Port of Spain, December 9, 2024. This morning, Cuban Ambassador Gustavo Véliz Olivares was received by the Honorable Senator Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, and Mrs. Reita Toussaint, Permanent Secretary of the same Ministry.
The meeting, held on the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Trinidad and Tobago and the CARICOM-Cuba Day, took place in a friendly and respectful atmosphere, reflecting the ties that have developed over more than half a century.
The Foreign Minister highlighted the celebration of CARICOM-Cuba Day in Havana with the Caribbean diplomatic corps. He reiterated Trinidad and Tobago’s position in favor of lifting the blockade against Cuba and opposing Cuba's inclusion on the list of state sponsors of terrorism. He expressed solidarity with the Cuban government and people regarding the challenges faced in recent months, such as the impact on the national power system and the effects of hurricanes, among other issues. He also thanked Cuba for its medical cooperation, which has been present in Trinidad and Tobago for more than two decades, and advocated for the possibility of establishing collaboration in other areas where Cuban talent has been demonstrated.
For his part, the Cuban diplomat emphasized the importance of relations with the Caribbean and Cuba’s high regard for the decision made by Jamaica, Barbados, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago to establish relations with Cuba in 1972. He expressed gratitude for the unconditional support of Caribbean countries, particularly Trinidad and Tobago, in Cuba’s ongoing struggle against the blockade and its inclusion on the unjust list of state sponsors of terrorism. He also provided an update on the difficult internal situation currently facing Cuba and supported the possibility of exploring other areas of mutual interest for both countries.
As part of the celebration of the anniversary of relations, the national television station known as TTT aired the film Viva Cuba, the documentary Tarea Vida: Combating Climate Change, and the animated short El Maestrico. Additionally, the Cuban Ambassador was interviewed on TTT’s morning news program.
(Embassy of Cuba in Trinidad and Tobago)