KINGSTON, January 20th, 2017. The Government of Jamaica highlighted the excellent ties with Cuba and reiterated the compromise to strengthen them during the cocktail offered by the Ambassador of Cuba in occasion of the 58th anniversary of the Triumph of the Revolution, attended by important Jamaican political personalities, headed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade , Senator Kamina Johnson Smith.
Among the participants are the President of the Senate, Tomas Tavares Finson, and the President of House, Pearnel Charles, as well as ministers, minister of State, permanent secretaries, legislators, representatives from the Diplomatic and Consular Corps accredited in Kingston, members of the Solidarity, Cuban collaborators, main leaders of the Friendship Associations with Cuba, the Association of Cuban Residents in Jamaica and the principal media.
A special moment was dedicated to the recently deceased Commander in Chief Fidel Castro. During his remarks, the Cuban Ambassador praised the countless expressions of sympathies following the announcement of the demise of the Leader of the Cuban Revolution and during the national mourning.
Likewise, the Head of the Cuban State Mission stressed the excellent situation of the relations between the two Caribbean nations and the support provided by Cuba in health and education. He also conveyed the sincere appreciation of the people and Government of Cuba to the Jamaican Parliament for the motion against blockade adopted for the eigth consecutive time, last October 25th.
“Cuba profoundly appreciates the support of the people, Government and Parliament of Jamaica to our fight for the elimination of this unjust policy”, Guanche Hernandez expressed.
While reviewing the intense bilateral agenda carried out during 2016, the Cuban diplomat mentioned, among the most crucial moments, the visits to Cuba by Prime Minister Andrew Holness, the visit to Jamaica by Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade and Foreign Investment, the intense labour by the Cuban health and educational brigades in Jamaica and the common efforts for the creation of the Regional School of Arts of the Caribbean.
Likewise, the Ambassador highlighted the gratitude of the people of Jamaica “who does not lose and opportunity to expressed their respect, affection and solidarity”.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamina Johnson Smith, on behalf of the Jamaican Government, conveyed congratulations to the Government and people of Cuba for its 58th anniversary for the triumph of the Revolution, and event she highlighted as transcendental in the history of Cuba.
While recalling Commander in Chief, Johnson Smith stated that as a man of vision and wisdom, Fidel Castro will be always remembered for his leadership and “unquestionable commitment to the territorial integrity of Cuba, as well as the right of the Cuban people to self-determination”.
“Undoubtedly, President Castro has left an indelible mark, not only in the hearts of the Cuban people, but also throughout the wider world”.
Later on, Johnson Smith also highlighted the dynamic relations between both nations spanning many years of formal diplomatic ties and which in recent years has grown into a strong partnership.
“It is my sincere hope that our two countries will continue to pursue closer cooperation in the years ahead, at the bilateral, regional and multilateral levels, for the advancement of our people and all the peoples of the Caribbean”.
Upon concluding her remarks, Jamaican Chancellor proposed a toast in honour of the people and Government of Cuba while she conveyed wishes for sustainable growth and prosperity in the years ahead”.
The most important media in Jamaica attended the event to cover a moment that year by year becomes a special occasion to reiterate the profound ties of friendship and solidarity between the brother peoples of Cuba and Jamaica.