Assistant Secretary-General, Human and Social Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, Dr. Douglas Slater, and Vice Minister of the Republic of Cuba, Rogelio Sierra Diaz, have both given a commitment to continue to strengthen relations between CARICOM and Cuba.
They met at the CARICOM Secretariat in Georgetown Guyana, on Wednesday where they held discussions on a number of issues related to a Disabilities Project, the extension of Art programmes at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Jamaica, and matters related to trade.
ASG Slater spoke on behalf of Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community Ambassador Irwin LaRocque. In the discussions on the Disabilities Project, Dr. Slater noted that a tri-lateral MoU among the Government of Guyana, the Government of Cuba and CARICOM had already been signed.
He explained that there was a decision to implement the Project in phases and outlined that a Centre has been constructed by the Government of Guyana. A team from Cuba is already in Guyana working on the Project.
He said when the initial phase was completed in Guyana and there was a clear way forward, the Project would be extended to the other CARICOM Member States. He said that there was progress, but work was still left to be done.
Minister Diaz, in responding to Dr. Slater’s remarks about the Project, said firm steps had been taken and there was a lot to be thankful for.
He said it was now important to acquire the equipment needed. In relation to the phase of the Project that would extend it to the other CARICOM Member States, he said that the CARICOM Secretary-General and staff would play a key role in achieving the goals of that phase.