标签： Antigua and Barbuda

Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda has extended his heartfelt gratitude to all parties involved in ensuring the safety of 45 Antiguan and Barbudan students during the recent onslaught of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. The students were relocated to the Hotel Pegasus in New Kingston, a move facilitated by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, where they will remain until October 27, 2025, or until the storm subsides. Prime Minister Browne has called upon churches and congregations across Antigua and Barbuda to seek divine blessings for Jamaica and to pray for the protection of their citizens and other international students in the region. Reports confirm that the students are safely accommodated in the multi-storied hotel and are deeply appreciative of the swift actions taken by the Gaston Browne administration. The Prime Minister has also pledged additional support if the students face displacement post-storm. Despite his unavoidable absence from the state, Prime Minister Browne remains actively informed about the situation in Jamaica and is set to return to Antigua on Monday.

As Hurricane Melissa intensifies and approaches Jamaica, over 40 Antiguan and Barbudan students pursuing their education in the country have been relocated to the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel for safety. This proactive measure, orchestrated by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda in collaboration with the Antigua and Barbuda Students’ Association (ABSA), aims to protect students from the impending storm. The initiative includes two nights of accommodation and meals at the Kingston-based hotel, contingent upon students presenting valid Antiguan passports and university identification. Rohan Telemaque, ABSA Public Relations Officer, emphasized the importance of centralizing students in a secure location to enhance safety and streamline emergency responses. ‘Having everyone in one place ensures that if an evacuation is necessary, we can act swiftly and collectively,’ Telemaque stated. The Antiguan government is maintaining close communication with student leaders to monitor the hurricane’s progression and provide further support if needed. Officials reaffirmed their dedication to safeguarding nationals studying abroad, particularly during crises. Meanwhile, Jamaican authorities have issued warnings for residents and visitors to remain alert as Hurricane Melissa, recently upgraded from a tropical storm, is predicted to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and potential flooding to the island in the coming days.

A young male driver narrowly escaped serious injury in a dramatic car crash on Jonas Road late Saturday morning. The incident occurred around 11 a.m. as the driver, traveling from north to south on the bustling roadway, reportedly lost control of his Honda Fit. The vehicle veered off the road, crashed through a wire fence, and overturned in the yard of a nearby mechanic shop. Despite the severity of the crash, the driver, who was alone in the vehicle, managed to climb out of the wreckage with only minor injuries. Eyewitnesses described the scene as harrowing, with the car sustaining extensive damage. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the accident, with preliminary reports pointing to excessive speed or a sudden loss of control as potential factors. The visibly shaken driver expressed gratitude for his survival, attributing his escape to divine intervention. Law enforcement officials seized the opportunity to remind motorists to exercise caution, especially on high-traffic routes like Jonas Road, where a momentary lapse in attention can have catastrophic consequences.

CICA International University & Seminary, along with its Technical Centre of Excellence, has issued a robust legal response to what it describes as false, defamatory, and procedurally improper statements made by the Antigua & Barbuda National Accreditation Board (ABNAB) and the Ministry of Education. The statements questioned the legitimacy of CICA’s programs and accreditation status, prompting the institution to clarify its position and defend its reputation. CICA emphasized that it is not pursuing local accreditation in Antigua & Barbuda, as it already holds international accreditation from globally recognized bodies. These include the City & Guilds of London Institute, regulated by Ofqual (UK), and registration with the Florida State Department of Education under Section 1005.06(1)(f). Additionally, the university is ISO certified and WES verified, ensuring international equivalency and quality assurance. Between 2021 and 2024, CICA submitted extensive documentation to ABNAB on 21 occasions, totaling 69 attachments, demonstrating proactive transparency. Despite these efforts, ABNAB and the Ministry of Education issued two public statements without prior consultation, verification, or adherence to procedural fairness, causing significant reputational harm. CICA asserts that it has operated lawfully and in full compliance with international education standards. The matter has now been referred to legal counsel for further action to safeguard the institution’s reputation and global standing. CICA remains committed to educational excellence, faith-based leadership, and global collaboration, operating under internationally recognized frameworks and quality standards.