Belizean Students in Cuba Are Not Ready to Come Home

As conditions in Cuba continue to worsen, Belize says it is keeping a close watch on its 28 students currently on the island.

Foreign Minister Francis Fonseca confirmed that the government is in near-daily contact with the students through Belize’s embassy in Havana, and so far, none have requested to come home.

“We are in contact with our students almost on a daily basis through our embassy in Cuba,” Fonseca said. “About twenty of them are nearing completion of their studies, so that’s good.”

The students, many of whom are in the final stretch of their medical training, have expressed a desire to see their programmes through despite the hardships gripping the island. The U.S. has blocked oil shipments to Cuba since February, leaving the island facing crippling fuel shortages and widespread power outages.

Fonseca said the government respects the students’ decision but is prepared to act if necessary. “If they indicate to us, or if the Cuban government indicates to us that they believe it’s in their interest to return to Belize, then we will facilitate that,” he said.