The Government of Saint Kitts and Nevis has denied entry to 17 Nigerian nationals amid heightened concern over Ebola, becoming the latest Caribbean state to face scrutiny over travel linked to Nigerian airline Air Peace
In a statement, the government said the passengers arrived on regional airline flights and were refused entry following advice from health authorities during what it described as a period of increased global concern regarding Ebola.
Officials said the decision was made in keeping with the country’s responsibility to protect public health.
The government pointed to warnings issued by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, which indicated that Nigeria faced a high risk of Ebola importation because of ongoing transmission in parts of Africa and international travel through major transport hubs.
In its statement, the government of Saint Kitts and Nevis said it valued its relationship with the people of Nigeria and regretted any distress caused to the affected passengers, while insisting that caution and public health guidance must remain the priority.
The development follows recent controversy in Antigua and Barbuda surrounding the operations of Air Peace after Prime Minister Gaston Browne defended his government’s decision not to allow the airline to operate directly into St John’s.
According to reports carried by Antigua Newsroom, Mr Browne said Antigua had adopted a “conservative position” because of public concern over possible exposure to Ebola.
The issue emerged after Air Peace launched its new direct Lagos-to-Barbados service, the first scheduled direct air link between Nigeria and Barbados.
But the airline has strongly rejected suggestions that Ebola concerns were behind changes to its Caribbean operations.
Air Peace Chief Commercial Officer Noel Ngala said the carrier does not operate in countries currently affected by Ebola outbreaks and noted that Nigerian aviation and health authorities had implemented screening and monitoring systems at Lagos airports.
Mr Ngala said the airline’s decision not to continue direct flights to Antigua was based on commercial considerations rather than health concerns, explaining that only 24 passengers had booked onward travel to Antigua on the inaugural route.
Those passengers were later transferred in Barbados to regional airline LIAT for onward travel to Antigua, according to the airline.
The developments have sparked wider debate in the Caribbean over public health preparedness, border controls and efforts to strengthen air connectivity between Africa and the region.