December 8 of each year has been designated by Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community and the President of Cuba as CARICOM-Cuba Day. This day marks the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the first four independent CARICOM countries and the Government of Cuba in 1972. That historic act in Caribbean history was celebrated in December 2002 as leaders of the countries of the Caribbean Community and Cuba gathered in Havana, to celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the establishment of those relations.
A mere decade after the start of independence in the Commonwealth Caribbean, and at the height of the Cold War, establishing relations with Cuba was a bold step on the hemispheric and international stage; a gesture replete with political and cultural symbolism and resonance. Subsequent relations between the Caribbean Community and Cuba, and the positive developments which have since flowed to the benefit of both sides, have underlined the validity of this example of independent action by the emerging Community.
For us in CARICOM, we use this day to express our appreciation to the Government and People of Cuba. We are particularly appreciative of the solidarity which has characterised our relations, and the technical and other forms of assistance that they have consistently provided to our people, particularly the young people of the Region as they seek to develop their professional skills and contribute to the building of their nations and Region.
Today there are more than 2600 CARICOM students studying in Cuba, a large number of them beneficiaries of scholarships from the Cuban Government. Their studies in the disciplines of medicine, engineering, telecommunications, architecture, computer science, geology, among others, will have a tremendous positive impact in their home territories and the CARICOM region.
Cuba’s assistance to the Region, particularly in the field of health, in which that country excels, has been most generous. Cuba has built hospitals, provided medicines and the people of the Region have benefited from the provision of doctors, nurses and other health care professionals. This is especially so in the rural areas of many Member States. The Government and people of Cuba are also prominent among the nations providing technical support to the Region in our efforts to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS. The Region looks forward to deepening its cooperation with Cuba in the war against this pandemic.
The Caribbean Community will continue to demonstrate solidarity with the people of Cuba. We in CARICOM are confident that our relations with Cuba will continue to flourish through trade, cultural and sporting exchanges, and the many other forms of interface that now constitute the links between us. The Community will also continue our efforts for Cuba to play its role as an integral part of this hemisphere. Our geographic proximity and the common aspirations and challenges shared by all our people compel our existence as One Caribbean.
This year, for example, has been a devastating one for the people of the Caribbean as many of our countries, including Cuba, were affected by the passage of four powerful hurricanes. Cuba, because of its excellent disaster prevention measures, was able to mitigate the human cost of these natural disasters – an achievement that has been commended by the international community. This is another area in which the Caribbean Community can learn from Cuba.
In this regard, the Government and people of the Republic of Cuba have been unwavering in their support for Grenada, particularly during our greatest hour of need. Since the passage of Hurricane Ivan on September 7, we have felt the generosity and love of our Cuban sisters and brothers in a variety of ways.
Cuban workers have laboured tirelessly in the restoration of electricity to many villages, while our health services have been strengthened by Cuban expertise and assistance. This is in keeping with the very special relationship Grenada and Cuba share, which has been manifested in several developmental areas including sports, agriculture, education and health care, including construction of our state of the art General Hospital.
On this CARICOM-Cuba Day 2004, on behalf of the Governments and people of the Caribbean Community, I extend fraternal greetings to our sister country Cuba and convey the best wishes of the Community for the advancement and well being of the people of Cuba and the Caribbean as a whole.
