LETTER: Abandoned Antiguan Students at the Caribbean Maritime University in Jamaica

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CMU Students/File Photo

Dear Editor,

 

INJUSTICE: Abandoned Antiguan Students at the Caribbean Maritime University in Jamaica

I grow increasingly concerned about the plight of immediate and present Antiguan students at the Caribbean Maritime University in Kingston, Jamaica.

These Antiguan students were pursuing various degrees in logistics and maritime studies, as part of a scholarship programme funded by the Antigua Port Authority and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.

It appears as if there is a long-standing debt owed to CMU by the Antigua Port Authority and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda over several years. Consequently, the Antiguan students have not been able to complete their studies and receive their degrees.

I am informed that the immediate past students have been ‘blacklisted’, as they were not able to graduate from CMU or receive their degrees. I am further informed that the present students have been barred from attending virtual classes and completing their courses since February 8, 2021.

These students have been feeling distressed, as many of them have only one semester left to complete their studies.

The emotional distress is exacerbated by the seeming injustice and disregard for the plight of the students shown by the Caribbean Maritime University, the Antigua Port Authority and the Government of Antigua and Barbuda. The Antigua Port Authority and the Antiguan Government have not communicated with the students on when, and if, the outstanding debt will be settled, as well as the status of the negotiations with CMU.

These students have been abandoned in Jamaica indefinitely by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.

This writer finds it curious that, while the Antiguan students have been left in the dark regarding the completion of their studies in Jamaica, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda would find it appropriate to invest in the development of yet another medical school in Coconut Hall.

It is indeed strange, that provisions are being made for foreign students to attend school in Antigua, while our native Antiguan students are unable to receive, at the very least, any communication from their government and the Antigua Port Authority regarding their scholarships.

I sincerely hope that this injustice will soon be resolved, so that our Antiguan students may complete their studies and contribute to our society.

Yours sincerely,

Cynthia Braithwaite

A concerned citizen

 

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8 COMMENTS

  1. Should a Go Fund Me Account set up to help those students. I am serious about making a contribution.

    • Thank you MUD-MAN for your response. I am trying to see how we can get this organised, and would appreciate any help for these students!

      • Please try your very best to organize it,soonest. Man owns only what he knows. Education is one of the greatest ways to learn and to earn.

  2. I wonder why the money that is authorized for these students and others are in arrears. The government is complaing about theft in other areas but have yet to pay for the education that was promised.

  3. Might I suggest that potential victims properly investigate the claims made by this “concerned citizen” before handling over scarce financial resources to someone who obviously has a political axe to grind. Spins and scams seem to be the order of the day.

    • Anon the 1st:
      It is true what the”concerned citizen” did say. Where is the politics in this matter? They did not pay.When you do not pay.Your obligations would incur penalties in arrears.

Comments are closed.