J’cans receive scholarships to study in Cuba

Fifteen young Jamaicans have gained scholarships to pursue tertiary training in medicine, nursing and civil engineering in the Republic of Cuba, under the Jamaica-Cuba Bilateral Scholarship Programme.

Speaking at the awards ceremony for the students, held at the Embassy of Cuba in St Andrew on Wednesday, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Alando Terrelonge, said the government of Cuba has consistently invested in the educational development of Jamaican students, through the provision of scholarships, primarily in medicine and health sciences.

He highlighted that the long-standing, meaningful and mutually beneficial bond of friendship and cooperation has been shared between Jamaica and Cuba for more than 50 years. Terrelonge also expressed gratitude for the unwavering support towards Jamaica's development, adding that "not only are we close geographical partners, but our relationship is based on, among other things, mutual respect and strong people-to-people connections".

He told the students that they have succeeded in securing their places in the various programmes and have proven themselves to be the "creme de la creme, having successfully undergone a rigorous selection process".

"As you prepare to depart Jamaica for diverse and vibrant Cuba, I encourage you all to continue to work diligently in your respective fields of study, to remain faithful to the goals you have set for yourselves, and to fly, even higher, the Jamaican flag in Cuba. It is my hope that you will not only meet, but exceed, your and your families' expectations," he added.

Under the full scholarship, tuition, accommodation, meals, clothing allowance, study materials and medical care are covered by Cuba.