Jamaica and Cuba mark 40 years of Diplomatic Relations

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Cuban Ambassador, Yuri Gala met on December 6 at Jamaica House as both countries mark 40 years of relations, officially recognized on December 8.

Ambassador Gala updated the Prime Minister on a series of activities that have been planned both in Jamaica and Cuba to celebrate this milestone in diplomatic relations. These include the presentation of a Cuban movie, “Kangamba”, an exhibition displaying the 40 year relations between both countries and a wreath laying ceremony at the National Heroes Park for LieutenantColonel, AntonioMaceo.The celebrations will culminate on December 14. Jamaica and Cuba established diplomatic relations on December 8, 1972 and December 8 is being observed as Caricom-Cuba Day.  

At the meeting, Ambassador Gala presented the Prime Minister with letters from the Cuban President, Raúl Castro expressing his country’s gratitude for the sympathies expressed by Jamaica on the passage of Hurricane Sandy and the Government’s willingness to assist Cuba. President Castro also stated that he will never forget Jamaica’s position in establishing diplomatic links with Cuba in 1972 which he said contributed to preventing efforts of isolating Cuba.

The Prime Minister and the Ambassador also discussed the further strengthening of the longstanding relations between both countries including possible further collaboration in the area of sport.

The Prime Minister presented the Cuban Ambassador with a copy of the Jamaica 50 book which captures the golden moments of Jamaica’s 50 years of independence.

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