Government of St. Kitts and Nevis Sends Relief Supplies to Students Studying in Cuba

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, May 20th, 2025 (PMO) – In a clear demonstration of commitment to the welfare of its citizens abroad, the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis today, May 20, facilitated the shipment of a container of essential supplies to nationals studying in the Republic of Cuba. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office and several other key national stakeholders, aims to provide daily-use items that are difficult to access under normal circumstances in Cuba.

Prime Minister the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew and Minister of Foreign Affairs the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas were present this morning at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) headquarters, where the goods were packed and readied for shipment.

Foreign Minister Douglas used the opportunity to express gratitude to the many agencies and individuals who contributed to the success of the initiative, noting, “What we are doing is really sending to them some important daily and relief supplies, foodstuff, toiletries, items that they are going to be using on a daily basis and which may be difficult to obtain in Cuba under normal circumstances.”

Minister Douglas extended appreciation to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, TDC, the St. Christopher Air and Sea Ports Authority (SCASPA), NEMA, and the parents of the students who made donations, as well as the inmates who assisted with the packing of the goods. “I hope they will bring the relief that we expect of them,” he added.

Prime Minister Dr. Drew, himself a graduate of a Cuban university, underscored the significance of the gesture, noting both its personal and national importance. He also acknowledged the Office of the Prime Minister’s direct contribution to the effort.

Recognizing the long-standing educational partnership between St. Kitts and Nevis and Cuba, the Prime Minister reflected, “As you know, I’m a Cuban graduate, and therefore this one, in addition to really helping our citizens and also helping, I would say, fellow alumni of the Cuban association, we understand that there can be challenges, and there are challenges from time to time in Cuba, but we want to make sure that our students would be, of course, taken care of, and this effort is really to help them while they are pursuing their studies in Cuba to return to Saint Kitts and Nevis to contribute to national development.”

The Prime Minister also extended sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Cuba for their unwavering commitment to education and regional solidarity. “I would like to thank Cuba for its continued contribution, even under challenging circumstances, to our national development through education. They have done their part, and we will do our part to make sure that this program continues to be a strong program to strengthen Caribbean upliftment and unity between our peoples and, of course, advancement of our country.”

This latest act of solidarity by the Government reaffirms its pledge to protect and support its citizens, wherever they may be, and to strengthen the bonds of Caribbean friendship and cooperation.