Havana, June 27 (RHC)-- Eight young Jamaicans have been awarded medical scholarships to study in Cuba for the 2016-2017 academic year, under the Cuba-Jamaica Cooperation Program.

Cuban Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Bernardo Guanche Hernandez, presented the scholarships to the recipients over the weekend at the Cuban Embassy in Kingston. He said that apart from studying medicine, the young Jamaican professionals will learn the Spanish language and interact with Cubans.

Permanent Secretary in the Jamaican Ministry of Health, Dr. Kevin Harvey, said that 300 students had applied for the scholarship program. He noted that the cooperation program has not only improved the relations between Jamaica and Cuba, but has augmented the service provided in Jamaica’s health sector.

Dr. Harvey pointed to many interventions and surgeries done by Cuban physicians over the years to assist Jamaicans.

“We have had this long standing arrangement and relationship and sharing.”  And he said: “Once we have an issue, Cuba is always there to stand by us.”