By Carlos Etcheverry, ambassador of Cuba to St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Aug. 13, 2025, marks the 99th anniversary of the birth of Fidel Castro Ruz, the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, whose vision and political steadfastness shaped not only the destiny of Cuba but also left an indelible mark on the wider Caribbean.
Fidel Castro’s life was intertwined with the struggles and aspirations of small island states seeking sovereignty, dignity, and development in the face of global challenges. From his earliest years in power, Fidel understood that Cuba’s future was linked to that of its Caribbean neighbours — geographically, historically, and culturally. His approach was not merely diplomatic; it was one of genuine solidarity and cooperation.
This solidarity manifested in concrete ways: medical brigades sent to remote islands, scholarships for Caribbean youth to study in Cuban universities, and steadfast political support for causes of self-determination and social justice across the region. For Fidel, the Caribbean was not a peripheral concern but a shared home to be defended and nurtured.
Among the Caribbean leaders who forged a close relationship with Fidel Castro, Prime Minister Ralph E. Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines stands out. Over the years, PM Gonsalves and Fidel developed a personal friendship grounded in mutual respect, shared political values, and a commitment to regional unity. Their encounters — whether in Havana or on the international stage — were marked by candid dialogue and a shared belief in the power of cooperation among small nations.
Under Gonsalves’ leadership, St. Vincent and the Grenadines deepened its ties with Cuba, benefiting from initiatives in healthcare, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and most recently, tourism development. These projects reflect the same principles Fidel championed: that the strength of the Caribbean lies in mutual aid, cultural exchange, and collective resilience.
Even after his passing in 2016, Fidel’s influence continues to resonate in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The sight of Cuban doctors working in Vincentian hospitals, or Vincentian students returning home with Cuban degrees, is a living testament to the bonds he helped forge. For many in the country, the name Fidel Castro evokes not just a political leader, but a friend of the Vincentian people.
As the region looks ahead to the centenary of his birth next year, the 99th anniversary serves as a moment for reflection — on the enduring relevance of his vision for a united Caribbean, the friendships he cultivated, and the belief that even the smallest nations can shape the course of history when they stand together.
Fidel’s story is not only that of Cuba, but of an entire region that saw in him a champion of sovereignty, social justice, and human dignity. In St. Vincent and the Grenadines, that legacy lives on — in policies, in partnerships, and in the warm memory of a leader who understood that the Caribbean’s strength lies in its unity (Cuban Embassy to St. Vincent and the Grenadines/Cubaminrex).