It was in an atmosphere of friendship and solidarity that Ambassadors of CARICOM countries resident in Havana, Cuba, together with high-level officials of the Cuban Government came together to commemorate the 49th Anniversary of the establishment diplomatic relations, first begun when the then Heads of Government of Jamaica, Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados defied Cold War tensions and political pressure signed the relevant documents in December of 1972. The decision to designate December 08 as Cuba-CARICOM Day was made at meeting held in 2002.
Since 1972, other CARICOM countries have followed suit soon after their declaration of their respective political Independence. The membership of CARICOM currently stands at fifteen countries.
The celebration in Havana commenced with the formal ceremonial laying of a wreath at the CARICOM Park in Havana, followed by speeches and then at a reception hosted by His Excellency Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cuba. The occasion provided the opportunity for the officials to exchange greetings, chat and generally reaffirmed their friendship.
In their speeches, His Excellency Salvador Valdés Mesa, Vice-President of the Republic of Cuba and His Excellency George Goodwin, Ambassador of Antigua and Barbuda to Cuba, and current Chairman of the Corps of CARICOM Ambassadors in Havana reaffirmed their support for and solidarity with each other’s countries and people. (END)
