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 resolution, decided 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 transcendental event: "Probably, the leaders of these countries, also considered the founding fathers of the independence of their nations and of Caribbean integration—Errol Barrow of Barbados; Forbes Burnham of Guyana; Michael Manley of Jamaica; and Eric Williams of Trinidad and Tobago—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 is based 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 the courageous position of support they have maintained for more than five decades, despite great challenges, pressures, and threats.
We once again recognize the sister nations that compose CARICOM for their unconditional and sustained support in all forums available to them for the legitimate demand that the illegal and unjust economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed on Cuba for more than 60 years be lifted. 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 Caribbean countries and will continue to work closely with CARICOM member states to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations. It 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 the Greater Antilles 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 managed to establish a paradigm in international relations in which respect and solidarity prevail, demonstrating that a better world is possible. That was the dream of our predecessors and will be the commitment of their successors.”
(EmbaCubaJamaica)