KINGSTON, Jamaica— Fifteen young Jamaicans received 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 Thursday, April 24, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Alando Terrelonge, said the scholarship component of the partnership is one of the many successes for Jamaicans.

“Through this valuable programme, the Government of Cuba has consistently invested in the educational development of Jamaican students, through the provision of well-needed and appreciated undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, primarily in Medicine and Health Sciences,” Terrelonge said.

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 and has provided invaluable support to Jamaica, with several agreements in the areas of Health, Science, Culture, Sports, Tourism and Education.

The minister of state 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”.

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

“I commend you for your drive, hard work and dedication towards your educational development,” he said.

“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,” the state minister added.

He also encouraged the students to view the scholarship not only as an opportunity to advance academically but to also “immerse yourselves in the rich culture of the Cuban people” and to form new connections, build networks, explore new adventures, improve their Spanish-speaking skills, and to stay connected with the Jamaica Embassy in Havana.

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

The programme is administered by the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in conjunction with the Scholarship Unit of the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service and other entities. Every year, the Cuban Government invites applications from individuals wishing to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies.