Many parents and students could not suppress tears as they were about to part, embracing and sobbing as for many it would be another six or seven years before they reunite.

But despite the emotional atmosphere both students and parents expressed their pleasure and gratitude for so many young people having such an opportunity to pursue higher studies.

Dianelli Drepaul with her father and an uncle just before departing for Havana yesterday.
And many expressed their appreciation for the initiative of President Bharrat Jagdeo, and the generous gesture of the Cuban Government.

However, the departure of the students aboard a Universal Airlines flight was not without a bit of drama, as after the aircraft was airborne it soon returned to the airport, leaving many to wonder what was the difficulty.

It was subsequently learnt that the aircraft had returned because of a hurricane warning in Cuba.

After a delay of about three hours the aircraft eventually departed at about 14:30 hrs.

The Chronicle spoke to some of the students before they embarked on the flight, and all expressed a deep sense of commitment and patriotic feelings.

Khemrajnauth Khandai of Golden Fleece, Essequibo, would have been with his brother, Balram Khandai, but the latter was killed in the rampage by bandits on the Corentyne in July this year.

Clearly emotional, Khemrajnauth, who will be studying agronomy, said he hopes to study hard and would dedicate his studies to his lost brother.

He added that while he is happy for the opportunity to study he is sad having to leave without his brother.

He is looking forward to return and make a meaningful contribution to the national developmental process.

His father, Kedarnauth Khandai, said while he is happy for the opportunity for his son, "it is very painful" for him, remembering that his other son, Balram is not around and should have been on the flight.

Ansel Todd of South Ruimveldt Park, Georgetown, chose agriculture since he passionately believes that Guyana needs a lot of agricultural professionals, because of the scope for agricultural development.

"I will miss home, but am prepared for the sacrifices", he said.

He also expressed profound gratitude to Ms. Michelle Carter of the Office of the Prime Minister and Mr. Dwight Paris and Ms. Oneka Scott who were instrumental in his scholarship materialising.

"They provided encouragement when I became despondent," Todd said.

Dianelli Drepaul of South Georgetown, perhaps is the most fortunate of the scholarship awardees.

Her father Michael Drepaul studied navigation in Cuba and her mother is a Cuban national and a former teacher. She said she will miss her parents, but she has been travelling abroad fairly regularly, so she should not find it difficult to adjust.

She also pointed out that she will be coming home periodically.

On returning home, she would like to specialise in gynaecology, because she feels there is need for more female gynaecologists in Guyana.

Dianelli on her return, would also like to help provide low cost medical treatment for the less fortunate sections of the society.

She expressed sincere thanks to President Jagdeo for his role in making the scholarships available.

David Nelson said he is not making the sacrifice for himself but for the development of his country as well.

He has realised his childhood dream of wanting to study human medicine because he feels in such a profession he could help many people which is part of his outlook on life.

He said he recognises the sacrifices involved, but "in the end I will be happy."

Padmini Singh from Palmyra, Corentyne, Berbice, who would be studying medicine said: "A childhood dream has come true."

She said she was a bit emotional about leaving home, but is prepared to make the necessary sacrifices to be successful.

She also said that on returning she would like to help as many people as possible. "That is why I chose medicine as my field of study."

Roopwant Bisnauth of Port Mourant, Corentyne who will be pursuing mechanical engineering, said he is prepared to make the sacrifices required and would definitely return to serve his contract and contribute towards the development of his country.

Naveeta Raj of Port Mourant, likes to help people but was not sure what profession she would like to pursue.

She made a late decision in choosing human medicine because she feels it can provide the opportunity to help people.

Sheromanie Nourang of No. 69, Corentyne said her childhood dream was always to study medicine, but on completion of her studies she wants to enter the Guyanese political arena in addition to her medical profession. She would also like to specialise in gynaecology.

Sheromanie realises it would be tough going but said she will work hard to adapt to the conditions in Cuba.

Several senior government officials were on hand to send off the students, including Ministers Dr. Jennifer Westford and Ms. Bibi Shadick, Head of the Presidential Secretariat, Dr. Roger Luncheon and Chief of Protocol in the Office of the President, Mr. Vic Persaud.

Some 350 scholarships were offered to Guyana by the Cuban Government as a result of discussions between Presidents Jagdeo and Fidel Castro in Havana last year.

Another batch of students is due to leave next year for the 2003-2004 academic year to pursue similar studies.