Local News

Grenadians in Toronto help Cuba with hurricane rehabilitation

Toronto, November 10, 2008: Cuba’s top diplomat in Toronto is confident his country will rebound from the ravages of four hurricanes that have battered the Spanish-speaking Caribbean nation since September. 

“We are a fighting people.  We never surrender,’’ Cuban Consul General Laureano Cardoso said Monday while receiving a cash donation for hurricane rehabilitation work in Cuba.

The presentation of the $1,327 cheque at the Consulate General of Grenada in Toronto was made by Allister Romain, the new chairman of the Toronto Support Group of the National Democratic Congress.

Another $1,327 donation will be made shortly to the Haitian consular representative in Toronto to assist Haiti in its hurricane recovery efforts. 

The monies represent proceeds from donations collected at the first anniversary gala of NDC Toronto held September 27, and which was addressed by Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas and Foreign Affairs and Tourism Minister Hon. Peter David.

The collection from guests at the gala was matched by the NDC Support Group, making for a grand total of $2,654 to be divided in equal contributions to Haiti and Cuba.

“On behalf of the Cuban people, I want to thank you for the donation,’’ said the Cuban diplomat, who also quoted the adage: “A friend in need is a friend indeed.’’ 

Cardoso referred to the long-time ties between Cuba and Grenada and the rest of the Eastern Caribbean.  He noted that many Cubans, including famed heavyweight Olympic boxing champion Teofilo Stevenson, have parents who were born in the English-speaking Caribbean.  Stevenson’s father migrated to Cuba from St. Vincent and the boxer’s maternal grandparents were from St. Kitts. 

The Cuban Consul General described Cuba as a “melting pot’’ and as a country that tries to treat everyone as equal.

“And we hope everyone will take us as equal.  We are open to everyone but under no one,’’ Cardoso said.

Romain, pointing to strong ties between Cuba and Grenada, thanked the Cubans for their assistance, which has included the construction of the Point Saline International Airport and the rebuilding of Grenada’s main General Hospital in St. George’s. 

When Grenada was devastated by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, Romain added, Cuba was one of the countries that rallied to Grenada’s aid.

Romain, talking about Grenada/Cuba ties, called it “a long-lasting friendship.’’.

One Comment

  1. 12 November 2008
    To the Grenadian people from everywhere:

    Thank you for your solidarity and support to Haïti during this time of “natural” calamity that devastated Haïti. We Haïtian will never forget your altruism and generosity.We will be more than happy to reciprocate.