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Investigation Launched into Alleged Mistreatment of U.S. Medical Student at Clarevue

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Investigation Launched into Alleged Mistreatment of U.S. Medical Student at Clarevue

Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Health has launched an internal investigation into allegations that a U.S. medical student was unlawfully detained and mistreated at Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital.

The student, who is enrolled at the American University of Antigua (AUA) and is a licensed nurse, was admitted on 15 August following a panic episode. Her family claims that although she stabilised within hours, she was confined until 27 August under what they describe as “inhumane” conditions.

In a formal complaint submitted to the Ministry of Health, the U.S. Embassy, and international human rights groups, her husband, Zain Zubair, alleged that hospital staff retaliated against her and engaged in coercion. The report accuses staff of detaining her without medical or legal justification, falsifying records to extend her stay, denying food and water, restricting visits from relatives and U.S. officials, and demanding US$2,000 to permit her departure from the island.

Emails sent by the student during her confinement expressed fear for her safety. “I am clearly not a danger to myself nor others. I fear danger to my life being here,” she wrote in one message.

Her family further alleges that conditions worsened after a local media outlet published an anonymous letter from a Clarevue staff member supporting their claims. They say visitation was further curtailed, food reduced, and communication limited.

The timing of her continued detention, they contend, caused her to miss an academic deadline at AUA, forcing her withdrawal from the current semester. She was discharged on 27 August and quietly left the country the following day.

The Ministry, while cautioning against premature conclusions, said its review will examine the patient’s admission, treatment, conditions of stay, discharge, and the conduct of all personnel involved.

“We remain fully committed to treating all patients—citizens, residents, and visitors alike—with dignity, compassion, and in accordance with established medical, ethical, and legal standards,” the Ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry also assured the public and international partners that Antigua and Barbuda’s health sector upholds transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of care.

Shermain Bique-Charles

About the author

Shermain Bique-Charles is an accomplished journalist with over 24 years of dynamic experience in the industry. Renowned for her exceptional storytelling and investigative skills, she has garnered numerous awards that highlight her commitment to journalistic integrity and excellence. Her work not only informs but also inspires, making her a respected voice in the field.

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Comments (14)

  • TruthSpeaker September 23, 2025, 2:39 PM

    “Them”…Wow, racist much? You sure you’re Antiguan? People “like YOU” are the reason Antigua has gone to hell in a handbasket. Imagine assuming she’s white because they said American. You need to get checked into Clarevue and get some help.

  • WhiteGyal September 23, 2025, 2:31 PM

    Why didn’t she go to the regular hospital or doctor? Panic attacks don’t equal mental hospitals; they are quite normal in today’s society. Who sent her there for a panic attack? Also, Americans aren’t only white people… lol

  • Mental health issues=Right for people to abuse you and get away with it. September 3, 2025, 7:12 AM

    Because when their EGO is hungry it demands to eat when the opportunity presents itself.They lose all sense and logic of what is right and wrong.
    The only thing which matters in the moment is “I am in charge you have to do as i say OR ELSE!!!!!!The sad thing about it is that even after they have done this,they will still justify that what they did was right,that it was for your own good.I have seen it firsthand.

  • Jah T September 3, 2025, 12:07 AM

    Something doesn’t sound right about this story…….. And we all know how these “AMERICANS” can get just because most will believe their side of the story. Being around them I can tell you that they will go to lengths to make us “Antiguans and black people” get into trouble. I said what I said.

  • Informed citizen September 2, 2025, 10:29 PM

    Hopefully this is just a misunderstanding… but investigations are serious business!

  • Yani September 2, 2025, 8:09 PM

    But either somebody mad or somebody crazy or this never happened. Can any madness take place in this country like that? What was the panic attack about? I mean this is a drastic decision to keep the woman there like that. I guess they thought she was a crazy white woman

  • Valarie September 2, 2025, 8:02 PM

    It feels like a movie. I was reading this and I had one movie playing in my head. That is something else. Heads need to roll. It is almost as if the woman wa sa criminal.

  • Faithful National #1 September 2, 2025, 7:15 PM

    Ask LOVE-ILL🤔🤔

  • Juju Bee September 2, 2025, 6:19 PM

    Hmmmmmm something not adding up but I not sure what it is yet. The story not storying

  • Food4thought September 2, 2025, 6:06 PM

    Something doesn’t add up. Why would hospital staff risk their jobs like this?

  • Rika September 2, 2025, 6:06 PM

    Not surprised. I mean it’s Antigua and we have lost of unprofessional people in professional positions m.

  • Listening Post September 2, 2025, 5:54 PM

    Hmmmmmm

  • Just soo September 2, 2025, 4:43 PM

    Wow!

  • AM September 2, 2025, 4:37 PM

    Bullshit a kill dem nearly kill the woman

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