Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Works and Water Resources, the Hon. Santia Bradshaw, and Vice Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba, H.E. Mr. Jorge Luis Perdomo Di-LellaThe two representatives were pleased to note the progress being made in the area of education, following the signing of the Barbados-Cuba MOU on Education earlier this year. The first two Cuban recipients of Barbados’ scholarships for studies in English-language teaching, will arrive during the course of this week to pursue English as a Foreign Language at the Barbados Community College. It is also anticipated that Barbadian Spanish-language teachers will soon venture to Cuba for immersion training.Both leaders expressed appreciation for the continued support extended to their respective countries throughout the five decade-long partnership between Barbados and Cuba.Acting Prime Minister Bradshaw praised the efforts of the Cuban Medical Brigade and noted the Brigade’s invaluable contribution to Barbados’ healthcare system during the worst periods of the COVID-19 pandemic.The two officials also highlighted the necessity to improve trade relations between the two countries by resolving some of the difficulties faced by Barbadian exporters to Cuba.In turn, Vice Prime Minister Perdomo, who was visiting Barbados for the first time, commended the longstanding political support offered by Barbados concerning the campaign to remove the sixty-year-long economic blockade that is provoking severe development challenges for the Spanish-speaking nation. This stance was most recently echoed by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley during her remarks to the G77 and China Summit of Heads of State and Government, which took place in Havana, Cuba from 15 to 16 September 2023.Other possibilities were discussed in terms of expanding collaborative initiatives in active areas of cooperation include health sciences, biotechnology, agriculture, sports and tourism. In the area of tourism, Acting Prime Minister Bradshaw raised the opportunity to establish a weekly air service between Barbados and Cuba, commenting that the two nations should provide an avenue for their citizens to enjoy what the other nation has to offer. For his part, Vice Prime Minister Perdomo expressed a hope to formalise the relationship between the medical, regulatory bodies of both countries to advance joint efforts in this field.Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Author: Government of BarbadosA strong desire to deepen relations: that was the sentiment conveyed by both sides, when the Vice Prime Minister of the Republic of Cuba, Jorge Luis Perdomo Di-Lella, met with then Acting Prime Minister Santia Bradshaw at Ilaro Court on September 20, 2023.
