Prime Minister Gaston Browne has expressed his thankfulness to all those who made it possible for the 45 students of Antigua and Barbuda nationality to move to safety, during the passage of Hurricane Melissa over Jamaica this weekend.

The 45 students have been moved to the Hotel Pegasus in New Kingston–at the request and with the compliments of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda–where they will remain until Monday, 27 October 2025, or whenever the winds and rain subside.

The Prime Minister has asked all churches and congregations in Antigua and Barbuda to seek God’s blessings on all of Jamaica, and to ask God’s protection of the citizens of Antigua and Barbuda and other nation’s students studying in Jamaica.

The reports reaching Antigua and Barbuda indicate that the 45 students are securely housed at the multi-storied hotel and are very thankful for the intervention of the Gaston Browne administration.

The Prime Minister pledges further assistance if necessary should the students be displaced following passage of the storm.

He implores the organizers of today’s National Independence Service, to be held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church at Creekside, to pray for guidance and to say a special prayer for the protection of the students.

The Prime Minister is unavoidably absent from the State, but receives regular updates on the Jamaica situation. The Prime Minister returns to Antigua on Monday.