The teaching of Spanish in Jamaican schools is set to receive a significant boost with the arrival of 75 Cuban teachers, according to Minister of State in the Ministry of Education and Youth, Marsha Smith. Speaking at an orientation session for educators in Runaway Bay, St. Ann, Smith announced that 29 Cuban teachers, who arrived on the island on August 25, will soon be deployed across the country.

These 29 teachers, along with a coordinator, bring the total number of Cuban educators in Jamaica to 75—the largest group of Cuban teachers to join the local education system in recent years.

The influx of Cuban teachers comes as the Ministry of Education seeks to fill vacancies for the new school year, following a wave of resignations by Jamaican teachers who have accepted positions overseas. The new Cuban educators, who are undergoing a four-day orientation, will be assigned to teach Spanish at both primary and secondary levels, as well as subjects like physics, chemistry, integrated science, and mathematics. One of the Cuban teachers already in the system is also teaching French.

Assistant Chief Education Officer for Standards Development in the School Operation and School Improvement Services Branch, Dr. Olivine Evans, highlighted that the partnership with Cuba has been beneficial to Jamaica for the past 27 years. She noted that the Cuban teachers have a two-year contract with the option for a third-year extension based on their performance.

Dr. Evans explained that the orientation sessions are designed to ensure a smooth transition for the Cuban teachers into the Jamaican education system. These sessions also address their safety, security, remuneration, and personal matters, such as opening bank accounts and obtaining Tax Registration Numbers (TRNs).

Cuban Ambassador to Jamaica, Fermín Quiñones Sánchez, emphasized the longstanding commitment of Cuba to the bilateral programme, noting that over 530 Cuban teachers have worked in Jamaica under this initiative. He expressed confidence that the current batch of teachers will continue to uphold the high standards set by their predecessors.

“The latest group of teachers joins the more than 40 who are already here. Cuba remains fully committed to this programme, which not only brings our teachers to Jamaica but also allows Jamaican students to study in Cuba,” said Quiñones Sánchez.