“Cuba appreciates that CARICOM countries share a clear position against the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the United States of America against Cuba and openly express themselves publicly in this regard”.
These were the words of Cuban Ambassador to Barbados Lisette Perez Perez on Tuesday night during a CARICOM-Cuba lecture and cultural event at the Barbados Community College library, which was held to mark the 39th anniversary of established diplomatic relations between Cuba and Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago.
She further stated: “Of the 19 countries of the region that expressed their rejection against the blockade in their speeches at the 66th session of the United Nations General Assembly, 10 are members of CARICOM, including Barbados, which we really appreciate,” she said of the blockade that has been in effect for over 50 years.
She went onto say that this support is beneficial and necessary to both the CARICOM states and Cuba, as we face significant challenges likely insurmountable as individual islands.
Perez also reaffirmed Cuba’s pledge to commit to the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).
“We know this is going to be a long road full of obstacles, including those arising from ourselves. One of the key issues in the midst of that diversity however, is to have tolerance and patience and to move steadily, little by little, but always moving and never becoming stagnant as President Raul Castro expressed also in Port of Spain.”
However, she opined that there are many opportunities on offer with Cuba’s willingness to continue to strengthen relations with CARICOM member countries and to execute collaborative projects.
Meanwhile, for next year’s 40th anniversary, it was revealed that Cuba’s international book fair – the most significant cultural event of the Cuban publishing movement – will be dedicated to the Caribbean.
