Bahamian Students Return Home After Missile Scare in Qatar

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Emotions ran high at the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) as the families of Brittany Ford and Aysia Thurston – two Bahamian aeronautical students studying in Qatar, were reunited with their loved ones after attacks in the region forced their return home.

20-year-old Brittany Ford and 26-year-old Asia Thurston are finally back on Bahamian soil, after a frightening ordeal overseas.

The two had been in Qatar pursuing pilot training when escalating tensions in the middle east forced them to shelter in place for nearly two weeks.

For the young students, they were in midst of life threatening attacks for 12 days.

The two, along with several other Caribbean students sheltered indoors while the situation unfolded around them.

Through it all, they leaned on each other for support.

Anxiously awaiting their return, family members say the situation was nerve-wracking.

Thurston’s mother, Emily Williams, also known as Sweet Emily, and Ford’s grand father, learned of the frightening news in the early morning hours.

Getting the students home was the work of the Ministry of Tourism and Aviation, Foreign Affairs and stakeholders at LPIA and Bahamasair.

While Foreign Affairs Ministry officials continue to monitor the situation in the Middle East, Director General, Jerusa Ali, urge Bahamians in the region to stay in contact with airlines and follow the guidance from local authorities.

However, the big question is, will these two students return?