Guyana, Georgetwon, December 8, 2025. Today, December 8, 2025, Cuba and CARICOM celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the independent states of CARICOM and Cuba, and the 23rd anniversary of Cuba-CARICOM Day.Four small Caribbean nations, in a courageous political decision, chose to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba. As the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz, stated at the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of that momentous event: “The leaders of these countries, also considered the founding fathers of their nations’ independence and of Caribbean integration—Errol Barrow of Barbados, Forbes Burnham of Guyana, Michael Manley of Jamaica, and Eric Williams of Trinidad and Tobago—probably did not realize that their decision to establish diplomatic relations with Cuba was paving the way for the future foreign policy of the Caribbean Community, which to this day rests on three fundamental pillars: independence, courage, and concerted action.”Fifty-three years have passed, but Cuba will forever be grateful for the independent and dignified gesture of the small Caribbean states and their courageous and sustained support for over five decades, despite enormous challenges, pressures, and threats.We once again acknowledge the sister nations of CARICOM for their unconditional and unwavering support, in every forum available to them, for the legitimate demand to end the illegal and unjust economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed on Cuba for more than 60 years.
We also appreciate their condemnation of Cuba's continued inclusion on the illegitimate list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.Cuba is proud of the excellent relations it maintains with all the countries of the Caribbean and will continue working hand in hand with the CARICOM member states to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties.Cuba also reaffirms its commitment to continue collaborating with CARICOM in areas such as health, education, agriculture, and climate change adaptation, as well as in the training of future professionals in Cuba through the Scholarship Program.As the President of the Republic of Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, stated during the VIII Cuba-CARICOM Summit in 2022: “Together, we have established a paradigm in international relations based on respect and solidarity, demonstrating that a better world is possible. This was the dream of our predecessors and will be the endeavor of their successors.”