SXMElections.com

CUPECOY--American University of the Caribbean (AUC) School of Medicine has increased security on campus after receiving a second “threatening communication.”

Classes at the institution were disrupted on Monday when AUC had to be evacuated after it received a bomb threat via e-mail. In a letter to students dated September 2, AUC Campus Administrator Michael Kanaby said the second communication received “did not warn of an imminent danger to the community.”

“Due to the ongoing and as yet unresolved police investigation into these communications, we are increasing security on campus,” the letter read.

“Beginning today, you will notice more security staff and a tightening of security regarding access to the campus. I appreciate your patience while these added measures are implemented.

“I would also like to enlist your help in these efforts. I understand that your days will be busy enough with adjusting to a new term and new classes, but please let us know if you notice any suspicious activity on campus or in the vicinity of campus.”

AUC urged its student body to report suspicious activity by contacting security at tel. 545-0619, from campus grounds by dialling extension 404-1257, by e-mailing the security team at

\n This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling the police directly at 911.

Students also can report anonymously if they have information about the incident by visiting the website

www.incidentreporting.aucmed.edu .

“This is obviously not the way a typical term starts at AUC and it’s unfortunate that someone chose to disrupt such an important moment for you, your family and the St. Maarten community. Please know that we care deeply about the quality of your time here on St. Maarten and are making every effort to make your transition as smooth as possible,” Kanaby said in the letter.

More than 250 persons were evacuated from AUC on Monday after the institution received a bomb threat via e-mail. Police were alerted to the threat early Monday. Several patrols were sent to the area immediately to divert traffic and to assist the school security with the evacuation of the premises and other surrounding buildings.

A police search team together with several school security officers carried out a complete sweep of all buildings on the premises. The search ended at approximately 12:30pm without the team finding any bomb or any other explosive device on the premises.