September 16th 2010, St George’s: Grenada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Peter David, says CARICOM is looking forward to Cuba playing a greater role in the development of the region. His comments were made prior to his departure for Havana to attend the Third Caribbean Community (CARICOM)–Cuba Ministerial Meeting.
“Cuba has had cooperation with CARICOM countries in the areas of health and education,’’ he said, “and that will be part of our discussions – how we upgrade that cooperation.’’
Regional cooperation for the reconstruction of Haiti following the January earthquake is also expected to be a focus of the two-day meeting.
“Cuba has played a significant role in Haiti’s reconstruction and CARICOM – and certainly Cuba – are looking forward to strengthening our work in this area,’’ Minister David said.
CARICOM’s diplomatic ties with Cuba started in 1972 on a state-to-state basis, led by larger territories such as Barbados, Jamaica and Guyana.
An agreement establishing the CARICOM-Cuba Joint Commission was signed in December 1993.