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SURINAM, December 8, 2008. On December 8, Cubans together with the brother people of the Caribbean, will celebrate Cuba-CARICOM Day. This will be the 36th anniversary of the joint decision by Barbados, the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, Jamaica and the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago, to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba, a brave gesture that defied the policy of isolation imposed by the United States on our country. These four English-speaking Caribbean nations were at that time the only ones in the region beginning to enjoy independence. Years later, other Caribbean states won their freedom and also established relations with Cuba. Our Caribbean brothers and sisters have repeatedly expressed their support for Cuba, at the UN and in other international forums, in opposing the blockade imposed on us. Presently a large number of Cuban personnel specialized in health care, education and sports render their services in most of the countries of the region. Cuba also shares experiences with the Caribbean nations in various fields, including environmental protection, energy saving and prevention of natural disasters. Cuba and Suriname established diplomatic relations in 1979. In 2006 the Cuban Embassy opened in Paramaribo and both our countries since then have established bilateral cooperation in the areas of health care, education, sports, energy saving and agriculture. This year on December 1 the Republic of Suriname established a diplomatic mission in Havana. This will further contribute to strengthen the relations between both our countries. Over 5,000 Surinamese patients have recovered their sight thanks to Operacion Milagro (Operation Miracle). More than 60 Surinamese youth are studying in Cuban institutions and more than 30 have finished their studies in Cuba. A medical brigade of 15 health care professionals is now working in Suriname. Cuba was received 36 years ago, with an embrace of solidarity by its Caribbean brothers and sisters. Today we remember and repeat the words spoken by the legendary Cuban leader Fidel Castro Ruz at the Second Cuba – Caricom Summit in Barbados in December 2005 that: "... the Caribbean can always count on the external friendship, disinterestedness, gratitude and full and total support of its Cuban brothers and sisters.” This year on December 8 we will not only celebrate Cuba –Caricom Day, but on this same day the Third Cuba –CARICOM Summit will be held in the city of Santiago de Cuba. All heads of state and heads of government of the region will participate in this Summit which has as its slogan Cooperation for greater integration in the Caribbean. The Surinamese newspaper De Ware Tijd in its edition publishes Statement of Andrés González Garrido, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba in Suriname, on the occasion of Cuba- Caricom Day, December 8. (Cubaminrex- Embacuba Surinam) |