Jamaica mourns with the people of Cuba on the death of former President Fidel Castro

The government and people of Jamaica join with our Cuban neighbours in mourning the passing of former Cuban President Fidel Castro.

Prime Minister Andrew Holness has written to President Raul Castro extending deep sympathies on behalf of Jamaica.

“The Government and people of Jamaica join me in extending to you, the entire Castro family and the Government and people of Cuba our deepest condolences on this occasion,” said Prime Minister Holness.

Prime Minister Holness remembered the former President Castro for his revolutionary leadership and guidance of the Cuban state.

“He will go down in the annals of history as one of the leaders who, though coming from a Caribbean island developing state, has had the greatest impact on world history.  Many Jamaicans still vividly remember his visits to Jamaica and his passionate speeches in defence of the right to self-determination,” the Prime Minister added.

Jamaica has enjoyed strong bilateral relations with Cuba for more than four decades particularly in the fields of health and education.

Cuba was also a leading champion of strong south-south outreach and cooperation.

“His building of excellent education and health systems in Cuba, has become an outstanding model for the world. The people of Jamaica remain deeply appreciative of the significant contribution that Cuban medical personnel continue to make to the Jamaica health services, through a process of technical cooperation initiated under the leadership of President Fidel, concluded Prime Minister Holness.

Former President Castro died late last night (Friday November 25). He was 90.