Prime Minister Drew Holds Meeting with Kittitian and Nevisian Students in Cuba

On May 22, 2025, a significant meeting unfolded in Havana, Cuba, between the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, and Kittitian and Nevisian students pursuing their education in Cuba. This gathering, held at the St. Kitts and Nevis Embassy, served as a powerful reaffirmation of the government’s unwavering commitment to the academic and personal well-being of its students studying abroad. The atmosphere was charged with open communication and genuine warmth, as students candidly shared their experiences, painting a vivid picture of the unique tapestry of opportunities and challenges inherent in studying far from home.

The students’ narratives delved into the rigorous academic landscape, the enriching cultural immersion, and the occasional difficulties that punctuated their journey. They spoke of the demands of their chosen fields of study, the adaptation to a new culture and environment, and the inevitable hurdles encountered along the way. Despite these challenges, the overarching sentiment was one of profound gratitude for Prime Minister Drew’s consistent advocacy and support, recognizing his dedication to ensuring their success. This direct engagement with their nation’s leader provided a tangible representation of the government’s commitment to their welfare.

Prime Minister Drew’s presence resonated even deeper due to his personal connection to Cuba. A proud alumnus of a Cuban university himself, he brought a unique perspective to the dialogue, understanding not just intellectually but also experientially the path these students were traversing. His own transformative journey as a student in Cuba allowed him to connect with them on a profound level, fostering a sense of shared experience and mutual understanding. He reflected on his time in Cuba, acknowledging the hardships while simultaneously emphasizing the invaluable nature of the experience.

He emphasized the multifaceted benefits of their time in Cuba, highlighting the enduring friendships forged, the invaluable knowledge acquired, and the crucial resilience cultivated – qualities destined to serve them throughout their lives. He drew a parallel between his own success, stemming from his Cuban education, and the potential for these students to achieve their dreams. This personal testament provided powerful motivation, reminding them that their aspirations were attainable. He encouraged them to persevere, stressing that their academic achievements would not only shape their individual futures but would also contribute significantly to the continued progress and development of their home nation, St. Kitts and Nevis.

Prime Minister Drew reinforced his administration’s steadfast support, outlining ongoing efforts to ensure that every student studying abroad receives the necessary resources and encouragement to thrive. This assurance underscored the government’s active role in supporting its students abroad, not simply as a distant entity but as an engaged partner in their educational pursuits. He reiterated his government’s dedication to creating an environment where students felt supported, empowered, and equipped to succeed, despite the geographical distance separating them from home.

The meeting concluded on a high note, imbued with a renewed sense of purpose and shared commitment. Both the students and their Prime Minister celebrated the enduring strength and significance of the relationship between St. Kitts and Nevis and Cuba. This partnership, built on a foundation of shared values, mutual respect, and a collective vision for a brighter future, was further strengthened by this interaction. The gathering served as a powerful testament to the enduring power of international cooperation in education, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose amongst the students and their Prime Minister. The students departed with a renewed sense of motivation, armed with the knowledge that their government stood firmly behind them as they pursued their academic ambitions in Cuba. This visit underscored the importance of personal connection, shared experience, and ongoing support in fostering a successful and fulfilling academic journey for students studying abroad.