CubaPLUS Magazine

Cuba and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) today celebrated the 53rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, calling for a renewal of solidarity, strengthening of cooperation, and a united approach to global challenges.

During the commemorative event, the Ambassador of Dominica to Cuba, Ian C. A. Douglas, emphasized that the decision made by the four founding states of CARICOM—Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago—to establish diplomatic relations with the largest of the Antilles on December 8, 1972, was revolutionary.

Douglas highlighted that this action was taken during the height of the Cold War when many countries limited their contact with the island due to external pressures.

He described the alliance as a model of regional solidarity, mutual respect, and cooperation based on principles.

He recalled that over five decades, collaboration has expanded to include health, education, disaster management, agriculture, and sports.

Particularly noteworthy is the contribution of Cuban medical professionals, who have provided services during times of crisis.

Douglas asserted that diplomacy between both parties is not confined to foreign ministries but thrives through daily interactions fostered by festivals, sports programs, and academic partnerships.

He reiterated that the long-standing goodwill between Cuba and CARICOM places both parties in a strong position to advance shared priorities: renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, digital development, and disaster preparedness.

For her part, Cuba's First Deputy Prime Minister, Inés María Chapman, reaffirmed the island's commitment to this strategic alliance and recalled that the 1972 decision was an act of sovereignty and courage in the face of imperial pressures.

Chapman expressed gratitude on behalf of the Caribbean nation for CARICOM's ongoing support in international forums, particularly in advocating for the lifting of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States.

The high-ranking official acknowledged the friendship, support, and solidarity cooperation from Caribbean nations, especially during difficult times for Cuba, and thanked for material donations that have come from small and vulnerable nations in the region.

Chapman emphasized that Cuba and CARICOM face common challenges: climate change, extreme weather events, an unjust international financial system, and historical debt owed to nations that were victims of slavery.

She also reiterated the island's commitment to multilateralism, international law, and the United Nations Charter while strongly condemning the military presence of the United States in the Caribbean Sea and its escalation against Venezuela.

She underscored that Latin America and the Caribbean must be preserved as a Zone of Peace, as proclaimed at the Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States in Havana in 2014.

The celebration of 53 years of diplomatic ties between Cuba and Caricom took place at the Latin American School of Medicine, attended by Deputy Foreign Minister Josefina Vidal and representatives from the diplomatic corps accredited to the island. 

(Taken from Prensa Latina)