Photo 1 – Dr. Martin signs Book of Condolence at the Embassy of Cuba
BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS – Cuban-trained physicians in St. Kitts and Nevis have been paying glowing tribute to Cuba’s iconic Revolutionary leader, the late His Excellency Dr. Fidel Castro who died last week Friday at the age of 90.
Dr. Earl Asim Martin, Deputy Political Leader of the opposition St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party (SKNLP) and a former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health said the passing of Castro though not shocking or unexpected considering his medical and health issues over the years “still came as a shock.”
Dr. Martin said although born in enormous family wealth, Castro noting the conditions on the sugar estates, was driven to “struggle on behalf of the poor people.”
He said the solemn and outpouring of tributes and sympathy in the Caribbean, Latin America and Africa “is as a result of the tremendous work that Fidel and Cuba have done to assist the down-trodden and people in under developed nations.”
Dr. Martin, the first national of St. Kitts and Nevis to be given a scholarship to study medicine via a friendly Caribbean state credited Barbados Prime Minister Errol Barrow, Guyana’s President Forbes Burnham, Eric Williams of Trinidad and Tobago and Michael Manley of Jamaica “for establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba under trying circumstances and international pressure.”
He said it was that diplomatic relationship that triggered the expansion of friendly ties with the largest Caribbean nation and the rest of the Caribbean and complimented those Caribbean leaders for the bold decision.
Like Dr. Terrance Drew, another Cuban trained physician, Dr. Martin hailed Cuba’s granting of educational scholarships to hundreds of thousands of nationals from countries around the world including St. Kitts and Nevis.
Photo 2 – Then Minister of Health, the Hon. Dr. Earl Asim Martin meets then President of Cuba His Excellency Dr. Fidel castro
Dr. Martin praised Fidel Castro’s “generosity, willingness to assist people of other countries inspite of Cuba’s situation compounded by the US trade embargo and blockade.”
“In St. Kitts and Nevis, scores of persons have been trained under full scholarships in medicine, dentistry, psychology, nursing, sports medicine and other health-related fields; mechanical engineering, civil engineering, Accounts/Finance, economics, architecture, industrial engineering, Spanish/Linguistics, mechanical engineering and electrical engineering. No one has to payback the Cuban government,” said Dr. Martin, adding “Cuba has and is playing its part in the human resource and economic development of St. Kitts and Nevis.”
He recalled meeting personally with Fidel Castro and requesting Cuban specialists to work at the hospital as well as for local doctors already trained in Cuba to return to become specialists in the various medical fields.
“Today at the JNF we have specialists in orthopaedics, radiology, gynaecology, pharmacology, surgery and there is one studying pathology,” said Dr. Martin, who also mentioned the Miracle Mission to Cuba with financing from the late Venezuelan hero, His Excellency Hugo Chavez.
Dr. Terrance Drew in his reflection praised Fidel Castro for the services to mankind and humanity.
Photo 3 – The ashes of Fidel Castro on its way to its final resting place
He credited the late Cuban leader for the breakthrough in the healthcare and the medical profession.
Listing the various fields of medicine and healthcare that Cuba has its specialists; Dr. Drew thanked the Government and People of Cuba “for continuing to contribute significantly to the development of St. Kitts and Nevis.”
Photo 4 – Millions of Cubans lined the route of the final resting place
He also urged residents of St. Kitts and Nevis to visit the Embassy of Cuba to sign the Book of Condolence.
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Dr. Vance Gilbert saluted Castro as a man who has given more to humanity than most people, certainly more than his critics.
“Often perhaps misunderstood and misinterpreted, but I understand his vision and I know that history will absolve him. I celebrate your life and legacy and thank you and your people, the Cuban people for what you have done for me and so many thousands of my colleagues all over the world. You have boldly, selflessly and have given your life in the service of humanity and we are forever grateful. La lucha continua!,” Dr. Gilbert wrote on his FaceBook page.
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