Road Town, Tortola - Premier Honourable Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, said he is pleased to learn that Virgin Islands students pursuing studies at the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica are safe.

This was confirmed when the Premier spoke by telephone yesterday with both the Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies Dr. Nigel Harris and Principal of the Mona Campus Professor Gordon Shirley.

The Premier wishes to assure families that the students are safe and Government will continue to monitor the safety of the Territory’s students. Government will remain in contact with senior officials of the University to keep updated on the matter.

The Government of Jamaica has declared a state of emergency to certain parts of the capital city Kingston since Friday after several police stations were attacked.

Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Andrew Fahie also sends his assurance to the families as Government continues to pay close attention to the developing circumstances.

Government remains committed to the protection of the Territory’s students as they observe the unfolding of events. There are seven Virgin Islands students currently pursuing medical and communication studies at the Mona Campus of the University of the West Indies.