CARICOM, Cuban Leaders to Discuss Strengthening of Multilateral Relations

Representatives CARICOM member states, including Jamaica, and Cuban Government officials, led by President, Raul Castro, are slated to discuss measures to strengthen multilateral relations, during Monday’s (December 8) session of the fifth CARICOM-Cuba Summit, being held in Havana.

The leaders’ are also expected to present strategies to foster economic development across the region.

Consequent on these engagements, Consul of the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Jamaica, Rigoberto Zarza, is optimistic that the Summit will serve to achieve its intended purpose, particularly in further consolidating what he describes as the “excellent bonds” the neighbouring countries share.

He underscored this sentiment while speaking during a commemorative function at the National Heroes Park, Kingston, on Friday, December 5, to mark the 118^th anniversary of the death of Cuba’s freedom fighter, Lieutenant General Antonio Maceo Grajales, the actual date of which is December 7.

Mr. Zarza said the dialogue at the Summit, involving persons at the highest level, has made it possible “to bring to our peoples (a) higher quality of life in fundamental areas of their well-being, such as education and health.”

“The system of political, economic, and friendly relations, based on solidarity and cooperation, serves as a model to other integrationist plans in the Caribbean and Latin America,” he added.

In relation to Lt. General Maceo, Mr. Zarza noted that: “We remember (him), among other things, for his courage, physical strength, and great ability as a military strategist; and for having been able to stir up the campaign for independence from Spanish rule throughout the eastern region of Cuba.”

Lt. General Maceo was one of the most prominent leaders of Cuba’s struggles for independence during the second half of the 19^th century.

Earlier in the proceedings, Cuban Ambassador to Jamaica, His Excellency Bernardo Guanche Hernandez, accompanied by students of Garvey Maceo High School in Clarendon, jointly named after Jamaica’s National Hero, the Rt. Excellent Marcus Garvey, and Maceo, laid a wreath at the latter’s bust.

A brief biography of Maceo’s life and work was also presented by Garvey Maceo High School students – Sharvani Hanna, Nicholas Hazel, and Patrick Banton.