Thirteen Dominicans will soon leave the island to pursue studies in Cuba.
The students were awarded scholarships from the Cuban Government and some will pursue studies at the Latin American School of Medicine in Cuba.
They are Shanon John, Elainnia Lestrade, Rajief Defoe, Diana Baron Belfield, Lannelle Maris Guiste, Henville Alexander, Cadian Mayers , Alize Alana Charles, Kerwin George, Riana Vidal, Ken Jacob, Lyndia Nicholas and Elia Poponne.
The majority will pursue studies in medicine, however some will study engineering and architecture at other institutions.
Cuban Ambassador to Dominica, His Excellency Juan Carlos Frometa de la Rosa, held a farewell ceremony for the students at the Cuban Embassy on Wednesday.
He wished the students success and advised them to, “take the opportunity and come back to your country to improve the life in the country.”
Meantime Education Minister, Petter Saint Jean, said the Dominica/Cuba relationship has yielded much fruits and he encouraged the students to represent their families and Dominica well.
“The relationship has yielded fruits for us, I expect you to go out there to represent, first of all, your families well, present Dominica well,” he said. “I do not want to hear of anybody aborting studies but that you are to go out there do the best that you can do and within the next six or seven years you can come back to Dominica and contribute meaningfully like a number of people are doing…”
He continued, “The thirteen of you who will be representing us this year in Cuba and over the next six to seven years, we expect you to do us proud. And as you go let me say to you, remain focus and I believe that once you do your best, then the good Lord will do the rest.”
Health Minister Dr. Kenneth Darroux, a Cuban graduate, encouraged the students to remain focused during their studies.
“Cuba is a very lively place and it is very easy to get distracted,” he stated. “No one is telling you that you cannot have a good time but always remember what is it that you came here to do; remain focused because this is a golden opportunity. I am sure all of you would know how much it cost to do a medical degree, you’re talking about a few hundred thousand dollars, an entire mortgage, so you have an opportunity, please do not squander it.”
Over the years hundreds of students from Dominica have graduated from Cuba.
excuse me i am just here for the beff but i c bit of preference here….. anyways dont kill me with maypwee. all i c is labourites.
woshh, DR, hope u come back with a brand new attitude.
ok miss mary mary, i support your opinion 100% , I believe there are alot of flaws in the selection of candidates for the scholarship programme . The government need to start making’ financial need” a requirement for such opportunities. The Dr is a second time cuban scholar, she already has a first degree awarded to her years ago to study medicine in Cuba, some less fortunate person could have very well benefited from this opportunity, I am not taking anything away from her but I feel that this is very very unfair. This is just another political scheme.
i think you’re misinformed and your misguided interpretation of this report couldn’t be more one-sided. The “second time Cuba scholar” is for a specialist or residency degree, which to my knowledge does not affect the quota of “general medical practitioners” scholarships available. I’m sure you’ll agree the country will be better placed with less specialist from China & Cuba and more locally trained specialist doctors. Unless you wish to continue going to Guadeloupe and the US for treatment. I do think its unfair to label everything “political & biased”. Whatever happened to objective thinking. smh.
More communism for us
I’m delighted that our children have the opportunity to study in Cuba. What a fantastic opportunity which will enable them huge advancement and opportunities in life. Many thanks to all involved in making this possible.
Mary mary your ignorance is showing. Please refrain from posting another statement.
What I’m I ignorant about, scholarships? The selection process? The awardees education and financial background? Qualify your statement, don’t just curse and leave. I’m waiting….
i think mary is deeply misinformed about the scholarship process. I suggest she goes to the Min Ed and see hoe transparent the process is. In fact the requirements now are less stern that those a few years ago. #beinformed
It’s amazing how parents can take these huge mortgages and build mansions but make no reservation for their children education and then has to find a way to get government to digress from a poor person’s child to facilitate their child for whom they failed to make provision.
Some people want it all, a bunch of selfish hearts in Dominica.
Mary Are you stupid? Is it every parent who has money like maybe you have? This is such an ignorant and prideful statement that you should be ashamed of your view on that.
You need to stop. Do your investigation and come back. Are these really poor folks getting these scholarships?
And I won’t call you stupid, or use any like terms to describe you… I know you are intelligent, let’s discuss in a civilized intelligent manner, please don’t disappoint me.
Mary Mary I totally agree wit you my exact sentiment they can afford biggg mansions so find the money to send your children to study give poor ppl children a chance too….again is poto labourites so what u expect? is who u know and who know u …..
Mary Mary , there is something called “LOAN”. Get a freaking ‘STUDENT LOAN’ and stop relying on your parents to pay your way after you’ve reached legal age. These people have worked very hard all their lives just so you and whoever can get a head start in life ( if you know what I mean….from birth to 18yrs of age). And, if they decide to to build mansions instead of making reservations for their children’s education, let them be. There are banks, credit unions etc. Go to one of them. See if you can get a loan. In a few years when you start working you will be able to pay them back and even build your mansion. Stop looking on others and start doing for yourself
So Mary Mary what you saying is poor people children alone that should get scholarships. Once you are a citizen of Dominica you should be a candidate for any scholarship. Do you know how many poor people children are interested in medicine and applied. Yes poor people might not have the money to build the so called mansions you speak about, but do know how many of them fail to prioritize with the little that they have. The rich will be the rich but if you so concern about the poor do something. You cannot control peoples action but you have control over yours. Start a foundation, raise funds to help the poor secure scholarship. Buy school supplies and donate to the poor. Better yet become a big sister and take a poor person child under your wings. Make your own contribution
Were these scholarships ever advertised?
yes they were
where and when students should be selected from all over Dominica
sweetie pie i’m sorry you missed out on this opportunity.maybe next time?please dont be bitter.there are so many scholarships being thrown around these days you just have to put yourself at the right place at the right time.