The first three Vincentian students to study Art in Cuba, Shanelle Balcombe, Roland Layne and Maxanne Rock, left St. Vincent yesterday, along with the other first time and returning students, headed for universities in Cuba. They will attend the prestigious Eduardo Abela Academy of Visual Arts in Havana.{{more}}

This important breakthrough in the field of culture and the arts came about following the official visit of Minister of Culture Ren̩ Baptiste to Cuba in April of this year, where she signed the St. Vincent and the Grenadines РCuba Cultural Cooperation Agreement and held advanced discussions with Cuban authorities on possible scholarships for young Vincentians interested in the arts and culture.

Ambassador of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in Cuba, H.E Dexter Rose, the Cuban Embassy here in SVG and art teacher at the SVG Community College Vonnie Roudette were very instrumental in initiating the discussions which led to the eventual scholarships. The Ministry of Culture wishes these pioneering students all the best in their studies.