthquake wreaked havoc and resulted in the loss of life and property en masse. Understandably, Caribbean nations were worried about the well being of their students residing in Morocco.

Naturally, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States began tracking down Caribbean students in Morocco to check on their status and well-being. Thankfully, all the Caribbean students in the affected areas were accounted for.

The confirmation came from the Director General of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Dr Didacus Jules. He stated that the Embassies of Eastern Caribbean States to the Kingdom of Morocco had managed to get in touch with all Caribbean nationals in Morocco and confirm that none of them had been affected directly by the Earthquake.

Dr. Didacus Jules also expressed his concern and extended the full support of Eastern Caribbean Nations to Morocco saying, “Morocco has been a steadfast friend and ally of the OECS and we wish the Kingdom a speedy recovery from this traumatic event.”

Dr. Terrance Drew, OECS Chairman and Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis joined the long list of world leaders who have sent their condolences to the people of Morocco following the devastating natural calamity.

Dr. Terrance Drew also penned a letter to King Mohammed VI and said the following, “On behalf of the OECS Authority, please allow me to express our profound regret on this sad occurrence, and please accept our heartfelt condolences on the tragic loss of life; and to those who are injured, our wishes for a very speedy recovery. At this time of great difficulty, the OECS Authority assures the Government and people of the Kingdom of Morocco, and in particular, the families of the victims of its solidarity and prayerful consideration.”

The earthquake registered at a magnitude of 6.8 on the Richter scale and hit Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains shortly after midnight. Estimates say more than 2000 people have lost their lives and roughly 1400 have been injured due to the earthquake. The areas of Al Haouz, Ouarzazate, Marrakech, Azilal, Chichaoua, and Taroudant were the most badly affected, although the effects were not limited to those areas alone.