Today’s news that American University of the Caribbean (AUC) has resumed operations here is obviously most welcome. While the medical school had indicated an eventual return after shutting down and temporarily relocating due to the onslaught of Hurricane Irma, there was some concern whether the current local conditions would permit such.
Thankfully, the answer was “Yes,” at least for about 400 students who start classes next Monday. That’s roughly half the number of before, but still quite an accomplishment if one considers the extensive damage suffered especially in Cupecoy where the campus is located.
What’s more, while some 270 fourth- and fifth-semester students remain in England, the plan is to eventually bring the entire programme to St. Maarten again. Needless to say; this is of great importance for the island in general and particularly that area.
With stayover tourism way down, having AUC back will bring, certainly at this time, much-needed revenues from abroad. And it’s not just about the students and faculty, but many family members and others who often visit them.
The move will hopefully also help convince other parties, such as major resorts needing to rebuild, of the destination’s ability to bounce back relatively quickly if everyone does their part. In fact, when it comes to not completely losing but regaining the former popularity of “The Friendly Island” as tropical vacation spot, speed is of the essence.
