Fifteen Jamaican youths have been awarded scholarships to pursue tertiary education in medicine, nursing, and civil engineering in the Republic of Cuba, marking a significant milestone in the Jamaica-Cuba Bilateral Scholarship Programme.
At the recent awards ceremony hosted at the Embassy of Cuba in St. Andrew on April 24, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Hon. Alando Terrelonge, lauded the scholarship program as a testament to the enduring success stories of Jamaicans.
Mr. Terrelonge underscored the pivotal role of the Cuba-Jamaica partnership, highlighting Cuba’s consistent investment in the educational development of Jamaican students.
The program, primarily focused on Medicine and Health Sciences, has been instrumental in nurturing Jamaican talent through undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships.
Decades of collaboration
Emphasizing the long-standing friendship and cooperation between Jamaica and Cuba spanning over five decades, Minister Terrelonge celebrated the multifaceted agreements between the two nations.
These agreements, spanning Health, Science, Culture, Sports, Tourism, and Education, have significantly contributed to Jamaica’s progress.
Expressing gratitude for Cuba’s steadfast support, Minister Terrelonge emphasized the foundation of the relationship on mutual respect and strong people-to-people connections, cementing Jamaica and Cuba as close geographical partners.
Pioneers of excellence
Addressing the scholars, Minister Terrelonge commended their exceptional achievements in securing coveted positions in their respective programs, hailing them as the “crème de la crème” after successfully navigating a rigorous selection process.
He urged them to uphold their commitment to academic excellence and to represent Jamaica with pride and distinction in Cuba.
Encouraging the scholars to embrace the scholarship as more than an academic pursuit, Minister Terrelonge urged them to immerse themselves in the rich culture of Cuba, fostering new connections, expanding networks, and honing their Spanish language skills.
He emphasized the importance of staying connected with the Jamaica Embassy in Havana, fostering a sense of community and support while abroad.
Comprehensive support
Under the full scholarship, Cuba covers tuition, accommodation, meals, clothing allowance, study materials, and medical care, ensuring scholars can focus wholeheartedly on their academic pursuits.
Administered by the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in collaboration with the Scholarship Unit of the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service, the program annually invites applications from aspiring undergraduates and postgraduates, reflecting the ongoing commitment to fostering educational opportunities between the two nations.
