Prime Minister Gaston Browne has concluded arrangements with the C.E.O. of LIAT Air to evacuate the Antigua and Barbuda students from Jamaica, should the need arise, following passage of Hurricane Melissa.

The Prime Minister met with Mrs. Hafsa Abdulsalam, the Chief Executive Officer, on Tuesday morning, 28th October 2025, who gave the Prime Minister the assurance that a LIAT aircraft will be made available as soon as the conditions allow, should evacuation be necessary.

The Prime Minister reported to the CEO that all 53 students are secure and safely housed at the Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston since Friday past, and that they have all the creature comforts to enable them to study while they await the worst of the hurricane.

The storm will reportedly make landfall today, Tuesday, traveling at an exceedingly slow rate, with winds that make it a Category 5 hurricane. It is large and ferocious and poses grave danger to life and property.

The Prime Minister continues to encourage all congregations to pray for Jamaica and all who reside there, seeking God’s intervention to lessen the harm that will likely result. Nearly everyone in Antigua and Barbuda knows what harm hurricanes inflict, and the cost of recovery from their devastating winds and water.

The Prime Minister assures the nation that Antigua and Barbuda will provide some assistance to Jamaica in the post-hurricane recovery period.