THE FEDERATION OF ST. KITTS AND NEVIS AND THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA CELEBRATE 28 YEARS OF FRIENDSHIP
Basseterre, St. Kitts, May 10, 2023 (SKNIS): The Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis and the Republic of Cuba established diplomatic ties 28 years ago today.
The friendship between both countries for almost three decades has been mutually rewarding with St. Kitts and Nevis speaking up for Cuba, especially for the lifting of the US economic sanctions levied on the Spanish-speaking Caribbean country for over six decades. St. Kitts and Nevis, on the other hand, has benefited tremendously from the relationship especially in the area of human resource development with many educational opportunities afforded to nationals through scholarships to study at universities across Cuba in many disciplines including Medicine, Dentistry, Economics, Nursing, Health Technology, Accounting, Sociology, Psychology, Sports Education, Architecture, Engineering, Computer Science and Education.
L-R: His Excellency Ambassador David Rivero Pérez; Acting Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Geofffrey Hanley
Additionally, Cuba has provided the assistance of many healthcare professionals who are working in health institutions in the Federation.
To appreciate the significant milestone of 28 years of friendship, the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in St. Kitts and Nevis and Resident Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to St. Kitts and Nevis, His Excellency David Rivero Pérez and Ivon Tomé, Counselor, hosted a cocktail reception on Friday, May 5, 2023, at La Casa del Habano at Port Zante in Basseterre.
The reception was attended by government officials including Acting Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley, Hon. Konris Maynard, Hon. Senator Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Hon. Senator Isalean Phillip, Hon. Senator Jahnel Nisbett of the Nevis Island Administration (NIA), senior government officials, members of the Cuban Alumni Association and friends of Cuba residing in the Federation.
Some Members of the Cuban Alumni Association with their president Hollis Prentice (Third from Right)
In brief remarks at the event, Ambassador Pérez extended best wishes for the continued fruitful relations between both countries.
He said that since May 10, 1995, “relations between our nations have been positive and deepened over time.”
“It is cooperation in health, one of the main points that have connected St. Kitts and Nevis and Cuba during the last two decades when in 2003 the first Cuban medical brigade was established in this Federation, although the first steps in this matter were taken since 1996. Today, there is a total of 14 professionals in this sector, whose number will increase with the next incorporation of new professionals,” the Cuban Ambassador said.
L-R: Dr. Sharon Archibald, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health; His Excellency David Rivero Pérez; Ivon Tomé, Counselor
He added that “the education sector has also been a bulwark in strengthening the ties that unite us.”
“Cuba has provided professional training to more than 100 students from this nation, graduates of Cuban universities in careers in medical sciences, economics, and engineering, among others. There are over 30 young people currently studying in our country,” Ambassador Pérez said. “ Many of the graduates in Cuba today are contributing their knowledge to the service of this nation, in functions and positions of great relevance for the development of the Federation.”
“There are other targets and aspirations of common interest on issues such as climate change, human development, social integration, economic development and reducing the effects of natural disasters, on which we must continue to work,” he added.
Press Secretary Mrs. Adelcia Connor-Ferlance shares a light moment with the Cuban Ambassador and a friend
“Together, through cooperation and concerted action, we can confront any threat,” Ambassador Pérez said.
“The Republic of Cuba reaffirms the will to decisively support the common efforts that favor the progress of our territories, as well as to continue to offer unconditional collaboration and solidarity to the sister nations that need it,” he said further. “Long live the relations of friendship and brotherhood between Cuba and St Kitts and Nevis!”
L-R: Hon. Dr. Geoffrey Hanley; Hon. Senator Dr. Joyelle Clarke
Acting Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Hanley thanked the Government of Cuba for its assistance to the Federation, especially in the field of healthcare. He also reiterated St. Kitts and Nevis’ support for Cuba and the deepening of the friendship as the years go on. Dr. Hanley said that he remembers fondly his visit to Cuba as part of a delegation for the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution.
Chargé d’affaires Ad Hoc of the Bolivarian Republic Republic of Venezuela (blue shirt) also attended the reception. On his left is Senator the Hon. Jahnel Nisbett
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