Antigua and Barbuda Prepares Possible Evacuation of Students in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa Nears

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda is on high alert as it closely monitors the deteriorating situation in Jamaica, where Hurricane Melissa, now a dangerous Category 5 system, continues to unleash extreme winds and torrential rainfall.

Officials confirmed tonight that contingency plans are being finalized to evacuate Antiguans and Barbudans currently studying in Jamaica, should conditions worsen or local infrastructure begin to fail.

Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, Maurice Merchant, who also manages the Prime Minister’s Scholarship Programme, has been in constant contact with students since Sunday night.

He urged those still outside the designated safety zones to move to secure locations immediately and to remain vigilant as the storm continues its slow, destructive path toward the island.

Hurricane Melissa, described by meteorologists as a “super storm,” is producing sustained winds near 200 miles per hour, stronger than the legendary Hurricane Gilbert of 1988.

Up to 40 inches of rainfall is forecast to drench parts of Jamaica, raising fears of catastrophic flooding and landslides.

Last weekend, Prime Minister Gaston Browne instructed that all Antigua and Barbuda students in Jamaica be relocated to the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.

Initially, the arrangement was to last until Monday, October 27, but the hurricane’s unexpected slowdown, crawling westward at just 2 miles per hour, has delayed landfall, forcing an indefinite extension of their stay.

As of Monday night, 53 students had taken shelter at the hotel under government arrangements, which include lodging and meals.

Prime Minister Browne has extended solidarity to the government and people of Jamaica, urging Antiguans and Barbudans to “keep our Caribbean brothers and sisters in prayer” as the storm’s full impact unfolds.

He also pledged Antigua and Barbuda’s readiness to assist Jamaica with relief efforts once conditions allow.

“This is a time for regional unity and compassion,” Browne said. “We are one Caribbean, and we will stand with Jamaica through this crisis.”