Cuba has agreed to join the Ministerial Task Force on Agriculture of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The 6th of October will be recognised as CARICOM Cuba Day Against Terrorism by both parties.
These were some of the main outcomes of the 8th CARICOM-Cuba Summit, which took place on Tuesday in Barbados to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Following the meeting, a Declaration outlining the areas of understanding and cooperation was released.
To support the region’s drive to cut its food import bill by 25% by 2025, CARICOM established a Special Ministerial Task Force on Food Production and Food Security. Cuba’s participation is encouraging, especially for the project’s technological components.
The building of a food port will help give Cuba with a steady supply of food as part of closer agricultural cooperation.
In honour of the 73 people who died, including CARICOM and Cuban nationals, in the bombing of the Cubana Airlines in the waters off Barbados on October 6, 1976, and for which there has been no accountability, the Heads of State and Government declared October 6 as the CARICOM-Cuba Day against terrorism.
Later that day, they held a ceremony and deposited wreaths at Payne’s Bay, where there is a monument honouring those who lost their lives in the explosion.
Cuba promised more support for CARICOM Member States in the areas of environmental management and health. This includes the provision of vaccines, training in epidemiological monitoring, nursing, and medical specialisations, as well as the protection of coral reefs and the rehabilitation of coastal areas through a project supported by South Korea.
