19 Cuban graduates return home

Nineteen students have returned after pursuing studies at Universities in the Republic of Cuba. Several of these students were hosted by Prime Minister, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves at Cabinet Room on Tuesday, October 8th, 2009.{{more}}

Of the 19 graduates, there are 4 Architects, 3 Medical doctors, 3 Veterinarians, 2 Physiotherapists, 2 Accountants, 1 Dentist, 1 Microbiologist, 1 Optometrologist, 1 Civil Engineer, and 1 Mechanical Engineer.

Currently, there are 120 students pursing studies in Cuba, most are in the field of Medicine.

The Government of Cuba has given 11 more scholarships this year, including 3 for Art and 1 for Cinema and Television. To date, Cuban Universities have trained 150 Vincentian students. Over the years, graduates have returned in varying fields to develop the medical, social and economic well being of our country. Next year will be 30 years since the first students left these shores to undertake studies in the Republic of Cuba.

Tyrone Burke, Chief Personnel Officer stated that the Services Commission felt that the reception for the Graduates was necessary to show appreciation to them. He expressed gratitude to Ambassador Trias on behalf of the People and Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, that even in these hard times, they have contributed so much. Burke urged the Graduates to utilize their experience in Cuba to add value and enhance productivity on their jobs.

Olga Chamero Trias, Ambassador of Cuba, congratulated the graduates on completing their studies. She said that they were ambassadors in their own right by conducting themselves properly and living amongst the Cuban people. Ambassador Trias said that the scholarships were meant to contribute directly to the social development of the country.

She also appealed to the graduates to remember Cuba – to keep in contact with friends there, and form ties with the Cuba Friendship Society, the Cuban Embassy, and the Parents Association of students studying in Cuba. Ambassador Trias said that it was their duty to promote bilateral relationships with Cuba and to tell other young people what to expect when they go to Cuba.

Phebe Smart, Graduate in Accounting and Finance, expressed gratitude on behalf of the graduates, to Ambassador Trias, the Governments and Peoples of Cuba and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and their families for supporting them during their studies. She said that “Cuba is how you make it,” adding that it was not good all the time, but it was not bad either.

Smart has developed her communications ability whilst in Cuba. She said that she was never a public speaker and has learnt to express herself. According to her, they were required to make oral presentations for several examinations.

Smart demonstrated her gratitude to the Cuban society by tutoring University students in English. She encouraged her colleagues to develop the nation because the education they received in Cuba is not for them alone.

Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves and Chief Executive Officer of Vinlec Thornley Myers, who graduated in 1988 from a Cuban University also addressed the gathering.