The 8th of December 2018 marks the Forty-Sixth Anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, the four CARICOM countries independent at that time, and Cuba.
That historic and courageous act of 8 December 1972 has grown over the years into a strong fraternal relationship between all the Member States of the Caribbean Community and Cuba.
The friendly and close relationship that unites CARICOM and Cuba is a shining example of South-South Cooperation. This is continuously refreshed by regular bilateral interactions as well as by our collaboration in hemispheric and international fora.
CARICOM Member States are consistent in supporting Cuba at the United Nations in their battle against the unjust economic and financial embargo imposed on the island by the United States.
The value of our relationship was further underlined when, in what was his second overseas engagement after taking office in April, the President of Cuba, His Excellency Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, met with CARICOM Heads of Government during the Thirty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference in Montego Bay, Jamaica, in July this year.
Cuba’s significant role in developing our human resources as well as their support in areas such as disaster management, agriculture, health and sport has been of great assistance to the development of our Member States. The restoration of direct air links earlier this year will no doubt boost people-to-people contacts, as well as trade which is governed by the CARICOM-Cuba Free Trade Agreement.
As we celebrate another year of fraternal relations, I take this opportunity, on behalf of the Governments and People of the Caribbean Community, to extend best wishes for the well-being and prosperity of the Government and People of Cuba and to reiterate the Community’s commitment to the further strengthening and enhancement of the close ties of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity.
I believe in strong relationships when people and governments care of growth own country . I love and my sympathy is with Cuba. Real People and very well educated. US should take a lesson from Cuba.
I am really glad that the rest of the countries in the region which is north America, according to geography is supporting Cuba from 1972.Which is now 46years long friendships together, with all the intimidation by the United States. The countries never back down,,because unity is strength according to the golden rules. The thing that the government around the region should taught the younger generation, also the entire population. That they are no Caribbean people, or countries, like what they were indoctrinated by the white European people. The whole entire region is north America including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, Barbados just to named a few. The word Caribbean came from the caribs Indians, also the next theory is this, when they were carrying the slaves from Africa. They were told that they were taking them beyond the seas.But there is no continent named Caribbean,as what were taught in school. Also no country named America like what the United States is calling themselves, remember now.There are two Americas North, and South continents. I hope people would take the time out,and do some more research to find out which continent their country is situated.
Congratulations!