Cuba: Solidarity with Dominica

Dominica's Education Minister Peter Saint Jean, recognized on Monday in Roseau Cuba's work as a true partner in the development of his Caribbean nation for many years, reported diplomatic sources.

The Education Minister made the statements during an activity at the Government House on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between both countries reported a news note from the Cuban embassy in Roseau highlighted by Prensa Latina News Agency.

Peter Saint Jean highlighted the educational opportunities offered by Cuba to the young people of Dominica above all in the training of doctors and considers Cuba a true partner in their country's development.

He pointed out that the Cuban government provided Dominica with a series of programs like Operation Milagro, an initiative created by the Cuban and Venezuelan leaders Fidel Castro and Hugo Chavez to offer free surgery to millions of Latin American and Caribbean people suffering eye ailments changing the lives of the poor in the region.

Saint Jean also spoke about the annual scholarships for students in Dominica to study in Cuban educational institutions in the fields of medicine, architecture and engineering.

This plan began in 1979 as part of the Cuban assistance to Dominica after Hurricane David which destroyed that Caribbean island.

Hundreds of students from the small island among them Health Minister Kenneth Darroux were benefited by the initiative of the Cuban government.

On its part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Caribbean Community Francine Baron made a call to the international community to increase its integration with Cuba.

Baron indicated that the Caricom member states, collectively or individually will continue exploring ways to create stronger ties and investment with their sister nation.