Some students at the American University of Antigua (AUA) have been expressing concern about the impending weather system, Hurricane Irma, which forecasters say has a 50/50 per cent chance of impacting the islands while others are prepared to ride it out.
Antigua News Room (ANR) visited the Jabberwock Road, Osbourn campus this morning which was very quiet and seemed to be operating as usual.
Not many students were on the campus grounds, but there were those who were getting into vehicles and leaving the compound.
ANR spoke to a Nigerian student, who disclosed this was her first semester, to find out if she was concerned about the hurricane making landfall on Antigua.
She said she was not, and added that some of her friends have not expressed concern either.
Asked if she knew of any student who were worried about the hurricane, she said, “I heard some people booked flights and were trying to leave yesterday, but I don’t know any of them. I can’t confirm this, this is what I am hearing, but I am still here,” the medical student said smiling.
Another student from India said she wanted to leave, but could not get a flight out of the country. She has made up her mind to stay and deal with whatever happens.
“I never experienced a hurricane before and I am a little scared, but I will stay and see what happens.”
Parents too have been expressing concern about the safety of their children through the university’s Facebook page.
Several parents said they were trying to get flights for their loved ones but to no avail.
Executive Dean and Vice President for Academic Affairs at AUA Dr Robert Mallin has been posting frequent updates to students on the university’s website.
At 11 this morning, the most recent update, he indicated to students that there has been no significant change with the weather.
The storm is compact (about 60 nautical miles). At this point, it is predicted to pass about 160 nautical miles north of Antigua. This does not mean we won’t have any inclement weather, and as I have said before, these things can change,” Dr Mallin said in his post.
The executive dean assured the student body that everything was under control and preparations are underway at the campus.
He is advising students to be safe and prepared.
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