CubaPLUS Magazine

“Relations between Guyana and Cuba are strong and constructive, rooted in a shared history that dates back to the 1960s, when the Government of Dr. Cheddi Jagan, founder of the People’s Progressive Party (PPP), demonstrated its unwavering support to the young Cuban Revolution, led by Comandante Fidel Castro.” This remark was made by His Excellency, Mr. Halim Majeed, Ambassador of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, in an exclusive interview with CubaPLUS Guyana magazine. In the “difficult circumstances of colonial rule, the PPP Government opened new avenues of cooperation between the then British Guiana and Cuba,” Ambassador Majeed said.

According to the Ambassador, his Government continues to “work with the Cuban Government to strengthen our relations at all levels –political, economic, cultural, and commercial.” He pointed out that as recent as September 2023, the Prime Minister of Guyana, Brigadier General Mark Phillips, was in Havana, on the occasion of the Summit of the Group of 77 and China, where he held productive meetings with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, and Prime Minister Marrero Cruz. He noted also that former President of Guyana, Donald Ramotar, has visited Cuba several times over the past year and has engaged constructively with the Cuban authorities.

“Our relations remain warm and friendly –no doubt about that,” the Ambassador reiterated, adding that “our policy is never to interfere in the internal affairs of any country.

We respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of every nation state. We understand that each country has a fundament right to pursue its own path to economic, social and political development. And we will always respect and uphold those lofty principles.”

When asked about the 64-year-old US blockade against Cuba, Ambassador Majeed recalled the recent Statement delivered by Guyana’s President, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, at the General Debate at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly in which he called for “a frank conversation on Cuba and the lifting of the embargo on Cuba and its removal from the List as a State Sponsor of Terrorism.” 

With respect to one aspect of Guyana-Cuba cooperation, the Ambassador emphasized: “It is well known that Cuba has helped immensely not only Guyana but the entire Caribbean Community through its dynamic Healthcare Program, which includes the deployment of Cuban Medical Brigades in the Region –working side by side with their Guyanese and CARICOM counterparts. This has been widely respected and acknowledged. That is the first dimension.

“The second dimension involves Cuban scholarships for our medical students, a collaboration which began years ago. At the moment, we have a total of 45 medical students in Cuba –both undergraduate and post-graduate students in several Provinces in Cuba. I do not know exactly how many doctors and other medical personnel that have graduated from Cuban Universities, but I would not be surprised if that number were to surpass one thousand easily.”

With respect to other areas of cooperation, Ambassador Majeed pointed out that “we are robustly focused on two-way trade between our States.” He said that Guyana continues to export very large quantities of rice to Cuba, and with the rapid growth and expansion of Cuban Small and Medium Enterprises, Cuba has become a major importer of this commodity. Now, the Ambassador declared, Cuban companies are importing more and more Guyanese products –lumber, milk powder, virgin coconut oil, seasoning, sugar, chowmein.

He added that Cuban small businesses are also actively exploring the importation of rice paddy, DDL products and Banks Holdings, assorted wines, shandy, and triscuits into Cuba. What is remarkable, the Ambassador asserted, is that Guyanese companies are now importing from Cuba coffee, rum, marble and ceramic tiles, and aggregate, among other commodities.

He is hoping that a Guyana Super Mart will be established in Havana very soon and is supporting the endeavors to make that a reality.

Ambassador Majeed adverted to another significant development that is unfolding. The emerging Cuban private sector has been, and is currently, seeking partnerships with the Guyanese business sector –organizationally and individually. In this regard, he is anticipating a strong Guyanese contingent of businessmen and women to attend the Havana International Trade Fair (FIHAV) scheduled for November 24-29, 2025.

Speaking about CubaPLUS Guyana, which he fully supports, the Ambassador explained that in his personal judgement the magazine “conveys a positive message about what is happening in Guyana, a country now standing on the threshold of major economic, social, and cultural development. I trust that it will showcase the Mega Projects that the President Ali Administration plans to launch over the next five years –a vast network of roads, deep water port, the gas-to-energy facility, and new investments in health care and education, among others.”

Ambassador Majeed also contended that it would be good if CubaPLUS Guyana were to continue to assist in fostering a better understanding between Guyanese and Cubans. “In my opinion, the varied opportunities that exist in Cuba must be exposed to Guyana and viceversa. The Cuban market place holds tremendous potential for serious, innovative Guyanese,” he argued.

The Ambassador suggested also that CubaPLUS Guyana may wish to consider intensifying its efforts in highlighting the many aspects of Cuban development. 

He said that many news outlets –not Guyanese– have a propensity to only project the negative. He believes that, as a whole, CubaPLUS Guyana can deepen its function as an important instrument in promoting friendship, cooperation and understanding between the people of Guyana and the people of Cuba.

With respect to the future of CubaPLUS Guyana the Ambassador opined that it may be useful if, for 2026 and beyond, the magazine would carry its articles and news items–even the advertisements– in both English and Spanish.

This, he considered, would spark new interest and also help readers to become familiar with both languages. Additionally, he argued that the magazine should find a permanent home in Georgetown as it has in Havana.

Ambassador Majeed concluded by adverting to the 60th Anniversary of the National Independence of Guyana next year. He hoped that CubaPLUS Guyana has started planning for this Diamond Jubilee, as the Guyana Embassy is doing –and committed to personally supporting any initiatives that the magazine will undertake.