NINE Guyanese students were awarded scholarships to pursue medical studies in Cuba, symbolising the strong partnership between Guyana and Cuba in promoting healthcare and education.
In a ceremony held on Thursday at the Cuban Embassy on High Street, Kingston, Georgetown, Cuban Ambassador Jorge Francisco Soberón Luis addressed the gathering and emphasised the significance of the collaboration between the two nations.
He described the students as an “army of white coats” set to join over 37,000 international students who have benefitted from Cuba’s medical training programmes.

He highlighted that 1,152 Guyanese doctors have already been trained in Cuba over the past 50 years, noting that Cuba has long viewed medicine as a noble profession.
“It is my hope that the students write extraordinary pages in the development of people and country, and long live the relations between Guyana and Cuba,” said Ambassador Soberón Luis.

Also present at the ceremony was Senior Minister in the Office of the President with Responsibility for Finance and the Public Service Dr. Ashni Singh, who shared his reflections on the longstanding relationship between Guyana and Cuba.
He recalled a pivotal meeting 20 years ago between then President Bharrat Jagdeo and Cuban leader Fidel Castro, which led to the establishment of the Ophthalmology Hospital in Berbice, and the promise of increased Cuban medical support in Guyana.

Dr. Singh commended the students for their achievement, underscoring the importance of their selection. “You are not accidental scholarship awardees,” he said, urging them to take their roles seriously, and serve Guyana’s healthcare system upon their return. He reminded them of the vital role Cuban doctors have played globally, and encouraged them to be gracious guests and ambassadors of Guyana while in Cuba.

The nine scholarship recipients are: Joel Barnwell, Uvindra Seepersaud, Abigail McCollin, Dawn Lee Ng-A-Fook, Francilanie Singh, Junnella Sampson, Shanice Lancaster, Moriba Moore, and Carlos Mahase. Two students will pursue postgraduate medical training for three years, while the remaining seven will undergo a seven-year undergraduate medical programme.

The ceremony was attended by students, their families, and members of the Guyana-Cuba Solidarity Friendship Society, reflecting the deep and enduring relationship between the two countries.
Also at the event was President of the Cuban Solidarity Movement with Guyana (GCSM) Halim Khan, who, in an invited comment, noted that “Cuba’s generosity in sharing its medical expertise with Guyana has left a profound impact on our healthcare system. The Cuban doctors are true ambassadors of goodwill, and we are honored to continue this strong and vital partnership.”

Further, he explained that the two nations have always been united by a common cause—improving the lives of people. “The Cuban medical brigade has also been instrumental in that mission, and their presence here in Guyana has not only saved lives but also strengthened the ties of friendship that exist between us,” Khan said.

“We commend Cuba for its unwavering commitment to Guyana’s healthcare system. The Cuban doctors who have served in our communities have done more than just provide medical care—they have built lasting relationships with the people, reinforcing the deep bond between our two nations,” he added.

The GCSM President extended a heartfelt congratulations to the scholarship awardees who have been given this extraordinary opportunity to study medicine in Cuba. “You have been chosen not only for your academic achievements but for the potential you hold to make a real difference in our healthcare system,” he said, adding: “This scholarship is more than just an academic pursuit; it’s a commitment to serve your fellow Guyanese upon your return. We are confident that you will carry the values of compassion, dedication, and service exemplified by the Cuban medical brigade, and we look forward to

seeing you contribute to the future of healthcare in Guyana.”