Statement by CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque on the passing of Fidel Castro Ruz:

It is with deep sorrow that I have received the news of the death of His Excellency Fidel Castro Ruz, the former President of Cuba.

President Castro’s commitment to assist developing countries through the sharing of his country’s skills and expertise, made him a treasured friend of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Thousands of our citizens have benefitted in many ways from his dedicated friendship to our Community, rooted in his appreciation for the courage of the then four independent Member States of CARICOM in breaking the hemispheric diplomatic isolation of his country in 1972.

The great strides made by the Cuban people in the fields of science, health, education and sports in particular, bear testimony to President Castro’s determination to build a nation that is second to none in developing its human capital.

The passing of Fidel Castro marks the end of a life dedicated to fighting for the dignity of all people which ensures his place in history. I extend my condolences to the Government and people of Cuba as they mourn his death even as we celebrate the life of a true global icon.