Jamaica offers support to students in Cuba as energy crisis disrupts studies

The Jamaican government says it remains committed to supporting hundreds of students studying in Cuba as the island continues to grapple with a severe energy crisis that has disrupted education, transportation and daily life.

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith said the government is monitoring the welfare of approximately 270 Jamaican students still pursuing studies in Cuba, including 40 students enrolled through Cuban scholarships supported by Jamaica.

Speaking during a post-Cabinet press briefing Wednesday, Johnson Smith said students facing difficulties can access assistance, including travel support for those who wish to return home but cannot afford the cost.

“Our concern remains for their safety, well-being, and academic continuity,” Johnson Smith said.

She said one privately funded student has formally notified authorities of his return to Jamaica, while more than 65 students, including five government scholarship recipients, have completed their medical studies for the 2025-2026 academic year.

“Three others have indicated that they are in the process of continuing their studies elsewhere through academic transfer,” she said.

Johnson Smith noted that the figures may not reflect all students who have returned to Jamaica, as some privately funded students have not formally informed the government of their status.

She said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to maintain communication with students through established channels, including a WhatsApp group connecting about 320 students with officials in Kingston and the Jamaican Embassy in Havana.

The platform has also helped identify privately funded students who were previously not registered with Jamaican authorities.

Cuba’s worsening energy crisis has created challenges for Jamaican students, with prolonged electricity outages affecting university operations, online learning, transportation and access to essential services.

Earlier this year, Johnson Smith said some Jamaican students reported temporary class suspensions, while others moved to online learning that was affected by unreliable electricity and internet access.

The government is also working with the Ministries of Education, Finance and Health, along with medical institutions, to explore options for students who want to return to Jamaica and continue their studies locally.

Meanwhile, Johnson Smith said Jamaica has contributed US$100,000 in humanitarian assistance to Cuba through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as the regional bloc responds to the island’s growing needs.

She said Jamaica continues to support dialogue between Cuba and the United States while advocating that civilian needs remain central.

“Civilian needs must remain the highest priority,” she said.

Johnson Smith also provided an update on Cuban medical professionals working in Jamaica following the conclusion of the long-standing health cooperation arrangement between the two countries in March 2026.

She said some Cuban doctors who previously left Jamaica have returned under individual contracts with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, while others who remained in the country continue providing services under similar arrangements.

The minister said Jamaica continues to recognize the contribution of Cuban medical professionals to the country’s health system over several decades.