The government says Antiguan and Barbudan students studying in Cuba are managing despite ongoing hardships, pushing back against claims that they are in severe distress.

Speaking at Thursday’s Post-Cabinet Press Briefing, Director General of Communications Maurice Merchant said the government has remained in regular contact with the students and rejected reports suggesting they were in dire circumstances.

“There was some malicious information that was in the media about them being in dire straits and that they need help and so forth,” Merchant said.

He explained that while students have acknowledged facing real difficulties, they have also indicated that they are coping and remain focused on completing their studies.

“The government has been in constant communication with our students in the Republic of Cuba,” Merchant said. “The students have indicated that while there are challenges, they are faring very well.”

Merchant noted that the government has put measures in place to reduce the impact of the situation in Cuba on the Antiguan and Barbudan students, amid persistent shortages and infrastructure problems on the island.

“Government has put in place a number of measures to ensure that as a result of certain conditions within Cuba, they are not affected significantly,” he said.

According to Merchant, students have reported shortages of some basic items, along with ongoing electricity outages and water disruptions.

“They have reported that there are shortages in some products, there are electricity outages, water suppression and so forth,” he said.

Despite those challenges, the students remain committed to their academic goals.

“However, they are coping very well and are pursuing their studies and they are anxious to continue,” Merchant added.

He said some students are expected to graduate later this year and are eager to return home to serve Antigua and Barbuda.

“Those who are scheduled to graduate this coming semester, later on this year, they are also anxious to complete their studies and to return to Antigua and Barbuda to give service,” Merchant said.

Several students who spoke directly with Antigua.news also confirmed that conditions in Cuba remain challenging, but said they want to remain there and complete their studies, many of which are now close to completion.

Their comments appear to mirror the government’s position that although the situation is difficult, the students are determined to persevere rather than abandon their programmes at this stage.

The government has reiterated its commitment to staying in close contact with the students and ensuring they receive the support needed while studying abroad.

The situation in Cuba has worsened in recent months as tighter United States sanctions continue to place pressure on the country’s economy and disrupt access to critical imports, including oil supplies.