Port of Spain, May 27, 2026. At the headquarters of Guardian Media Group, Cuba’s Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, Gustavo Veliz Olivares, was received by the corporation’s, Kaymar Jordan Managing Editor. As part of the visit, he gave an extensive interview to The Big Interview, hosted by journalist Ryan Bachoo.
During the discussion, the Ambassador addressed the severe impact of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States. He noted that this policy, which has been in place for more than six decades, has been further intensified by executive orders issued by President Donald Trump on January 29 and May 1. He also highlighted the effects of the U.S.-imposed fuel restrictions against Cuba and their consequences for the daily lives of the Cuban people.
Veliz Olivares stressed that “surrender is not an option” for the Cuban people, who will continue defending their independence, sovereignty, and historical traditions. He further emphasized that changes to Cuba’s political system are not part of the dialogue agenda with the United States and denounced what he described as efforts by Washington to create a humanitarian crisis that could be used as a pretext for military intervention.
During the interview, Bachoo raised questions regarding recent allegations against Cuban revolutionary leader Raúl Castro concerning events that took place three decades ago. The Ambassador rejected those allegations and provided the media outlet with a documented chronology of violations of Cuban airspace between 1994 and 1996, as well as records of diplomatic warnings and formal notes that had been submitted to the United States Government at the time.
In this context, he issued a strong call to Caribbean countries to oppose any military aggression against Cuba. He also highlighted the Island’s longstanding ties with Caribbean nations and expressed gratitude for the support shown by CARICOM member states through the statement in support of Cuba issued on April 26.
Responding to questions from the host, the Ambassador also referred to the presence of the Cuban medical brigade in Trinidad and Tobago, which has been providing services in the country since 2003 and currently consists of 59 healthcare professionals. He explained that the continuation of this cooperation depends on extension requests made by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago and categorically rejected claims that characterize Cuba’s medical cooperation program as a form of slavery.
(Embassy of Cuba in Trinidad and Tobago)