The government of Antigua and Barbuda says it is closely monitoring the welfare of its nationals studying in Cuba as tightened US sanctions strain the island’s economy.
A group of Antiguan students in Havana appealed on social media last month to Prime Minister Gaston Browne and Ambassador George Goodwin, saying they were uncertain about safety measures and concerned about rising political tensions.
On Friday, Maurice Merchant, Director General of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, said Cabinet had received a detailed briefing and was actively tracking developments.
Foreign Affairs Minister E. P. Chet Greene told ministers that students had indicated they wished to remain in Cuba to complete their studies despite the country’s economic challenges.
The government said it was working through Caribbean Community (CARICOM) rather than acting alone, with safety protocols in place should conditions worsen.
Officials said communication remained open with students and their families, stressing that safeguarding their welfare while allowing them to continue their education was the priority.
The situation remains under review, the government added.
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Surprise surprise from this reactionary ABLP government. The Antiguan students have registered their concerns with the instability in Cuba, and reached out for governmental advice, especially with the very restrictive US sanctions.
Instead of recommending that they return home and continue with some sort of online study (if their studies permit it), the Director of Communications Maurice ‘The Voice’ Merchant and Chet ‘Grissel Back’ Greene are still monitoring the situation.
Talking about Chetty, he mentions that the Antiguan students want to remain in Cuba, 🇨🇺 but I’ve yet to hear any student confirm as such – I’ve searched everywhere.
Does anyone have an online link?