PM Browne Secures LIAT Support for Possible Evacuation of Students in Jamaica

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PM Browne Secures LIAT Support for Possible Evacuation of Students in Jamaica
Prime Minister Gaston Browne and LIAT’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Hafsa Abdulsalam

Prime Minister Gaston Browne has finalized arrangements with LIAT’s Chief Executive Officer, Mrs. Hafsa Abdulsalam, to evacuate Antiguan and Barbudan students currently in Jamaica if the need arises following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

The Prime Minister met with Mrs. Abdulsalam on Tuesday morning, where she assured him that a LIAT aircraft will be made available as soon as conditions permit, should an evacuation become necessary.

Prime Minister Browne reported that all 53 students are safe and secure at the Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston, where they have been housed since last Friday. He said the students are comfortable and have been able to continue their studies while awaiting the passage of the storm.

Hurricane Melissa, a large and dangerous Category 5 system, is expected to make landfall in Jamaica on Tuesday. The storm is moving slowly and poses a grave threat to life and property.

The Prime Minister called on churches and citizens across Antigua and Barbuda to pray for the people of Jamaica, seeking divine intervention to lessen the storm’s impact. He also noted that Antiguans and Barbudans understand firsthand the destruction hurricanes can bring and pledged that the country will extend assistance to Jamaica in the aftermath of the disaster.

This story was first published by Antigua News on : antigua.news/2025/10/28/pm-browne-secures-liat-support-for-possible-evacuation-of-students-in-jamaica. © 2025 Antigua News. Republication without permission is not allowed.

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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 (10)

  • Yanick October 28, 2025, 9:25 PM

    Wha me tell you Gaston nah sleep pon dis one at all! He move quick, make sure dem students safe and even line up LIAT just in case. That ah real leadership, man. We been through storm too, so we know how rough it get. Big up Antigua lookin out fi we own and still keepin Jamaica inna we prayers. 💪🏽🇦🇬🇯🇲
    Reply
  • Concerned Antigua October 28, 2025, 9:41 PM

    I spoke with one of the students earlier they said they’re safe and grateful. Big up to LIAT for being on standby.
    Reply
  • Unruly One October 28, 2025, 11:18 PM

    Proud of our Prime Minister for always looking out for our students abroad. Leadership in action! 🇦🇬
    Reply
  • D Vaughn October 28, 2025, 11:42 PM

    This is good, but let’s make sure the plan is clear and ready. In emergencies like this, timing is everything
    Reply
  • Apex Jones October 29, 2025, 7:11 AM

    Thanks for making this happen. At least our shares in the airplane is not going to waste
    Reply
  • Donna October 29, 2025, 9:12 AM

    Didn’t some countries have removed their children out before the hurricane hit since last week? So why didn’t Antigua government did the same? I know of some parents here who already got their children out before the hurricane arrived.
    Reply
  • Wello October 29, 2025, 9:23 AM

    That’s what Caribbean unity looks like. One people, one region — we stand with Jamaica in this difficult time.
    Reply
  • Tromos October 29, 2025, 10:34 AM

    Excellent collaboration between government and airline safety and compassion in action.
    Reply
  • Shana October 29, 2025, 1:05 PM

    I spoke with one of the students earlier they said they’re safe and grateful. Big up to LIAT for being on standby.
    Reply
  • Informed citizen October 29, 2025, 7:34 PM

    Good initiative if it actually happens. Evacuation flights aren’t simple to organize
    Reply

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