Stranded in Jamaica, Fudadin eager to return home

By Akeem Greene

Guyanese cricketer Assad Fudadin is currently stranded in Jamaica as a result of the COVID-19 travel restrictions, and is desperately hoping he can soon return to his family.

Fudadin, who is attached to Jamaica Scorpions Franchise since 2017, was last in Guyana for the Regional Four-Day clash on February 6, 2020 with Guyana Jaguars at the National Stadium, Providence.

As part of his contractual obligations with Scorpions, the Berbician has to live in Jamaica for the duration of the season, however, due to the pandemic, Cricket West Indies suspended the championship after eight rounds on March 24; since then Fudadin was poised to return home, but could not due to the closure of ports.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness announced the closure of the country’s air and seaports and similar was done in Guyana as it regards to incoming international flights at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) and Eugene F. Correira International Airport.

“When the virus came, you practically had short notice and it was difficult to return to your country,” Fudadin told News Room Sport on Thursday.

As of June 10, Jamaica has 605 confirmed cases, with 10 deaths.

There is a daily curfew until June 14, which runs from 21:00h to 05:00h. It will change to 22:00h to 05:00h from June 14 until June 30.

“I just want to return home, to my family. At the start of the lockdown you got a good rest indeed, but it has been so long away from family, it is hard to explain, maybe a person with a family might understand, but I would really love to be home with my family,” the father of one explained.

Noting he has not found it difficult to survive during the lockdown period, he explained it has taken a mental toll and he wants some clarity on when he can return home.

It is understood 20-25 Guyanese students and other citizens are listed to return home from Jamaica, but no definitive word has been given on a possible date for repatriation.

On June 7, 137 Guyanese nationals returned from the United States of America after being stranded there, the first batch of persons in the phased reopening of the airports.

“I was told I had to do the COVID test 48 hours before the flight and I am ready to do such, but I have not gotten a date as yet on the flight; I really want to be back home with my family.”

Fudadin, who has represented the West Indies in three Tests, indicated when the sport is allowed to fully resume in the Caribbean, he will be focused on representing his franchise to the best of his ability.

The left-handed batsman, who also played for the Guyana Amazon Warriors, is currently renting an apartment in St. Andrew Parish, New Kingston, eagerly awaiting a date to return.