Readers’ reactions – Exit door closes on Jamaicans

So will they volunteer as medics or just slouch around and complain? – @MunsingLaw

Adults take decisions which they believe are in their best interest at the time. The students opted to take the opportunity to study in this and other countries. A situation arise and they were hoping that it would de-escalate and they could carry on with their studies. The situation instead escalate. The best thing one could ever have is freedom of choice, so they opted not to take up the offer to get them home. From listening to a few of them, the problem is not the loan. They just wanted to stay and complete their course of study and I do understand, but things change. I am sure the amount advanced to them would be far less than a car loan. A significant percentage of university graduates globally are paying loans. They are smart enough to know that their life is valuable. I am also sure that the parents and family members of some of them were ready pay to get their children out. They even tried convincing them. I pray they all stay safe and there is no loss of life. – Phylis Sutherland

Easy to speak when you’re not the one who endured years of studying and the finish line is right there! – Hillary Baker-Hogan

Dead man can’t use degree, go home bro. Be alive to use that degree; Putin is saying ‘A’ but will and is doing ‘B’. – Kenton Ward

They ave bunkers. U will be better off there. D war might not even last long. Jamaica is a stressful country. Where u r is much better. – Stable Smith

Life is a gamble and one has to take risks. Some are saying why didn’t the students take the government’s offer? But considering it being a loan, who want added expense when the war might not last long or flying out presents the same risks? I cannot fault the students, the Jamaican Government place no value on its people. – Grant Col

I understand why it was not so simple to leave. So many moving parts (visas, school policies, disbelief, money, etc). I’m praying for their safety. – Shayna Griffiths

They value money more than their life. I wish it was free but what to do, America and Canada told their people to leave. There was no airlift and they left. It sad to say but they refuse the help. – Pauline Edwards

Nothing is more important then your life. Come home. – Niecy Nelson

The Government of Jamaica would have to prison me but me a tek the loan and come an nuh give them back dalla. – Ash Cole

This “wait and see” attitude by us Jamaicans. So him prefer finish up his last (six months) which might never happen, instead of coming back home! – Andrew Thompson

Sourced from The Gleaner’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Compiled by Khanique McDaniel