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There is a passionate call for Antigua and Barbuda to help the people of Cuba who are recovering from the passage of hurricane Oscar which made landfall there last Sunday.
Dr Radcliffe Robins who studied in Cuba is appealing to the Antigua and Barbuda government to follow the actions of several other regional leaders and support Cuba which has been a true friend to the twin island nation.
“The leadership of our country is the one who organizes the majority of the scholarships to study in Cuba, which aid in our development.
And if that is indeed the case, our leaders should come forward like the Honorable Ralph Gonzales, like the Honorable Mia Motley, and say this is what it is that we’re doing for the people of Cuba.”
“We have been described as an economic powerhouse. If that is the case, then it is incumbent upon us to assist our brethren and sistering in Cuba in a profound way”, Dr Robins stated.
Meanwhile, Blenis Ortiz a member of the Cuban community here says the country is in dire need of medical supplies.
This includes syringes, gauze, bandages, plasters, gloves and needles.
The items can be dropped off at Dr. Philmore Benjamin’s office at the bottom of Sir Vivian Richards Street in the city, opposite Courts building by October 28.
The aim is to send off a container to Cuba by the end of this month.
Both men were speaking on state media.
I really think there should be a no questions asked approach, and we should do what we can to assist the people of Cuba
If each member of the upper gentry, trained in Cuba,who now strut around with their name tags Dr. This and Dr. That were to donate one month’s salary as a sign of gratitude and of their “concern”, it would go a long way to helping Cuba, the impoverished island-nation that made them who they are today. It was/is Cuba that gave and continues to give qualified but poor Antiguans and Barbudans the opportunity to become doctors , including vetinarians, engineers – both mechanical and electrical, agronomists, professional coaches, language specialists and professors, architects, and much more. These beneficiaries are generally considered to be among the upper echelon of society. Nobody should have to nudge them into action. Instead they prefer to look to see what the government and, despite the appearance of having intelligence or just plain common sense, dare to question the Government’s response to Cuba’s plight in the aftermath of a hurricane. How pathetic, myopic and self centered. Furthermore, isn’t it more practical for there to be a CARICOM response as is the norm in situations like this when our Caribbean neighbours suffer in this manner. And to throw into the mix the boastful mouthings of our erstwhile LIAT underminders speak VOLUMES. Antiguan-born Cuban trained doctors, just shut up and do what your conscience dictates that you can and should do.
Mount St Johns Hospital well want some of those items Cuba needed. I pray the people of Antigua and Barhuda assist the people of Cuba in whatever they can.