(I write to you on behalf of students studying in Mexico in order to update the nation as to our present situation as it relates to the “swine flu influenza” since our local media houses have failed to take up their duty as informants) We were advised on Thursday 23rd April at 11:00pm by the Minister of health Jose Angel Cordova Villalobos that all schools would be closed on Friday as a result of the epidemic referred to as the swine flu influenza, discovered in Mexico city, Estado de Mexico y San Luis Potosi. Later, other states were alerted as the disease spread throughout the Republic of Mexico. Meanwhile we were asked to refrain from leaving our residences unless absolutely necessary and in such cases we are to wear masks for protection, other precautionary measures like washing of hands regularly, avoiding the traditional Mexican greeting of shaking hands and kissing were also recommended. As to date more than 5000 cases of the epidemic and other closely related symptoms have been identified in Mexico with a recorded death toll of 81 persons. This new type of swine flu influenza is unlike the known type that has been in existence for years, since the recorded fatalities are between the ages of 20 and 50 an unusual difference to the young children and senior folks that are normally victims. As a result we are confined to our homes to avoid the further spread of the disease, which the authorities do not seem to have under control, an assumption based on the limited vaccinations that are available and the increase in deaths despite the general awareness about the disease. There is a general sense of panic and uncertainty among students which has worsened, since nobody from the Mexican authorities responsible for us "The Department of Foreign Affairs" (Secretaria Relaciones Exteriores) has since contacted us or questioned our where-a-bouts. Even more disappointing, we have not received any word from Government officials of our country, to confirm our well-being. We consider ourselves ambassadors of our country, the studies being pursued is on your behalf, it is the intention of every student here to return to Grenada and patriotically serve our beloved little island on completion of these programs. However we are saddened at the treatment received. The Mexican society is difficult and almost impossible to integrate into. Very little regard or consideration has been extended to us by the Mexican authorities responsible for this scholarship program since our arrival here, yet we courageously pursue this important task. We however, expect a different reaction from our beloved Government, it is our hope that this treatment is not meted out to us because this program was initiated by another Government, please show some concern for us especially throughout this time. We kindly request that our local media houses follow up the reports coming out of Mexico so that our family, friends and the nation generally can be updated. There are 69 Grenadians studying in Mexico, most of the students are concentrated in the parts of Mexico most seriously affected by this epidemic. We call upon our fellow Grenadians to keep us in your prayers. We know that our nation is a praying nation and that God is able to take us through this very difficult time. Thank you for your time. Petrified students in Mexico Update...... we have been listening to the media in Grenada and have heard the address by Minister of Education. Franca Bernadine. We would like the Government of Grenada to investigate the present situation thoroughly and contact us directly before issuing statements to the press that are inaccurate . We have listened to the information disseminated on the local radio stations and it is shameful that the minister of education is not up-to-date, 1.The vaccines are limited and not being issued to anyone who does not display very serious symptoms of the swine flu virus. 2. If we are to leave Mexico we would be stopped at the ports of entry for checks but not detained 3. We have never been treated like Mexican citizens and that hasn’t changed since the outbreak, we are yet to be contacted by authorities here. 4. The communication between students here is excellent it is the communication with authorities that has proven difficult. Thank you Source:GNN (The views expressed in this article are those of the writer and not necessarily those of Inside Grenada news team)