Antiguan and Barbudan students studying in Cuba say worsening economic conditions and prolonged power outages are making daily life increasingly difficult, prompting calls for financial assistance as the island faces a deepening crisis.
About 77 students from Antigua and Barbuda are currently studying in Cuba, many of them on limited stipends, and say soaring prices for food, transportation and housing have made it harder to meet basic needs.
One medical student described the experience as “pretty rough,” saying uncertainty about the situation in Cuba has added to the stress.
“Personally, the experience has been pretty rough. It’s been really rough,” the student said. “Nobody’s telling us what’s happening— all we’re seeing is videos and articles come out saying what Trump said he’s going to do. We don’t know what’s going on.”
Students say prices for essential goods have surged dramatically. Transportation that once cost about 100 Cuban pesos now ranges between 800 and 1,000 pesos, while rent that previously ranged from $40 to $100 per month has climbed to between $200 and $400.
Food prices have also increased sharply. Eggs that once cost 1,500 pesos now sell for about 3,000 pesos, while cooking oil has risen from roughly 900 pesos to 1,300 pesos. Some students say the increases have been several times higher than previous prices.
The situation has been compounded by fuel shortages that have disrupted public transportation across the country.
Despite the challenges, many students say they are determined to continue their studies, particularly those nearing completion of their degrees. Others say leaving now would mean abandoning years of work.
Cuban Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda Sergio Gonzalez said he has been impressed by the resilience of Antiguan students studying on the island and noted that many continue to perform well academically.
“I am glad that they decide to continue there, despite the difficulties,” Gonzalez said, adding that Antiguan and Barbudan students have often ranked among the best in their classrooms.
The Antigua and Barbuda government has indicated it is monitoring the situation through regional discussions within CARICOM and has safety protocols and support systems in place should conditions deteriorate further.
For now, the students say they are relying on each other for support while continuing their studies under difficult circumstances, hoping their sacrifices will eventually lead to a better future.