The Greater Caribbean is a well-defined geographic space, with a strategic position between North and South of Our America, with a common history, where small islands tighten intense cultural ties and cooperation.
The States that make up the Caribbean Basin have always remained among Cuba's main trading partners, they reached out to us when others tried to isolate us. The Greater Antilles do not forget it, and for that reason, the region is today one of the main areas of collaboration that the Cuban nation offers in the world.
On the occasion of the Fifth CARICOM-Cuba Ministerial Meeting, four Cuban officials, from the spheres of culture, sport and health, held a press conference at the Solidarity Hall of the Hotel Habana Libre, which hosts the event, to explain how Cuba cooperates with the Caribbean.
Cuban medical aid unconditional
"Today we have medical collaboration with the 15 member states of CARICOM. Some 1,300 workers in the sector are paying attention in these countries, with the exception of Barbados, but with this nation we have academic and other exchange, "said Néstor Marimón, Director of International Relations at the Ministry of Public Health.
"The Caribbean in the face of any natural disaster has always been able to count on Cuban medical aid, which began with the support we gave in the 1970s to Jamaica," added Marimón
The official stated to the press that the island has collaborated with the Caribbean nations in disability studies, through programs of free patient care, hospital construction, the professional training program and Operation Miracle of Which has benefited more than 50 thousand Caribbeans.
"There has not been a health program in Cuba that has not benefited the Caribbean, the region is a priority for us," he said.
Currently, one of the axes of collaboration is the exchange of information and preparation to confront the anti-epidemiological struggle. "Cholera, Ebola and Zika are common threats in which we must work together," Dr. Marimon suggested.
Gradual collaboration in the sports sector
Evelio Saura Pedrol, interim director of Cubadeportes, revealed that 27 Cuban collaborators in this sector work in several Caribbean countries and that there are already four signed agreements that will soon increase that number.
"Cuba has an important role in training human resources in the area," argued Suara Pedrol. To date, 325 students from countries of the Community have graduated in Cuba in sports related careers.
Culture as an act of sovereignty
The Director of International Relations of the Ministry of Culture, Rosa Teresa Rodríguez, explained to the press accredited at the event that some of the exchange projects that Cuba holds with the Caribbean countries.
The island has participated as a guest country in several book fairs held in the region, Cuban musicians have offered numerous concerts in all countries of the Community, as well as dance groups, which are ambassadors of the best of our artistic traditions.
Rodríguez confirmed that ministers from seven Caribbean countries have visited Cuba to finalize projects and promote cultural collaboration.
As examples of cultural integration, Rosa Teresa cited two initiatives from Cuba: the Festival of Fire, held annually in Santiago de Cuba and the Caribbean Traveling Exhibition.
The film director Rigoberto López added that "it consists of a selection of films from the Greater Caribbean, chosen by a Committee that plans it every year to be shown in all the countries of the Basin, with subtitles in English, Spanish, French and Creole. "
"In the Caribbean you do not see Caribbean cinema," said Lopez, who explained that one of the objectives of the show is to spread local cinema as an act of sovereignty.