Jamaican officials say all passengers have been released by a gunman who was holding them hostage on a CanJet airliner at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.
Authorities say five crew members for the charter flight to Halifax, Canada – the first officer and four flight attendants – are still being held.
Officials say negotiations with the gunman are continuing. Jamaica’s information minister says the man asked to go to Cuba and that the gunman’s father has arrived at the airport to help in the negotiations.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper is in the country for a one day visit with the Jamaican PM, and to address parliament, it is not known if their meeting or the address has been cancelled. Stephen Harper offered his plane to fly released passengers home. Prime Minister, Bruce Golding and the national security minister, Senator Dwight Nelson are at the airport which is in lockdown. Â
The flight is regional charter carrier CanJet 918 out of Sangster International Airport Montego Bay going to Halifax. 182 were on board. The CanJet number and information for concerned family members is 1-888-777-6429. The plane was boarded about 40 minutes before take off, and released passengers and the two released crew are being cleared by security and will put up in hotels. CanJet will be providing a plane to bring the passengers home. Passengers report he demanded  their money and some passports. CanJet says 6 crew members are being held.
The 20 something year old gunman is reported to have fired a shot, no one was injured, his name has not been released yet. His father is on the scene, his son is mentally challenged and his friends are being asked to go to the airport to assist. Different reports say he wants to go to Cuba, some say he wants to go to the US.
Update: Jamaican police stormed the plane a few minutes ago, the gunman is in custody, no one was harmed.
Jamaica Observer
Halifax Chronicle Herald
CBC -Â family members comment
