Remarks by the Hon. Cheryl Sandra Husbands, M.P., Minister in the Ministry of Foreign Trade, on the occasion of the 42nd Anniversary of commemoration of the CUBANA tragedy in October 1976. Your Excellency Mr. Francisco Fernández Peña, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba in Barbados and Mrs. Fernández; other members of the Diplomatic Corps; Mrs. Cita Pilgrim, Consul General of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana in Barbados; members of the Cuban and Guyanese communities in Barbados; specially invited Guests; members of staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; distinguished ladies and gentlemen, good evening all. First let me say how delighted I am to be here with you for this solemn yet significant occasion and to have this opportunity to address you in one of my early speeches as a Minister of the Government of Barbados and a representative of the people in this area of St. James.
On this the 42nd Anniversary of the Cubana Airlines tragedy, we have come to commemorate that sad occasion. We do so by remembering the 73 passengers and crew that perished and their families who, after all this time, are still burdened by the loss of their relatives and carry the pain of their untimely and unnecessary passing. Let me then, at the onset, extend my heart-felt condolences and solidarity to the families of the deceased and to the Governments and peoples of the Republic of Cuba, Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea whose nationals were among the victims.
This act of terrorism, which occurred in the territorial waters of Barbados (just off in the sea from where we are gathered) is forever etched in our memories. So when we gather here on an annual basis, it is not out of routine but out of the obligation we feel to ensure that this heinous act, for which final justice is still pending, remains in our consciousness. Our on-going presence and participation in this solemn act must also serve to remind us of the need to commit ourselves to the eventual elimination of these types of acts altogether. Even though it appears that the odds are sometimes stacked against us and reaching justice appears to be a mountain too high to climb, let us move on with optimism and hope towards that goal.
As we pursue what is right, what is just and what is good, the future of our children and our world would be one of exemplary conduct, love of humanity and a world where peace, security and mutual respect reign. Barbados is happy to join in this worthy quest. This monument before which we stand and where we have just place our wreaths is a pointed symbol of that commitment. We also remain committed to partner in global efforts to combat terrorism and other transnational criminal activities.
If there is any good that has come from this tragedy, it is manifested in the special bond and identity between our peoples and the friendly relations which Barbados and Cuba have nurtured since 1972. Our relations gives us the basis to join with each other and with the international community, in general, to embrace our common abhorrence of these evil acts and our determination to end them. May this year’s commemoration give us the energy to fight on. Ladies and Gentlemen, I thank you.