November 9th, 2009: Leader of the Opposition, Dr. the Rt. Hon Keith Mitchell says the relationship between Grenada and Cuba has transcended political organisation and administrations. According to him the relationship between both countries is historic and extremely significant. He expressed his appreciation to the Government and people of Cuba for the role they have played in Grenada’s development over the years. .
Dr. Mitchell shared those sentiments when he was visited last Friday by the new Cuban Ambassador to Grenada, Ambassador Angel Reigossa De La Cruz. Both were happy to renew acquaintances as they would have met on several occasions when Dr. Mitchell visited Cuba as Prime Minister of Grenada. Ambassador De La Cruiz, the former Chief of Protocol, complimented Dr. Mitchell for being the first Caribbean leader to visit Cuba after the demise of the Grenada Revolution. He said this visit was largely responsible for Grenada and other countries in the region reestablishing ties with Cuba after many years. He acknowledged that this was a bold and historic step taken at the time by the then Grenadian leader saying that it would have meant a lot to the Government and people of Cuba.
The Opposition leader said the contribution Cuba has made to the development of Grenada through Sports, Education and training, health and infrastructural development will always be remembered by the people of Grenada. He continued, “What is significant about the contributions made to Grenada by Cuba is that there were never any strings attached.”
Commenting on recent statements made to the media about Cuba, Dr. Mitchell said he is appalled that in some quarters it is felt that Cuba would have been too involved in the internal affairs of Grenada and was therefore responsible for the destruction of the Grenada Revolution. He said the Opposition is of the firm view that the internal fighting, the thirst for political power and the treatment meted out to ordinary Grenadians were the key ingredients for the failure of the revolution. He noted that no external forces should be blamed for a problem that was created at home and challenged those involved to take responsibility rather than passing on the blame to Cuba. Commenting on the issue, the Cuban Ambassador said that Cuba’s policy has always been that it would not get involved in the internal affairs of any country. The Ambassador pledged to do all in his capacity to improve further the relationship between Cuba and Grenada and extended best wishes to Dr. Mitchell.
