By Eddellia Bontiff

The Friends of Cuba Society has donated EC$33,600 to support children receiving medical care at the Martí Pediatric Hospital in Villa Clara, Cuba.

The organization, comprising mainly Antiguans and Barbudans who studied in Cuba on scholarships, formally presented the contribution during a ceremony at the Cuban Embassy on Tuesday evening.

Dr. Radcliffe Robins, one of the first Antiguans and Barbudans to complete medical training in Cuba, presented the symbolic cheque to Cuban Ambassador Sergio Martínez.

The funds will be used to purchase medicines and medical supplies for the hospital’s nephrology and endocrinology departments, which provide specialized care to hundreds of children.

Addressing the ceremony, Dr. Robins reflected on Cuba’s longstanding contribution to Antigua and Barbuda and other countries throughout the Caribbean, Africa, Latin America and Europe.

He noted that Cuban doctors, nurses, teachers and engineers have served Antigua and Barbuda in several areas, while many nationals have received professional training in Cuba in medicine, engineering, education, sports and other fields.

Dr. Robins said Cuba has maintained its international commitment to helping other nations despite the economic challenges it continues to face.

“A friend in need is a friend indeed is the philosophy of the Cuban government. They have come to the assistance of countless countries in the Caribbean, Africa, Latin America and even in Europe,” he said.

“Today, I am proud to be able to present to the Cuban people this token of our support for them as they are forced to endure greater hardships imposed by our neighbours to the north.”

Dr. Robins appealed to the public to continue supporting the Cuban people, stressing that Antigua and Barbuda should remember the assistance Cuba has provided over the years.

He also called for stronger relations between the peoples of both countries, noting that Cuba “never flinched once” in its support for Antigua and Barbuda.

“When the chips are down, who are your friends?” he asked.

In accepting the donation, Ambassador Martínez said the contribution carries both material and humanitarian significance.

“Today, we doubly appreciate this gesture because, along with the important material and practical value of this donation, it also carries a human value,” the ambassador said.

He said the gesture sends a message to millions of Cuban men, women and children that they are not alone and have the support of the people of Antigua and Barbuda during difficult times.

Ambassador Martínez said the donation would help the hospital address essential needs identified by Cuban healthcare specialists. He also expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the initiative.

During the ceremony, Ambassador George Goodwin, Dr. James Knight, Dr. Gregson Williams, Dr. Afi Williams and Dr. Robins received letters of commendation for their continued efforts to assist the Cuban people.

The United States’ economic embargo against Cuba has remained in place for more than six decades.

The ceremony ended with Ambassador Martínez celebrating the longstanding relationship between the two Caribbean nations, declaring: “Long live the brotherhood and solidarity between the people of Cuba and Antigua and Barbuda.”