Dozens of Jamaican students have been evacuated from Cuba as the island nation grapples with an escalating fuel crisis that has severely disrupted academic programs and daily life. Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith confirmed the developments during a post-Cabinet press briefing on Tuesday, revealing that approximately 320 Jamaican students remain in Cuba, with 44 benefiting from the Jamaica-Cuba scholarship program while the majority are self-funded.
The crisis stems from recent U.S. sanctions that have restricted Cuba’s access to oil supplies, creating widespread disruptions across multiple sectors. Educational institutions have been particularly affected, with classes either temporarily suspended or transitioned to online formats. Minister Johnson Smith reported that at least one scholarship-granting institution has completely halted academic activities, directly impacting six Jamaican beneficiaries.
Thirteen privately-funded students have already returned to Jamaica due to deteriorating conditions, including critical shortages affecting food supplies, medical resources, and transportation infrastructure. The aviation industry faces particular challenges, with Cuban authorities confirming insufficient fuel for aircraft refueling operations.
The Jamaican government has established emergency communication channels, including a dedicated WhatsApp group connecting all 300+ students in Cuba with consular officials. Students are being advised to consult with their academic institutions regarding program continuity options and maintain emergency preparedness for potential evacuation.
Jamaica’s Cabinet has initiated high-level discussions about providing academic continuity support for scholarship students if disruptions persist. The government has formally contacted Cuban authorities regarding transcript accessibility for students considering transferring to other institutions, though initial indications suggest direct engagement with individual schools would be necessary.
The Jamaican embassy in Havana continues to provide consular services while monitoring the situation closely, with daily updates being reviewed by the Foreign Affairs Ministry.