Blackball, New Zealand, 2 May 2015. As part of the International Workers' Day celebrations, the Ambassador of Cuba Maria del Carmen Herrera Caseiro was invited to participate in the Sustainable Economy Forum in New Zealand’s West Coast region, occasion in which she delivered an extensive presentation on the process of updating the Cuban economic model and the recent developments in the relations between Cuba and the US.
In this context, the Cuban diplomat recounted the first transformations and measures taken by the Revolution for the benefit of all people, the achievements, the major challenges faced by the country, etc., concluding with a detailed explanation of the current process in Cuba, reaffirming its objective of "guaranteeing the continuity and irreversibility of socialism, promoting the economic development of the country and raising the living standards of Cuban people." She also referred to the recent decision on the reestablishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the US, describing these developments as an initial step, and emphasizing the obstacles that prevented progress towards normalization of ties between the two countries, in particular the persistence of the economic, commercial and financial blockade against Cuba.
As part of the panel, the Mayors of the city of Greymouth Mr. Tony Kokshoorn and of Buller District Mr. Garry Howard also presented; as did the CEO for the development of the West Coast, Mr. Joseph Thomas, and the President of the Regional Council, Mr. Andrew Rob. During the Forum, which was held in two parts, MPs and union leaders also spoke. The event was well attended and the participantscontributed to the debate with their questions and comments.