The government of Antigua and Barbuda is closely monitoring developments in Cuba amid ongoing energy challenges, with officials confirming that Antiguan and Barbudan students studying there have opted to remain and complete their programmes for now.
Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said Friday that Cabinet was briefed on the situation and that coordination is taking place at both national and regional levels.
“The Cabinet was briefed on the matter of the current situation of our students in the Republic of Cuba,” Merchant said during the post-Cabinet briefing.
He said students have indicated they wish to continue their studies despite disruptions caused by power shortages.
“The students have indicated that they are at this point prepared to continue their studies in the Republic of Cuba to conclusion,” Merchant said.
Merchant emphasized that the government remains engaged in contingency planning should conditions worsen.
“The government is prepared to provide the assistance that will be needed to our students if that situation does arise,” he said.
He noted that diplomatic representatives in Havana recently met to assess conditions and advise their respective governments.
“The diplomatic corps there as recently as the 17th held a meeting to address the issue and to advise their capitals on the situation,” Merchant said. “Various contingency planning, emergency responses and safety documents would have been produced for all of the students in Cuba affiliated with countries within the region, including Antigua and Barbuda.”
While Antigua and Barbuda continues to use diplomatic channels to manage the situation, Merchant confirmed that Cabinet did not discuss the absence of a formal statement from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
“It was not a matter that was discussed,” he said.
Merchant added that the government continues to balance relations with all diplomatic partners.
“Antigua and Barbuda continues to use its diplomatic channels to collaborate to ensure that the good relations that exist not only with the United States is also extended to all of our diplomatic partners, including the Republic of Cuba,” he said.
Officials said the situation remains under active review, with further updates expected if conditions change.