AUA has responded to an erroneous article published by Antigua News Room, a local website that is known for publishing inaccurate information.
Below is the text of the statement from AUA:
It has been brought to our attention that a news article was published by the Antigua News Room on its on November 2nd 2021 entitled “SUSPECTED SUICIDE ROCKS AUA.”
This article was accompanied by a photo of a police vehicle, giving the impression that this incident happened on the date of the publication. We therefore seek to assure the public and the students that no such incident has ever taken place on the American University of Antigua College of Medicine campus.
A student who was enrolled at AUA did pass away and, in keeping with the wishes of the family who asked that their privacy be respected, we made no comments on it.
However, we wish to provide some clarity to the situation without violating the privacy of the family. The student in question left Antigua some time ago and has been away since then. The unfortunate incident occurred in late October in the United States.
Though the incident did not take place on campus or on the island itself, we feel the fact that students could read the article and, based on the inaccurate fashion in which the facts are presented in the story, assume a death did occur on island. We thought it necessary to be ready should any student be adversely affected by the article before they were able to ascertain the true story.
AUA holds the well-being of all its students, faculty and staff in the highest regards and the utmost importance. To this end we have an entire crisis management team which was activated upon our learning of the student’s passing, and then again when the above-mentioned article was brought to our attention.
In addition, we have counselors on campus who are always available to students, faculty and staff should they need to speak to someone at any time during their time at AUA.
After the initial publication of the article, several comments were made on the Antigua News Room website, but two in particular stood out.
Anonymous November 2, 2021 At 11:01 pm: This is a harsh reality. AUA administration most likely is the reason why this student committed suicide. They care nothing about the lives of their own. Many former and current students can agree to this. There was another case like this not too long ago that hasn’t really been mentioned. AUA NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE!!!!!
Not surprised November 2, 2021 At 9:38 pm: AUA gives no support to their students.
Just constant threats of being kicked out. And of course taking all your money.
We doubt that the above comments came from AUA students, who are taught to gather all the facts before coming to a conclusion – whether it is about a medical diagnosis or a tragedy like the one addressed in the article. “Anonymous” made several unfounded accusations against AUA that we refute most strongly. At no time has there ever been an incident at AUA that was covered up or not investigated fully. If, however, there is such a case, we would employ “Anonymous,” who is privy to the facts of the incident to present it to us so that it may be investigated fully.
AUA is committed to the students and people of Antigua and Barbuda and will continue to strive to provide world class education in the field of medicine in a secure and safe environment to all.
2 responses to “AUA responds to erroneous article by Antigua News Room”
Thumbs up AUA that news portal is so crappy and distateful,they print propoganda to tear down good people and institutions. It’s a dirty tabloid
Waiting for an APOLOGY and RETRACTION from Antigua Newsroom.