St. John’s January 4, 2016. At the Cuban Embassy in Antigua and Barbuda multiple political personalities, diplomats, graduates of Cuba, residents and Cubans in that Caribbean nation, gathered to celebrate the 57th Anniversary of the Triumph of the Cuban Revolution.
The Governor General of Antigua and Barbuda, His Excellency Sir Rodney Williams, KCMG, KStJ, who presided over the activity, was responsible for the opening remarks which was then followed by short speeches delivered by the Hon. Charles Fernandez, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration and Parliamentary Representative for St. John’s Rural North; Baldwin Spencer, Leader of the Opposition and former Prime Minister (2004-2014) and the Cuban Ambassador, His Excellency Gustavo Véliz Olivares.
The three distinguished personalities of Antigua and Barbuda highlighted the significance of the Cuban revolutionary process, the validity of its conservation and the importance of the achievements in health, education and other areas,which Cuba has been able to share with many other countries around the world. They indiscriminately referred to the reestablishment of the diplomatic relations with the United States, mentioning critically in turn the permanence of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the USA against the largest country of the Antilles.
The Cuban Ambassador for his part expressed gratitude for the words of the speakers and highlighted how life has radically changed for the Cuban people since 1959. He also indicated that in spite of the reestablishment of the diplomatic relations with the USA, the blockade and sanctions against Cuba remain in effect, along with the illegal occupation of the Guantanamo Naval Base and an arbitrary immigration policy that encourages illegal outlets.
The attendees also included several Ministers of the current government cabinet: Hon. Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health, Hon. Asot Michael, Minister of Tourism and Energy, Hon. Melford Nicholas, Minister of Telecommunications, Hon. Eustace Lake, Minister of Public Works, Hon. Robin Yearwood, Minister of Public Utilities, Speaker of Parliament, Sir Gerard Watt; the Vice-President of the Senate, Hon. Osbert Frederick, the leader of the Opposition (UPP) Hon. Harold Lowell, other members of Parliament, Ambassadors and officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Government.