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Parliament Statement Stipend for Students in Cuba

 

STATEMENT TO PARLIAMENT

BY THE PRIME MINISTER

HON. BRUCE GOLDING

AUGUST 26, 2008

            For many years, the Government of the Republic of Cuba has awarded tertiary level scholarships to Jamaican students under bilateral technical assistance agreements between the governments of Cuba and Jamaica.  Many Jamaicans have benefited from this programme and are currently engaged in various fields of endeavor.  Under these arrangements, the Cuban government provides tuition, accommodation and course related supplies plus the equivalent of US$5 per month.  The Jamaican government provides a stipend of US$100 per month each to students who have been awarded scholarships under the bilateral programmes and who execute the required bond with the Jamaican government.  This currently applies to 184 students enrolled at tertiary institutions in Cuba.

            There are also a number of Jamaican students in Cuba who were awarded scholarships through direct arrangements with the People's National Party as well as local trade unions.  These students, who currently number 82, receive no financial assistance from the Government of Jamaica.

            Jamaican students in Cuba engaged in the one-year preparatory course prior to registration in their respective disciplines also receive no financial assistance from the Government.  These currently number 23.

            I am to advise the House that Cabinet has given approval to a 25% increase in the stipend payable to Jamaican students in Cuba from US$100 to US$125 per month.

            In addition, the Government has decided that this monthly stipend will be paid to all Jamaican students awarded scholarships by the Cuban government.  This will include those students who have benefitted from special arrangements with the People's National Party and trade unions as well as those undergoing the one-year preparatory course.

            These decisions are in keeping with undertakings I gave when I met with a large delegation of students during my visit to Cuba in May.