GUYANA’S growing demand for qualified medical personnel has received a welcome boost with the graduation of five more Guyanese doctors from the University of

Medical Sciences of Havana, Cuba.
The newly-minted physicians: Dr. Savanna Sumintra Pearson, Dr. Ronichia Schwiers, Dr. Christopher Lakish, Dr. Renecia Mickle, and Dr. Alexander Giddel Isaacs, will soon return home to serve under the Ministry of Health.

Dr. Pearson, from Region Four, distinguished herself academically, graduating with Titulo de Oro (Gold Diploma) honours.
On a Government of Guyana scholarship since 2018, she attended the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM), where she earned multiple awards, including the Premio Destacado and Premio Mencion. She also held leadership roles as Vice-Secretary of the Student Association and as a member of the Board of Examiners in Humanistic and Social Sciences.
Dr. Schwiers, also a Titulo de Oro recipient, began her medical journey in Cuba in 2018. She credited her success to discipline, late-night study sessions, and perseverance through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her time abroad enriched her culturally, forging friendships and networks with peers from around the world.
Region Three’s Dr. Lakish pursued medicine with steadfast determination, having attended several local schools before entering ELAM. Aspiring to specialise in neurosurgery, he hopes to work alongside leading local specialists such as Dr. Amarnauth Dukhi and Dr. Asif Subhan to advance this field in Guyana.
Dr. Mickle, of Region Six and a Bishop’s High School alumna, began her pre-medical studies at ELAM in 2018 on a government scholarship. Fluent in Spanish, she led her student group as President and represented Guyanese students at official events throughout her tenure.
Dr. Isaacs, raised in South Ruimveldt, holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of the Southern Caribbean.
Awarded a government scholarship in 2018, he endured seven rigorous years of study in Cuba, navigating the pandemic and academic pressures. Passionate about public speaking, writing, and sports, he is considering specialisation in general surgery.
Last Friday, the group visited the Guyana Embassy in Cuba, where Guyana’s Ambassador, His Excellency Halim Majeed, officially authenticated their academic documents.
The addition of these five Cuban-trained doctors reflects the government’s continued investment in human capital for the health sector, ensuring more communities gain access to skilled medical care as Guyana’s healthcare system expands.