(L-R) Paul Sowman, Warren McCalla, Kemar Samuels and Jevayne Mills
Paul Sowman, Warren McCalla, Kemar Samuels and Jevayne Mills are KC Old Boys studying medicine in Cuba. They are all going into the second year of the medical program. It's their third year in Cuba.
According to Warren McCalla who provided much of the information for this article, they first set foot in Cuba at the Jose Marti airport in November of 2006. After an intensive 12 week course in Spanish, the old boys were placed in regular classes with Spanish speaking students from Central and South America. They spent their first year at the prestigious Latin American School of Medical Sciences in Havana. "It's a very beautiful campus with a high quality teaching staff," explained Warren.
The program of The Latin American School of Medical Sciences is based on intensive advising and tutoring designed to help every student succeed. Students must pass competency exams at appropriate points in their course of study. The School of Medical Sciences currently has 3,432 students enrolled from 23 countries in Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa. The Cuban system produces over 2,000 new doctors every year.
After initial studies in Havana, students at the Latin American School of Medicine are then transferred to another of Cuba's 21 medical schools, which are located throughout the island, to complete their studies. The Cuban medical training model combines theory and practice and is oriented toward primary care, community medicine and hands-on internships.
The KC Old Boys were transferred to Santiago de Cuba after one year. Life in Santiago de Cuba is very different than what they had experienced in Havana. On the streets of Havana "you will find cars that date back to the 1950's and models that are as late as 2005. One thing is evident about the Cubans, they take very good care of their cars no matter what the age," said Warren. He adds that "the people find creative means of transportation such as donkey and horse carriages and even utilize them as taxis. Imported products in Havana are easy to find therefore life in Havana is much more comfortable."
Santiago de Cuba is the second capital of Cuba and the lifestyle has more of a Caribbean flavor. Warren observed that, "The climate and vegetation resembles that of Jamaica. It's considered to be the most beautiful province in Cuba. Life in Santiago is very easy going, more socialist than Havana and the cost of living is much cheaper."
According to the Old Boys, the experience in Santiago de Cuba is much closer to what Cuba is about. The people are friendlier. At various times, they have to travel by means of motorbikes, horse carriage, Ladas, cars from the 1950's. Life there is much simpler. Warren added that "campus life is not always very smooth because we suffer from a lack of some resources, however the teachers compensate for this with their excellent and dedicated service."
Jamaica and Cuba share similar climatic and environmental conditions for the most part, however one discernable difference is "the attitude and mindset of the people. The Cuban people are constantly working to create a better condition for themselves and there's not the attitude of dependency on politicians or family overseas to support them."
Their best expereince so far in Cuba? "attending the celebration of the 80th birthday for Fidel Castro, the concert was outstanding." Their worst experience: "leaving the Latin American School of Medicine because they had developed many contacts there."
What is admired most about the Cuban people? "I really admire the will of the Cuban people and their creativity."
What is missed most about Jamaica? "I miss just being home and enjoying the Jamaican food and friends with whom I shared so much over the years."
Warren and his fortis brothers in Cuba have several more years ahead in their medical studies. Robert Kelly, President of the New York Chapter is in touch with them. If you would like to assist these young men, contact Robert at robertkckelly@aol.com.
