GEORGETOWN, Guyana - n recent messages to Cuba marking 40 years of diplomatic relations, the Government of Guyana and many of its CARICOM counterparts spoke of a partnership based on principles of solidarity and strategic partnership.  Notably absent from these messages were references to Guyana’s and CARICOM members’ most cherished national principles of democracy and human rights. Although the countries of the English-speaking Caribbean have a proud democratic tradition and a commitment to respect for human rights at home and abroad, when it comes to the Cuban people this tradition is unfortunately set aside.
True partnership often requires one friend to tell the other hard truths.  The English Caribbean’s friendship with Cuba would be more meaningful if the Caribbean were willing to accompany its strongly felt sense of solidarity with a willingness to press the Cuban government to ensure that all Cubans enjoy the same rights that Caribbean citizens demand and enjoy.
In recent tributes to Guyana’s relations with Cuba, top officials duly praised Cuba for assistance to Guyana in education and health, but stopped short of extending a true hand of friendship to the Cuban people by encouraging the government to guarantee the political and civil liberties of its citizens. Instead, officials and media outlets promoted an outdated view of U.S. trade sanctions against Cuba (incorrectly referred to by the foreign ministry as a blockade). They failed to recognize the sweeping changes in Cuba policy that President Obama has implemented.