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CARICOM: Stand Up and Be Counted
Dear Editor,
In another week or so, Heads of government of CARICOM will meet in St. Kitts.
This meeting will take place at a time when one of the Caribbean islands, Cuba is facing grave dangers, not by any natural disaster, but by the United States government which is tightening the criminal blockade, which it had imposed on the island more than six decades ago. This time they have imposed a fuel embargo on the island.
Over the years since the Cuban Revolution of 1958, the Cuban people have made tremendous contributions to the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean and further a-field, in many different aspects of life.
It has become recognised throughout the world for its contribution in heath and education. We in Guyana have enjoyed forty-nine years of fruitful cooperation with Cuba’s medical workers. They have treated hundreds of thousand of our people. They have saved countless lives and delivered thousands of babies.
Despite the hardships that the government and people of Cuba have had to contend with, due to the US criminal blockade on its economy and social life, Cuba has educated hundreds of thousands of our people in every profession, medical, engineering, teaching, and other specialities.
Recall too, during the recent COVID pandemic Cuba developed vaccines which it shared with the whole region and beyond.
Even now as we write this piece, Cuban medical personnel, at great risk to themselves, are providing medical services to Haiti, all free of costs. Other countries are mostly providing lip services to the oppressed peoples of Haiti.
It is impossible to put a price tag on Cuba’s contributions to mankind, particularly the poor and oppressed.
Unfortunately, in these latest attacks on Cuba, Caribbean leaders have chosen to remain quiet. Fear of the US has made most of them extremely scared and seem ready to abandon Cuba in its time of great need.
If CARICOM leaders can muster up the courage to stand by Cuba NOW, it will mean a lot. Though our countries are generally small and relatively weak, together it will have a great impact.
I can find many more reasons to urge our leaders at this meeting to stand up for principles. However, it is sufficient to appeal to our basic human decency. Call on the USA to halt the hostility and end the criminal blockade. Condemn the illegality that is on open display and give Cuba solidarity.
Do not give us a reputation of being fearful and ungrateful.
The principled position by Mia Mottley, in my opinion, both regionally and internationally, in some way, contributed to her unprecedented third consecutive victory in Barbados, and should be emulated by other leaders. The Caribbean now has the opportunity to show solidarity and tangible support with a true friend now in need.
Let this meeting be historic by declaring that we are standing with Cuba!
Former President – Donald Ramotar
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