As we reflect on Cuba Caricom Day which is commemorated on the 8th of December each year, we go back 53 years ago in 1972, when 4 of our recently independent states namely, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago,took the bold and historic step in establishing diplomatic relations with our sister country Cuba.This was done despite the pressures and shenanigans of USA and its regional enforcer, the Organisation of American States(OAS)
The exemplary courage of these 4 small and economically underdeveloped states, was further magnified by the fact that except for Canada and Mexico, no other country in the western hemisphere had diplomatic relations with Cuba, in a period of 'cold war' politics and where the "Monroe Doctrine' was weilded like the proverbial 'sword of Damocles' within the region. They severed the empire -imposed isolation.
Since that fateful day,the foundation was laid for the warm embrace by our now expanded 15- member CARICOM states, of our greater Antilles sister country that has redounded to their mutual benefit.Cuba remains a bastion of solidarity and support to CARICOM that has stood the test of time and like-wise, in the struggle for the unconditional lifting of the 6 decades plus criminal economic and financial blockade, , which has been condemned by the majority of humanity's citizen within the United Nations General Assembly and greatest stumbling block to the the economic and social development of the country, CARICOM stands as one, in Cuba's defense.
Long live the fraternal bonds that bind us as a people and as a region.
Long live Cuba and Caricom.
We shall overcome
(Jamaica-Cuba Friendship Association)