Governor General, H.E. Dame Cécile La Grenade
Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to Grenada, H.E. Luis E. Morejón Rodríguez
Members of the Cabinet of Grenada
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Secretary to the Cabinet of Grenada, Ms. Carvel Lett
Members of the Senior Management Board
Friends of Cuba
Specially Invited Guests
Members of the Media
Good evening,
It is an honour and distinct pleasure to stand side by side with my brothers and sisters of the Republic of Cuba as we celebrate 44 years of fruitful diplomatic relations between our two countries.
When we examine the history of Grenada, it is impossible to deny the impact that Cuba has had on our development as a nation. It was just a few years after receiving independence from British rule in 1974, and only one month after the triumph of the
Grenadian Revolution, led by Comrade Maurice Bishop, that Grenada formed diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cuba on April 14, 1979.
As a young nation, with young leaders, the experienced support offered by the Government and People of the Republic of Cuba was welcomed with open arms, especially in healthcare.
Cuban assistance saw the implementation of robust health programmes that included the establishment of polyclinics in communities and around-the-clock health services.
The then Government of President Fidel Castro also provided significant technical assistance to implement Adult Literacy Programmes through the Centre for Popular Education (CPE). And, of course, Cuban assistance helped to build our international
airport which opened Grenada to the world and set the foundation for our modern tourism product.
The success of the international airport came at a cost, and we remember the 24 Cuban workers who lost their lives during the U.S. Invasion in 1983. Their sacrifice and bravery will always be a reminder of the deep ties between our people. These 24 brave men were not just defending themselves, but the ideals of our people and the sanctity of our bond.
The well-known proverb “a friend in need is a friend indeed” no doubt reflects the bonds of genuine brotherhood which were forged between our two nations. The Maurice Bishop International Airport will forever stand as a monument of our socio-economic and familial ties.
Tonight, I celebrate the strength and resilience of the Government and People of the Republic of Cuba. Despite your own struggles and the continuous fight to end the unfair and unjust economic, commercial and financial blockade, imposed by the United States, your support for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has not wavered. In our times of need, we know that we can count on Cuba.
Grenada remains thankful for Cuba’s interventions after Hurricane Ivan in 2004, which wrought havoc on our society and economy and left many Grenadians homeless. And, most recently, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government and People of Cuba sent health brigades to buttress the overwhelmed healthcare systems in various CARICOM Member States – once again, risking your own lives to support your Caribbean brothers and sisters.
Our people remain appreciative of past and present Cuban support. More than 400 Grenadian men and women were granted scholarships over the years to pursue studies in varying fields and we currently have over 40 students currently pursuing their dreams at universities across the Republic of Cuba.
These highlights, and countless other support initiatives, are a testament of the deep love that Cuba has for its neighbouring brothers and sisters.
The recent visit to Grenada by President Miguel Diaz-Canel and a high-level delegation from Cuba; and my subsequent visit to the Republic of Cuba for the XXII ALBA Summit, served to strengthen our familial ties and provided opportunities for discussions on new areas of cooperation as we endeavour to improve the lives of all our citizens.
We are forever grateful to the Government and People of Cuba for all they have done and continue to do for Grenada. Tonight, I reaffirm my Government’s commitment to continually champion the removal of the U.S. economic blockade against the Republic of Cuba and for the removal of Cuba from the list of countries that sponsor state terrorism. We stand with our CARICOM brothers and sisters in making our voices heard and we will not rest until this is done.
Long Live the People of the Republic of Cuba!
Long Live the relationship between our two countries!
Viva la Cuba!
I thank you.