The Miami Herald.
Posted at 6:48 a.m. EDT Thursday, October 25, 2001
GEORGETOWN, Guyana -- (AP) -- Guyana's president will arrive in Cuba
Thursday on a three-day state visit to ask the Cuban government for more
assistance in training Guyanese doctors and engineers.
Bharrat Jagdeo, 36, will be the first Guyanese head of state in 15 years to
meet with Cuban President Fidel Castro, presidential spokesman Robert Persaud
said at a news conference Wednesday.
Jagdeo's main objective will be to adjust a treaty, signed in the 1970s,
under which a certain number of Guyanese -- including scientists, doctors,
engineers, pilots and teachers -- are given scholarships to study at Cuban
universities, said Persaud.
This is because the need in some sectors such as pilot training is no longer
so vital, while engineering and medical expertise is still a priority, Persaud
said.
Trade issues could also come up.
Jagdeo's trip comes as a bilateral trade commission the countries have
established prepares to meet in Havana to review trade ties. The meeting is due
to happen before the end of the year.
Copyright 2001 Miami Herald | 
