Dozens of Belizeans have gotten their tertiary education in Cuba and proof came today that more than ever, Belize's professionals ranks are being populated by persons who have been Cuban trained. This afternoon 11 new doctors and an agronomist were recognized for having completed their education in Cuba. The doctors are part of 2005's graduating class of 30 Belizean students from various universities in Cuba in fields ranging from civil engineering to informatics. Minister of Education Francis Fonseca and Ambassador of Cuba to Belize Eugenio Martinez handed out the awards to those present. In his remarks Fonseca expressed the country's gratitude to Cuba for the opportunities afforded to Belizeans.
Francis Fonseca, Minister of Education
"Since the first class of students started studying medicine in Cuba in 1999, the program has grown and developed beyond all our expectations. It now not only includes medicine but a wide variety of careers ranging from medicine to economics and from history to computer technology. So that today there are some 200 Belizean students studying in Cuba and all of then, their careers, touch on really every area, very aspect, of education."
Eugenio Martinez, Cuban Ambassador
"Always remember that these scholarships were not only granted to yourselves as individuals, but to the people of Belize. I also hope that along with the technical expertise offered by Cuba, you also learnt down there, as my President put it, that human capital is worth far more than the financial capital. Human capital involves not only knowledge but also, and this is essential, conscience, ethics, solidarity, truly human feelings, spirit of sacrifice, heroism, and the ability to make a little go a long way. You also gained Cuba's respect due to your discipline, well behavior, and grace. In this process you contributed to the image of Belize in Cuba. You were also Belize's ambassadors to Cuba."
There are over 200 other students presently pursuing various degrees in Cuba.
