It was almost midnight on Thursday July 23, 2020 when Dr. Winnique T. Edwards was invited to the podium where she delivered a passionate speech, thanking her parents for their support and praising the visionary leadership of the late Fidel Castro Ruiz.
Dr. Edwards had just seconds before been awarded the University of Sciences and Medicine, Granma’s Prize for best All Round Graduating Foreign Student. She was presented with her “Titulo de Oro by His Excellency Ellsworth John, Ambassador of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to Cuba at the graduation Ceremony held in Manzanillo, Granma, a province 10 hours outside of Havana.
Dr. Edwards was one of two Vincentian Doctors who graduated from the University. Dr. Jahmito James also received his Titulo de Oro from the University of Sciences and Medicine, Grandma at the outdoor ceremony which started 2 hours late due to the inclemency of the weather.
The Graduation of Drs. Edwards and James followed a similar ceremony at which Dr. Angelique Kadeen Stewart, another Vincentian graduated from the University of Medical Science, Carlos J. Finlay, Camaguey. Dr. Stewart was also awarded the University’s prize for Most Integral Foreign Student for the Faculty of Medicine.
Ambassador John, in speaking to the new Doctors, before the ceremony in Granma, expressed his profound delight at their achievements. He noted that each of the three had shown great determination to not just complete their degrees, but to make the very best of the opportunities in Cuba. He said they have exemplified the spirt of the scholarship whereby they embraced the challenges of studying in Cuba and channeled their energies to learning every aspect of the country they made home for seven years, traveling the country and participating fully in activities organized by the school. This he noted was evident by the awards they have received. The three students also came in for high praises from their University professors who acknowledged the hard work and dedication of the doctors.
Drs. Edwards, James and Steward said they are looking forward to returning to St. Vincent and the Grenadines in mid August to begin their careers. The Embassy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in Cuba. wishes them the very best.