WILLEMSTAD – A group of former students from Richmond Gabriel University (RGU) are sounding the alarm after the institution abruptly shut down operations in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and quietly relocated to Curaçao. Accusations of fraud, deception, and academic misconduct have surfaced online, casting a shadow over the university’s reputation and raising serious concerns for Curaçao as its new host.
The medical university, which once enrolled 45 students—including 15 Vincentians—and employed 26 staff members, ceased all activity in St. Vincent in 2024. Now, more than a year later, students are publicly petitioning for justice, claiming they’ve been left without degrees, transcripts, or support from the school’s administration.
The online petition, which has already collected over 319 signatures in just 15 days, describes a troubling pattern of “academic and legal negligence” by RGU. Students say they fulfilled all academic and financial obligations but have been unable to obtain their official transcripts or degree certifications—documents essential for applying to medical residencies, further education, employment, or licensure.
Curaçao Now in the Spotlight
With RGU now operating out of Curaçao, the island finds itself at the center of the controversy. The situation has prompted questions about how the institution was able to reestablish itself locally without resolving its outstanding obligations to former students. Critics are urging Curaçaoan authorities to scrutinize RGU's operations and consider the potential reputational and regulatory risks associated with hosting the school.
Online forums, including Reddit, have been flooded with complaints. One user described the situation as a “crisis,” alleging that the administration is refusing to release transcripts or issue refunds, leaving students academically stranded and financially harmed.
Regional Reputation at Stake
The scandal has had ripple effects across the Caribbean. Social media users have warned prospective students to think twice before enrolling in medical schools in the region, fearing lax oversight and insufficient academic protections.
For Curaçao, this case comes at a time when the island is actively seeking to grow its education sector and attract international students. The allegations surrounding RGU pose a potential threat to those ambitions if left unaddressed.
At the time of writing, no official response has been issued by the university or Curaçaoan authorities.
Former students and their supporters continue to call for justice, transparency, and for governments and regulatory bodies—both in Curaçao and abroad—to intervene and ensure that those affected receive the documentation and recognition they rightfully earned.
