CASTRIES, St. Lucia – The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) has praised Cuba for maintaining its relationship with the sub-regional grouping despite the “weight” of a trade and economic embargo imposed on the Caribbean country by the United States dating back to 1962.
“Few nations have demonstrated that solidarity as consistently, or as generously, as Cuba. Through every challenge Cuba itself has faced: economic hardship, isolation, the weight of an embargo now well into its seventh decade, it has never wavered in extending a hand to our region and people,” OECS Director General, Dr. Didacus Jules said as he accepted the Letters of Credence from Cuba’s new ambassador, Yenielys Vilma Regueiferos Linares.
Jules said that the OECS will continue to approach its relationship with Cuba by practical, shared priorities of sustainable development, regional solidarity, and the wellbeing of our peoples.
“Ambassador, please know that you assume your post in a region that regards Cuba as a longstanding friend, one whose doctors have cared for our sick, whose universities have educated our leaders, and whose solidarity has never depended on the size of our states or the strength of our economies.
“The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States looks forward to working closely with you to deepen this partnership further: in health, in education, in disaster resilience, in agriculture, in ocean governance, and in whatever new areas our shared future may call us to explore,” he added.
The St. Lucia-based OECS Commission said that Cuba and the OECS partners have strengthened bilateral cooperation despite many challenges, delivering significant humanitarian benefits through initiatives such as EverProTe for diabetic foot ulcer treatment, the Yes I Can literacy programme, and Operation Miracle, which restored sight to thousands across the Caribbean.
It said cooperation has also included Cuban medical assistance during COVID-19, educational scholarships, and hurricane recovery support.
In her remarks, the Cuban diplomat reiterated the theme of unity saying “the countries and territories of the OECS can always count on the solidarity of sister island of Cuba,” praising the grouping for supporting Havana during its current and amplified geopolitical challenges.
“No society can survive without energy. We have only received one oil vessel in seven months, and the impact is unbelievable in hospitals, schools, senior centres, children in need and in general all sectors of society. To the OECS from the heart of every Cuban…’thank you’.
“Solidarity in regional, multilateral and bilateral forums is highly appreciated. Donations from governments and various organisations have been a pillar for continuing this battle of morality and dignity.
“Regional and global challenges are numerous in an unstable, unequal and complex world. Only through unity and integration will we be able to respond to the chaotic landscape in which we live.”
The OECS groups the independent islands of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Kitts and Nevis as well as Montserrat, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands.
The United States has sharply escalated its economic pressure on Cuba through executive actions targeting energy supplies, financial transactions, and foreign trade.
In recent months, Washington has imposed a strict fuel and energy embargo on Cuba by blocking oil shipments and sanctioning state oil company Unión Cuba-Petróleo. In addition, the North American country has established secondary sanctions against foreign companies and financial institutions dealing with Cuba and is also threatening international banks and third-country suppliers with severe penalties.
