The government says it remains committed to supporting the approximately 270 Jamaican students still pursuing studies in Cuba amid the island’s ongoing energy crisis, with Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith assuring that assistance remains available for those facing challenges.
Speaking during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, Johnson Smith said her ministry continues to monitor the welfare of Jamaican students in Cuba, including 40 students enrolled through Cuban scholarships supported by the Jamaican government.
She said one privately funded student has formally notified authorities of his return to Jamaica, while more than 65 students, including five government scholarship recipients, have completed their medical studies for the 2025-2026 academic year.
‘Three others have indicated that they are in the process of continuing their studies elsewhere through academic transfer,’ Johnson Smith said, adding that the figures may not capture all students who have returned home because some privately funded students have not formally informed the government.
The minister said the government maintains communication channels with students to allow them to report their circumstances and seek assistance if needed.
Johnson Smith said students who wish to return to Jamaica are being offered support, including one-way travel assistance where affordability is a barrier.
‘Our concern remains for their safety, well-being, and academic continuity,’ she said, noting that prolonged electricity outages and limited public transportation in Cuba have created difficulties for students’ daily lives.
She added that the government is working with the Ministries of Education, Finance and Health, as well as medical institutions, to explore options for students who may wish to return and continue their studies in Jamaica.
The situation has been complicated by Cuba’s worsening energy crisis, which has resulted in frequent and extended power outages affecting education, transportation, food supplies and access to medical services.
Earlier this year, Johnson Smith said some Jamaican students reported that universities had temporarily suspended classes, while others shifted to online learning that was affected by unreliable electricity and internet access.
To strengthen communication with students, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs established a WhatsApp group linking approximately 320 students with officials in Kingston and the Jamaican Embassy in Havana. The platform also helped identify privately funded students who had not previously been registered with authorities.
Meanwhile, Johnson Smith said Jamaica has reaffirmed its support for the Cuban people through a US$100,000 humanitarian contribution made through the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
She said Jamaica continues to support a coordinated regional response to Cuba’s humanitarian challenges while encouraging dialogue between Cuba and the United States.
‘Civilian needs must remain the highest priority,’ Johnson Smith said, adding that CARICOM continues to advocate for constructive engagement as the most effective way to ease hardship among the Cuban population.
The minister also provided an update on Cuban medical professionals working in Jamaica following the conclusion of the long-standing health technical cooperation arrangement in March 2026.
She said some Cuban doctors who had previously left Jamaica have since returned and are working under individual contracts with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, while others who remained in Jamaica continue to provide services under similar arrangements.
Johnson Smith said Jamaica continues to recognize the significant contribution Cuban medical professionals have made to the country’s healthcare system over many years.