Tomorrow, 8th December, together with the kindred peoples of the Caribbean, we celebrate Cuba-CARICOM Day.
This is the 35th anniversary of the joint decision by Barbados, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Jamaica and the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba, a brave gesture that defied the policy of isolation imposed by the United States on our country in the Latin American and Caribbean context.
These four English-speaking Caribbean nations were at that time the only ones beginning to enjoy independence. Years later, other Caribbean states won their freedom and also established relations with Cuba.
As we commemorate Cuba-CARICOM Day, the development of these bonds of friendship, respect and cooperation, which have blossomed in recent years, give us a deep sense of satisfaction. At the same time, Cuba is convinced that these exemplary links will continue and will grow even further.
Our Caribbean brothers and sisters have repeatedly expressed their unwavering support for Cuba, at the UN and in other international forums, in opposing the embargo imposed on us. Time and again, attempts to divide them in their common policy of strengthening relations with Cuba have been resisted.
In the words of Fidel at the second Cuba-CARICOM summit in Barbados (December 2005): “to egoistic neoliberal globalization, to an anti-democratic international political and economic order, we must respond with unity and globalization of solidarity, with promotion of dialogue, integration and genuine cooperation”.
This is the path that Cuba has pursued and will always continue to pursue in its relations with our sister Caribbean nations.
Over 2,800 young people from the Caribbean Community have graduated in Cuba. There are currently 2,900 young citizens of CARICOM member states studying in our country, including nearly 1,400 receiving medical training.
Over 4 million Caribbean patients have been treated by Cuban doctors since 1996. Since mid-July 2004, 40,500 patients from the Caribbean Community have recovered their sight thanks to “Operación Milagro” (Operation Miracle).
Cuba also shares experience with the Caribbean nations in various fields, including environmental protection, energy saving and prevention of natural disasters.
35 years ago, Cuba was received with an embrace of solidarity by its Caribbean brothers and sisters. Today it repeats, as our Commander-In-Chief has said, that “… the Caribbean can always count on the external friendship, disinterestedness, gratitude and full and total support of its Cuban brothers and sisters.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Havana
7th December 2007
