PM Douglas with Cuban Ambassador Suarez
Photo By Erasmus Williams
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
November 16, 2009 (CUOPM)
St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas has praised outgoing Cuban Ambassador to the Federation, Her Excellency Ana Maria Gonzalez Suarez saying that the projects that have been realised during her tenure are testimony to her instrumentality, hard work tact and tenacity, especially in the areas of agriculture health and higher education.
Dr. Douglas said that if one were to measure the relationship between the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of Cuba since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1995, one would observe a steady increase in initiatives in harmony with the National Development Agenda of St. Kitts and Nevis.
He said that Ambassador González has been extremely articulate and equally astute in relaying to her Government, the goals of his St. Kitts-Nevis Labour Party Government and the needs of the people in the Federation in which she has been residing, while at the same time outlining how St. Kitts and Nevis could reciprocate in kind.”
“Ambassador, memories of your work and stay here in St. Kitts and Nevis will be cherished for a long time- especially when we hear about a graduate of or a scholarship recipient to a Cuban institution; when we see the monument of our distinguished National Hero, the Right Excellent Sir Robert Llewellyn Bradshaw in my hometown of St Paul’s; when we interact with a beneficiary of the Miracle Eye Care Mission; and when we see the hydroponic farms. Ordinary people, throughout the breadth and length of this country have been “˜touched [as it were] by an angel,’ touched by you, Your Excellency and by extension, by the Government and people of the Republic of Cuba, which you have so competently represented here,” said Prime Minister Douglas, who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Dr. Douglas told Ambassador Gonzalez that she blended well into the Kittitian and Nevisian culture and society and shall sorely miss her visits to his office, “your exquisite dinners and occasional social events whether with the Cuban Alumni, the team of Cuban doctors or some other group or gathering that you often invite to your home.”
“You have given us a taste of the “˜Cuban pie’ and we want more. You are indeed a model diplomat. Your warmth, charisma, devotion and goodwill have endeared you and your good country to us. Viva Cuba!” said Dr. Douglas, who expressed on his own behalf and that of the Government and people of St. Kitts and Nevis, “our most sincere appreciation and deep gratitude to you for your commitment, dedication and service on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Cuba.”