Roseau, June 24, 2019. The act of awarding scholarships to the 16 students of Dominica who were selected for the "Scholarship Plan" granted by the government of Cuba, was held today, June 24, 2019, at the Embassy of Cuba. The event was chaired by the Ambassador of Cuba, Ulises Arranz Fernández and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development, Ms. Chandler Hyacinth. Representatives of the cuban state mission and relatives of the selected students also attended.
The activity began with the national anthems of both countries and immediately the Ambassador of Cuba referred to the will of the government and people of Cuba to maintain collaboration with Dominica, of which the Scholarship Plan for this country is an example, in 2019 he turns 40 years old. He said that on this occasion ten scholarships were granted to study medicine, one to study undergraduate in nursing, three for engineering careers and two for postgraduate medical graduates in Cuba. He also referred to the collaboration of Cuba in the sphere of health and in the reconstruction of Dominica after Hurricane Maria, offering data on its results. He strongly condemned the unjust and illegal blockade of the United States against Cuba, with special emphasis on the enforcement of Title III of the Helms - Burton Act. Finally, the Ambassador conveyed his congratulations to all the selected young people and their families and their best wishes for success during their studies in Cuba.
The architect Severin Mckenzie, who was part of one of the first groups of graduates in Cuba, recalled his days as a student. He said that the perseverance and concern of the government of Cuba and Dominica made things work well. He said that Dominicans, whatever their political orientation, recognize Cuba and its education system as the ideal setting, because it inculcates not only scientific knowledge but also values and the commitment to return to their homeland to serve their people. I highlight the efforts of the Cuban people to maintain cooperation despite the increase in the blockade against Cuba.
For her part, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development of Dominica, Mrs. Chandler Hyacinth, thanked the government and people of Cuba for the opportunity it offers to these young people. She asked the young students for their effort to graduate as professionals with a high scientific knowledge and congratulated them on their choice. She also had words of praise for the Health Collaborators Brigade and the Builders Brigade for their work in Dominica, saving lives and offering quality care, as well as helping to rebuild the country after Hurricane Maria. All this cooperation is a symbol of friendship and the existing relations between both countries.
In the end, the Ambassador of Cuba and the Permanent Secretary of Education presented the documentation that accredits the granting of the scholarship to each student. They were also given a copy of a magazine issued on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Scholarship Plan, which includes interviews and opinions of several graduated in Cuba.
EMBACUBA DOMINICA