Seven Jamaican students will be heading to Cuba this month to pursue degrees in the fields of health and education, having been awarded full scholarships under the Cuba/Jamaica Bilateral Programme.
The recipients are: Tasque Brown, Naraine Anderson and Gabrielle Eubank Green, who will be pursuing medical degrees; while Vanessa Brown, Samora Robertson, Kenneth Dean and Kevon Lettman will be pursuing degrees in physical education and sports.
Speaking at a ceremony, held today (September 10), at the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba, in Kingston, where the scholarships were issued, Cuban Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Yuri Gala Lopez lauded the scholars.
He noted that over time, the recipients will be able to master a new language, and implored them to use the opportunity to explore and enjoy the Cuban culture and history.
“After completing your relevant degrees, you will return to Jamaica, ready to contribute to your beloved country’s development and the well being of Jamaicans, especially those who are the most needy,” he said.
He said that in spite of current economic challenges, caused by the international economic crisis, the passage of three major hurricanes in 2008, the Cuban Government is committed to ensuring that students are given opportunities to excel.
“Cuba has also offered and continues to offer co-operation, mainly in the fields of health and education, in countries of Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. Not only Cuban teachers have been to some developing countries, but also many students from those countries have studied and graduated, free of charge, in Cuban universities,” he said.
Mr. Lopez informed that during the 2009/10 academic year, about 300 Jamaican young persons were in Cuban universities, adding that more than 150 Cubans are currently in Jamaica providing their services in several bilateral co-operation programmes, especially in the health and education fields.
President, Jamaica-Cuba Friendship Association, Dr. Lorenzo Gordon congratulated the students and encouraged them to be ambassadors for Jamaica, even as they carry with them the hopes and aspirations of their families and friends.
Scholarship awardee, Gabrielle Eubanks, expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Cuba for the awards.
She noted that the scholarships would afford students the opportunity to pursue their dreams.
The courses last for four to seven years, with the first year dedicated to the study of the Spanish language.
Under the full scholarship, tuition, accommodation, meals, clothing allowance, study materials and medical care are covered.
Cuban Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Yuri Gala Lopez (3rd right, front row), with Jamaican students who were given scholarship letters to study in Cuba, today (September 10), at the Embassy in Kingston. Also with the students are: Director, Caribbean and Americas Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Alison Stone Roofe (front row, left); representative from the Scholarship and Assistance Unit, Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, Pauline Jervis (front row, 2nd left) and President, Jamaica-Cuba Friendship Association, Dr. Lorenzo Gordon (back row, left).
