Authorities in Jamaica have asked the public to stop sharing posts on social media alleging that an American woman has been kidnapped there, saying on Sunday that she “is not, nor has she ever been, in danger”.
The woman, Kalina Collier, had tested positive for coronavirus when she arrived in Jamaica and was placed in isolation, according to the country’s Covid-19 prevention protocols. Jamaican officials said.
Police visited her on Saturday and determined that “she is not, nor has she ever been, in danger,” the Jamaica Police Force said in a statement on Sunday.
Authorities are warning people to “give up sharing social media posts alleging that Collier was kidnapped”, adding that sharing false information could constitute a crime under the law, according to the statement.
“The police say the information is unfounded and harmful,” the newspaper said.
Many people used the hashtag #KalinaCollier and claimed that she had been kidnapped or was being held against her will.
The Jamaica Police Force said on Sunday that Collier “remains isolated and awaits medical clearance” to return home.
Representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Jamaica Tourism Board and the local police were in contact with his mother, who traveled to Jamaica, officials said.
Collier was due to fly out of Jamaica on Sunday after his 14-day quarantine, The Gleaner reported.
Collier did not immediately return the interview request on Monday.
In a statement posted on her Instagram account, she wrote: “I said a long time ago that I was never missing, nor was I kidnapped.
“I tried to be silent because this is something that will be dealt with legally and because the response to my situation was completely overwhelming,” she wrote, adding that after it was negative for Covid-19, “the hotel went on to cover the once the news spread and forced me to stay at the resort for the rest of my ‘quarantine’. “
It is not clear what negative test she refers to.
She claimed that “she was harassed by the hotel to make a statement, to save their faces” and to “appear that everything I said was a lie”.
Collier said he had already shared his experience on Instagram Live. It is unclear what she said during Instagram Live.
“I understand that I went live and sought help, but my story is now starting to be told to me and I will not allow it,” she wrote.
Her statement concluded: “The proof is in the pudding and I have nothing more to say about this situation. For those who really care, thank you.”
According to the government’s Covid-19 panel, Jamaica recorded 18,232 cases and 362 deaths.
