PM Douglas Represent SKN At CARICOM Summit
Basseterre, St. Kitts – Nevis
December 08, 2008 (CUOPM)
St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas is leading the twin-island’s delegation to the Third CARICOM-CUBA Summit.
Prime Minister Douglas, who is also Minister of Foreign Affairs and other Caribbean leaders are in the City of Santiago de Cuba to discuss the financial, energy and food crises and climate change and their impact on Caribbean countries as well as the sharing of perspectives on cooperation between Cuba and CARICOM countries.
They expect to issue the Declaration of Santiago de Cuba at the end of the Summit.
CARICOM countries have long enjoyed a unique relationship with Cuba based on solidarity and fraternity. In 1972 diplomatic relations were established between the then independent CARICOM States – Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago ““ and Cuba.
St. Kitts and Nevis and other Caribbean nations have benefited from its cooperation programmes with Cuba through technical assistance, training and the sharing of knowledge and expertise in areas such as education, medicine, energy conservation and disaster management.
The people of the Caribbean Community have also enjoyed the professional services provided by Cuban doctors, nurses, medical technicians and eye specialists. Such meaningful cooperation has been a hallmark of the relationship to date.
A number of CARICOM Member States and Cuba recently endured the ravages of the passage of four hurricanes with Cuba and Haiti most severely affected. St. Kitts and Nevis was among CARICOM Governments and their people responded generously by providing relief in various forms.
The Third Summit marks the first official meeting between the leaders of the Caribbean Community and President Raul Castro who assumed leadership of his country when President Fidel Castro retired in February this year.
Prime Minister Douglas is accompanied by Minister of Public Works, Utilities, Transport and Posts, Dr. the Hon. Earl Asim Martin; Chief Secretary, Mr. Joseph Edmeade and Senior Foreign Service Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Kaye Bass.