The Surinamese Consul General in Miami, René Pika, visited stranded passengers at Miami airport on Wednesday. Hurricane Ian has postponed several flights, including those of American Airlines to Paramaribo on Tuesday. The airline does not take care of passengers in force majeure situations. Some passengers had insufficient money for accommodation and had to spent the night at the airport.
From the news press it was made to understand that some were able to take the flight last night because places became available. The other passengers are booked on various flights. Most hotels are also fully booked because many flights have been canceled. Stranded passengers said that they were able to book a hotel for US$200 per day. But that was quite expensive.
The Consul General has found solutions primarily for food after he heard the peoples problems. The stranded people received vouchers for two days of food. People are relieved that the government is taking notice and taking action. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Business and International Cooperation says that they are taking care of the interest of the stranded Surinamese passengers.
The ministry and the consulate are busy investigating accommodation options until flights are resumed and the stranded passengers can return safely to Suriname. The ministry advise stranded passengers to contact the airlines to find out what the changed return date will be. Minister Albert Ramdin expects that most people can be placed on Thursday’s flight. There are about 25 people who are still stranded and have been offered help.
The Ministry appeals to the stranded Surinamese passengers to always be in contact with the Consulate General of the Republic of Suriname in Miami. Telephone numbers and email address were given so that they can stay in contact with the Consulate.
