Kingston, Jamaica, 28 April 2020. Yesterday, more than two dozen Jamaicans who study Medical Sciences in Cuba signed a letter of solidarity with our country and our struggle against the COVID-19. The message begins by saying:
“We, a collective of Jamaican students studying in various provinces of Cuba, stand in solidarity with the country through this COVID-19 pandemic. We recognize the difficulty this pandemic is causing for the country of Cuba and the world and appreciate the efforts put in place by Cuba to mediate the impact of this pandemic, while still facing an economic embargo.”.
The students also showed gratitude for the commitment and service the Cuban government continues to give to the people, both nationals and internationals, while they await further instruction as it relates to their academic pursuits in Cuba.
Half a hundred young Jamaicans study Medical Sciences in Cuba as part of the Cuba-Jamaica Bilateral Scholarship Programme, while more than 70 carry out their studies in a self-financed fashion. This second option is becoming increasingly popular with Jamaica’s youth for its quality and affordability (as little as $55.000 USD for the full six-years programme of Medicine studies, less for Dental Medicine and Nursing).