Dear Editor:
It has been brought to our attention that a news article was published by the Antigua News Room on its website www.antiguanewsroom.com on November 2nd 2021 entitled “SUSPECTED SUICIDE ROCKS AUA.” This article was accompanied by a photo of a police vehicle, giving the impression that this incident happened on the date of the publication. We therefore seek to assure the public and the students that no such incident has ever taken place on the American University of Antigua College of Medicine campus.
A student who was enrolled at AUA did pass away and, in keeping with the wishes of the family who asked that their privacy be respected, we made no comments on it.
However, we wish to provide some clarity to the situation without violating the privacy of the family. The student in question left Antigua some time ago and has been away since then. The unfortunate incident occurred in late October in the United States.
Though the incident did not take place on campus or on the island itself, we feel the fact that students could read the article and, based on the inaccurate fashion in which the facts are presented in the story, assume a death did occur on island. We thought it necessary to be ready should any student be adversely affected by the article before they were able to ascertain the true story.
AUA holds the well-being of all its students, faculty and staff in the highest regards and the utmost importance. To this end we have an entire crisis management team which was activated upon our learning of the student’s passing, and then again when the above-mentioned article was brought to our attention.
In addition, we have counselors on campus who are always available to students, faculty and staff should they need to speak to someone at any time during their time at AUA.
After the initial publication of the article, several comments were made on www.antiguanewsroom.com, but two in particular stood out.
Anonymous November 2, 2021 At 11:01 pm
This is a harsh reality. AUA administration most likely is the reason why this student committed suicide. They care nothing about the lives of their own. Many former and current students can agree to this. There was another case like this not too long ago that hasn’t really been mentioned. AUA NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE!!!!!
Not surprised November 2, 2021 At 9:38 pm
AUA gives no support to their students.
Just constant threats of being kicked out.
And of course taking all your money.
We doubt that the above comments came from AUA students, who are taught to gather all the facts before coming to a conclusion – whether it is about a medical diagnosis or a tragedy like the one addressed in the article. “Anonymous” made several unfounded accusations against AUA that we refute most strongly. At no time has there ever been an incident at AUA that was covered up or not investigated fully. If, however, there is such a case, we would employ “Anonymous,” who is privy to the facts of the incident to present it to us so that it may be investigated fully.
AUA is committed to the students and people of Antigua and Barbuda and will continue to strive to provide world class education in the field of medicine in a secure and safe environment to all.
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So y’all are gonna release a statement to the press but not the students??? Makes students feel very informed. Thanks
The end of this article is so distasteful. A student passed away and AUA is more interested in clearing AUA’s name? Part of what the comments below the last article said is true to an extent. Enough said
AUA…..seems to only care about their IMAGE…
MANY STUDENTS COMMIT SUICIDE BCOS OF HOW TENSE SOME CLASSES ARE….PARENTS PRESSURING THEIR CHILDREN …UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS AND OVERALL THE POOR TREATMENT OF THE STUDENTS WHILE IN ANTIGUA
While in the height of covid LAST SEPTEMBER UNITED AIRLINES FLIGHT WAS ONLY SCHEDULE TO DEPART WITH 28 passengers guess how many AMERICAN CITIZENS BOOKED LAST MINUTE FLIGHTS 128…
On the flight the students complain to each other how nasty the faculty was the nasty attitudes of professors and the lack of emotional support they received ……
AUA ….IFTHE STUDENTS REALLY TELL IT ….HARDLY ANYONE WOULD ATTEND….
When are reporters going to be more responsible in the manner in which they report news. Check your sources. Ask the relevant questions. Don’t rush to put out the story if you do not have all the facts. Retracting a story after the damage has been done is not enough. Just like you cannot take back a spoken word.
Raise the standard raise it boldly.
It mentioned suspected suicide of AUA student and that the incident happened after student returned home in September.
It seems like whichever school official wrote it would sign their name to it.
A little unnecessarily ominous.
They all write emails to students with the same exact rude tone
If it is a suicide death, AUA should be held accountable. AUA treats students so so unfairly and the students get blamed for absolutely everything. Majority of the professors are extremely mean spirited and have no sympathy toward the students. Majority of the students at AUA struggle academically. AUA is one of the most cruel colleges one could go to.
AuA only cares about money. actual knowledge. The students struggle academically
constant dismissal threats, finincial aid. appeals, Poor poor faculty services overall. But u don’t expect AUA to say this now do you. Go interview students, get some feed back.
AUA only cares about two things. 1) Their image and 2) Your money. This press release is meant solely to protect their image but anyone who steps into the institution would know first hand of the unprofessionalism, tactless, toxic culture they perpetuate.
This is LIES. On AUA soil or in the USA still an AUA student enrolled, paid tuition perhaps on student loans. As a matter of fact the individual was in class the other day-studying remotely. WTF are you reporting here. RIP dove!
These comments here are really stupid and ignorant. This study died at their home country and not here in Antigua. People here should be glad that AUA choose to invest in Antigua and provide lots of jobs to locals and money into the local economy. There are other islands that AUA could choose to set up university, so rather than be negative, try to support them….
Sensible not so sensible, and definitely not a student who cant relate. Just as greedy. Must be an employee and a local. AUA makes money and provide support off the backs of student money borrowed from the government. Without students-NOOOO AUA. A student dies AUA quick to say not on campus and dismissive -still a student of AUA. Where is AUA support. Greed and money!
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