The Cuban ambassador-designate to Fiji, Néstor Torres Olivera, held a fraternal exchange with young professionals from the Pacific who graduated from Cuban medical schools. The meeting strengthened ties with the alumni community who are now driving the healthcare systems of their respective islands after training under the principles of the Cuban medical school.
In his welcoming remarks, he expressed his satisfaction at the presence of those who keep Cuba in their hearts, fondly remember their time in the country, and express their gratitude to the Cuban people for the knowledge they acquired and their hospitality. He conveyed his country's pride in being able to humbly contribute to the health of sister nations in the Pacific and other regions of the world.
He reminded those present of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro as the architect of the brilliant idea of training medical personnel from other countries in Cuban universities to provide services in the most needy regions and to the most vulnerable populations. He also urged them to actively participate in the events taking place this year to commemorate the centennial of the Cuban Revolution's leader.
Furthermore, the Cuban diplomat spoke with those present about the current situation in Cuba, brought about by the intensification of the U.S. blockade and the Trump administration's attempt to force the Cuban people to surrender. He referred to the recent signing of an executive order by the U.S. president threatening tariffs on countries that sell oil to Cuba, claiming that the island is a threat to U.S. national security and foreign policy. He added that, now more than ever, it is imperative to raise the voices of solidarity from the peoples of the world against a policy he described as criminal and unprecedented. For their part, the graduates expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to meet with other students in a Cuban setting, while also expressing their solidarity with the Cuban people and their appreciation for having been given the opportunity to train as healthcare professionals.