KINGSTON, Jamaica— The People’s National Party (PNP) has expressed concern over the welfare of Jamaican students who are currently studying in Cuba, following the passage of Hurricane Ian on Tuesday.

In a news release, PNP President Mark Golding called on the Government to continue to check on the welfare of students who have been affected by the natural disaster. He further urged the prime minister to not withhold any support the students may need.

“The hurricane struck as Cuba recovers from one of the country’s worst periods of financial hardship in its history, with its ailing infrastructure already causing widespread power outages. The latest reports indicate that two persons have lost their lives and several infrastructures and tobacco fields have been damaged,” Golding said.

Ian hit western Cuba as a Category three hurricane, knocking out electricity to the entire country, leaving millions of people in darkness.

As the island goes into its recovery phase, the PNP said that it “stands in solidarity with Cuba and prays that the nation will band together in this difficult time and heal from the emotional and economic toll this tragedy has caused.”

The PNP, while expressing confidence in the will and strength of the Cuban people to build back stronger, also called on the entire Caribbean community to lend a helping hand to Cuba.