Guyana Observes 48th Anniversary of Cubana Air Disaster

GEORGETOWN, Guyana – Guyana marked the 48th anniversary of the Cubana Air Disaster, renewing its commitment to maintaining and preserving peace within the Caribbean region.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd laying a wreath on the 48th anniversary of the Cubana Air DisasterOn October 6, 1976, Cubana Airways Flight CU-455 was en route from Guyana to Havana, Cuba, with stops in Trinidad, Barbados, and Jamaica.

Tragically, nine minutes after taking off from Barbados’ Seawell International Airport, two bombs exploded on board, causing the plane to crash into the Atlantic Ocean.

All 73 people – 57 Cubans, 11 Guyanese, and five North Koreans – perished in the disaster. They were all heading to Cuba to study medicine, engineering and other disciplines.

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, in brief remarks at the ceremony said that the last 48 years have strengthened Guyana’s determination to maintain the region’s peace.

He said that the monument erected in honour of those innocent lives stands as a sobering reminder that the world must intensify its drive to fight against all threats to humanity.

“On this CARICOM – Cuba Day Against Terrorism, the 48th anniversary of this heinous act, we pledge as a nation that we shall never forget the price they paid. In their honour, we shall spare no effort, working with the international community in the fight against terror and in the enduring struggle for peace, justice, progress, and freedom for all,” he added.

He said given the prevailing global conflicts, it is important to uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter.

“As members of the international community, we cannot waver in our commitment to universal peace even as we continue to encourage the peaceful settlement of disputes and peaceful coexistence among states,” Todd added.

In 2022, during the Eighth CARICOM-Cuba Summit in Barbados, the CARICOM-Cuba Day Against Terrorism was established in memory of the 73 people who lost their lives in the tragedy.

This observance also provides a powerful opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of both regions to combating terrorism in all its forms.