St John’s, July 23 2018: The Ministry of Works in Antigua and Barbuda has entered into a technical cooperation arrangement with the government and people of The Republic of Cuba. The arrangement will allow for eighteen (18) Cuban technicians with skillsets ranging from engineers, mechanics, and machine specialists to arrive in Antigua shortly. Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Works, Mr. Clarence Pilgrim and Cuban Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, H.E. Gustavo Veliz Olivares, signed the contract for the provision of skilled labllj;lour for construction purposes on Monday. The technicians will assist in strengthening the technical capacity of the Ministry by serving in such areas as the government workshop, road program, and within the Ministry’s plans. According to Pilgrim, the spinoff will result in the Ministry having a greater capacity to embark upon and complete new and existing projects. He says the employees at the Ministry of Works will also be exposed to a wealth of knowledge from their Cuban counterparts. The Cubans will also engage and assist the Ministry in its apprenticeship program. According to The Cuban Ambassador, this Agreement should contribute to enhancing the relationship between both countries. He also confirmed that Cuba is always positioned to contribute to the development of the sister nation of Antigua and Barbuda.