The Guyanese government has initiated a comprehensive support program for its citizens studying in Cuba as the Caribbean nation grapples with a severe fuel shortage exacerbated by tightened international sanctions. Public Service Minister Zulfikar Ally confirmed the assistance measures during a Friday night session of the National Assembly’s Committee of Supply.
Minister Ally revealed that Guyana’s Ambassador to Cuba, Halim Majeed, has been actively providing supplies and emergency support to the 45 registered Guyanese students across the island nation. The ambassador has established a direct communication channel, encouraging students to contact the embassy immediately for any urgent requirements.
The government’s response comes amid growing concerns about deteriorating conditions in Cuba, where basic services including water distribution and transportation have been significantly impacted. The crisis intensified following Venezuela’s cessation of fuel exports to Cuba after the capture of socialist President Nicolas Maduro by United States authorities in early January.
Minister Ally announced that a high-level delegation including himself, the Permanent Secretary, and ministry officials will convene with affected students this coming Monday to assess their situation firsthand. ‘The welfare and well-being of all our students remain our utmost priority,’ the minister emphasized during the parliamentary session.
The current fuel shortage has reached critical levels, with multiple international airlines suspending flights to Cuba due to unavailability of aircraft refueling capabilities. Concurrently, the United States has issued warnings about imposing substantial tariffs on nations that attempt to provide fuel to the communist-led government.
This development occurs against the backdrop of Guyana’s historical relationship with Cuba, which has spanned multiple administrations despite shifting political alliances. The South American nation maintained support for Cuba during previous embargo periods, providing essential commodities including rice during the 1960s.