Press Release to Acknowledge the Twenty-First Anniversary of Initiating Diplomatic Relations between the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda and the Republic of Cuba

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda joins the Government of the Republic of Cuba in observing 21 years of strong socio-political relations between these two Caribbean neighbours...

On the 6th day of April in 1994, the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda and the Republic of Cuba formally established diplomatic relations with a view to cooperate on a wide range of mutual interests. Today, Antigua and Barbuda reaffirms its commitment to the cordial and harmonious relations that exist with the Republic of Cuba since the establishment of bilateral relations.

The Heads of State and Government of both countries have allowed for the development of strong cordial relations over the years. The Honourable Sir Lester Bird KNH, former Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, had forged strong relations with the then President of Cuba, His Excellency Fidel Castro. The former Prime Minister also demonstrated his support for the removal of the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America on the Republic of Cuba. The current administration, led by Prime Minister the Honourable Gaston Browne, supports advancements towards the ultimate removal of the embargo.

Additionally, Antigua and Barbuda was represented at a Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) which convened in Havana in 2014, thereby demonstrating our country's support for His Excellency Raul Castro, President of the Council of State and Ministers of the Republic of Cuba, and then President Pro Tempore of the CELAC.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda commends the work of the Foreign Ministries of both countries. Gratitude is also expressed for the work of important ambassadors, including His Excellency Mr Lionel Hurst, who signed the original agreement which initiated relations with Cuba on behalf of the Government of Antigua and Barbuda, His Excellency Mr Colin Murdoch and His Excellency Mr Bruce Goodwin, and Cuban Ambassadors, His Excellency Mr Lazaro Cabezas Gonzalez, His Excellency Mr José Alvarez, His Excellency Mr Marcelino Farjado and His Excellency Mr José Manuel Inclán. Current Ambassador, His Excellency Mr Gustavo Veliz Olivares continues a strong tradition of instrumental and productive representation from Cuba.

Cooperation between Cuba and Antigua and Barbuda extends beyond the normal processes of diplomacy into areas of mutual cultural support, health, education, sports, human development, and the development and management of local infrastructure. Presently there are hundreds of nationals of Antigua and Barbuda pursuing studies at various universities in Cuba under the Antigua and Barbuda/Cuba Scholarship Program in various fields. Two hundred graduates have repatriated back to Antigua and Barbuda and have been using their skills and knowledge to the benefit of the twin-island state. It must also be mentioned that the Republic of Cuba has decided to increase the number of medical scholarships offered to Antigua and Barbuda for the period, 2015-2017.

In the area of medical cooperation, presently there are forty-five (45) Cuban nationals serving as medical doctors, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and lab technicians within the Mount Saint John’s Medical Center and the various district clinics in Antigua and Barbuda. Cuba has offered further medical assistance to over 1200 nationals of Antigua and Barbuda through the Milagro Eye Care Program. In addition to providing their expertise to the public health system, these medical professionals are maximizing on the opportunity to hone their expertise in their areas of specialization. They also benefit from the opportunity to immerse themselves in the use of the English language. 

Antigua and Barbuda expresses its appreciation for the work of Dr. Norma Doblado, the outgoing Chief of the Cuban Medical Brigade for the service she has provided to the

country. Moreover, the Government welcomes the incoming Chief, Dr. Day Marelys Ortega Rodriguez, who will continue the important work of the Medical Brigade.

In addition, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda expresses appreciation for the invaluable contribution made by the Cuban technicians in the Ministry of Public Works, led by Mr Reynol Ulloa.

Annually, Antigua and Barbuda joins its CARICOM counterparts in recognising CARICOM-Cuba Day, celebrated on December 8. Furthermore, the Honourable Prime Minister Gaston Browne led a delegation from Antigua and Barbuda to the Fifth Cuba- CARICOM Summit, which convened in Havana Cuba in December, 2014, whilst completing his first official visit to that country.

The Government of Antigua and Barbuda congratulates the Government of the Republic of Cuba on the success of the relations between these two countries. The Government is confident in the future of its relations with Cuba and seeks to advance these excellent relations to a higher level, particularly through the work of the Embassy of Cuba in St. John’s and the Embassy of Antigua and Barbuda in Havana, which is to be managed by Ambassador-designate His Excellency Mr Peter Benjamin