The Antigua and Barbuda government says students studying in Cuba are continuing their programs despite facing shortages and other challenges on the island.
The update was provided during the weekly post-Cabinet media briefing, where officials addressed concerns circulating about the conditions affecting Antiguan students overseas.
Director General of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister, Maurice Merchant, said the government has remained in close contact with the students and rejected reports suggesting they are in severe distress.
“There was some malicious information that was in the media about them being in dire straits,” Merchant said. “The government has been in constant communication with our students in the Republic of Cuba.”
According to Merchant, the students themselves have acknowledged difficulties but reported that they are managing and continuing with their studies.
“Students have indicated that while there are challenges, they are faring very well,” he said.
Officials noted that the challenges include intermittent electricity outages and shortages of some basic products.
“They have reported that there are shortages in some products, there are electricity outages, water suppression and so forth,” Merchant said.
Despite those issues, the students have remained committed to completing their programs and returning home to serve the country.
“They are coping very well and are pursuing their studies,” Merchant said, adding that those expected to graduate later this year are eager to finish their programs and return to Antigua and Barbuda.
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Look let’s look at this terrible situation with our Antiguan students who are still stranded in Cuba shall we:
If any of the government ministers had any of their families trapped in the same situation, would they be dithering about it or would they have brought them home like yesterday?
I think we all know the answer to that conundrum
The students are struggling with the daily realities of Cuba’s economic crisis, which includes prolonged, frequent, and severe power outages (blackouts) and water shortages. These conditions disrupt study times, with students sometimes relying on minimal electricity to study and having to use buckets of water to bathe. Some are in a wait and see mode and preparing to leave whilst others hope to finish their training and leave. Everyday they continue to seek clear answers from home about whether they can complete their studies and if their credentials will be recognized if they chose to transfer somewhere else. It is extremely tough going and stressful for them.