Basseterre, St. Kitts, August 15, 2023 (SKNIS): A 20-foot container filled with personal items including food and water is on its way to the Republic of Cuba to benefit St. Kitts and Nevis’ students studying in the Spanish-speaking country.
This initiative was made possible by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis in collaboration with the Solid Waste Management Corporation (SWMC), the CARE Foundation, and other stakeholders within the private sector, as well as parents of the students.
Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, said that the government is pleased to assist as the efforts will enhance the students’ stay in Cuba.
“We know that there have been some challenges for our students in Cuba, therefore, we have decided to step up as a government to make sure that our students are as comfortable as possible,” said Prime Minister Dr. Drew during a brief ceremony at NEMA on August 15, 2023. “The Cuban Government is indeed doing its utmost best to make our students comfortable and have a good stay in Cuba and so we are doing our part as well… and have committed to make sure that we fulfill this.”
Prime Minister Dr. Drew is a Cuban-trained physician, who understands the “needs that are there in Cuba. He added that it is therefore, “very important” for him as Head of Government to “help the students.”
“They are our future professionals, and they will come back to serve their country and I think that their country should make sure that they are well, in a country that is doing their best to take care of them,” Prime Minister Dr. Drew added.
The prime minister thanked the Cuban Government, parents and all stakeholders who played a part in ensuring that the needs of the students were met.
Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency David Rivero Pérez applauded the efforts of the government, parents and private sector to answer the call of the students.
“It is important to me to know and see the concern of the government supporting the parents of the students who are in Cuba with some challenges that affect not only the Cuban people but also the students who are there studying,” said Ambassador Pérez. “It is good also to know that we have a donation from the Ministry of Health of medical supplies for the Ministry of Health of Cuba and we thank the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis for their solidarity with us. We want to express the commitment to continue collaborating in order to strengthen our ties.”
The care packages include water, personal hygiene products, dry food, medical supplies, batteries and other supplies needed to make the students comfortable.
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