Havana, Cuba, August 11, 2026.— Former Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. Ralph E. Gonsalves, participated via video message in the Forum “Fidel and the Foreign Policy of the Cuban Revolution,” held this Tuesday in Havana as part of the First International Colloquium “Fidel: Legacy and Future,” convened to commemorate the centenary of the birth of the historic leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro Ruz.
The meeting brought together Cuban representatives and international guests to reflect on the significance of Fidel’s thought and work in Cuba’s international projection, as well as on the principles that have characterized the foreign policy of the Cuban Revolution: the defense of sovereignty, independence, the self-determination of peoples, peace, solidarity, and international cooperation.
In his video message, Ralph Gonsalves highlighted the international dimension of Fidel Castro’s legacy and his unwavering commitment to the causes of the peoples of the Global South, the struggle against colonialism and imperialism, and the construction of an international order based on relations of respect, equality, and justice.
The Caribbean leader also underscored the profound significance of Fidel for the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as his contribution to defending the dignity and sovereignty of small and developing nations.
Gonsalves’ participation constitutes another expression of the historic bonds of friendship, solidarity, and cooperation between Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Cuba, two Caribbean nations that have, from their respective positions, upheld the importance of regional integration, solidarity among peoples, and unwavering respect for national sovereignty.
During the Forum, emphasis was placed on the fact that Fidel’s thought continues to provide important references for understanding the challenges of the contemporary international landscape. Particular attention was given to his defense of Cuba’s sovereignty and his constant call for the unity of peoples in the face of threats to peace and the independence of nations.
Cuba’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, in opening the session devoted to the foreign policy of the Revolution, underscored the continued relevance of Fidel’s teachings for understanding Cuba’s positions on the international stage and called for the continued dissemination of his thought as an instrument for confronting the injustices existing in the world.
The Forum “Fidel and the Foreign Policy of the Cuban Revolution” is part of the broad program of the First International Colloquium “Fidel: Legacy and Future,” taking place in Havana from August 10 to 13, with the participation of delegations from dozens of countries. The event provides a space for reflection on the life, thought, and legacy of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz and his influence on the struggles for sovereignty, social justice, peace, and international solidarity.
The presence of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines at this important gathering reaffirms the depth of the historic ties between the two peoples and their shared recognition of the enduring relevance of the ideals of solidarity, sovereignty, independence, and cooperation that have characterized relations between Cuba and the Caribbean.
Cuba and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines thus continue to honor a shared history of friendship and solidarity, carrying it forward in response to the new challenges facing the region and the world (Embassy of Cuba to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines / Cubaminrex)