Jamaica and Cuba to Identify Ways to Deepen Collaboration
Jamaica and Cuba have pledged to identify ways to deepen collaboration and exchanges in trade, tourism, climate change, disaster mitigation, culture and education.
This was disclosed by Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, in a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday, June 7.
Providing details on the Association of Caribbean States Summit held in Cuba on June 4, the Prime Minister said during discussions with President Raúl Castro, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to examining the possibilities at the bilateral level, to improve the current state of economic relations and methods for expansion, in light of the new dynamics in United States-Cuba relations.
“I reiterated Jamaica’s unwavering commitment to continue the call for an end to the economic embargo against Cuba and to ensure that this call is maintained until it is lifted, and that Cuba can operate without the strictures of the unilateral action by the United States,” Mr. Holness said.
Among the possible areas identified for immediate action are stronger mechanisms for cooperation in culture, through music and the creative industries.
Mr. Holness said the commitment was made to explore initiatives for the provision of increased language training on both sides, emphasising the provision of English language training to assist Cuba, as required, as they prepare to receive greater inflows of visitors.
“We addressed the grave challenges associated with climate change and sea level rise on the region and the potential consequences on human lives and economic development,” he noted.
Mr. Holness said they agreed, as a priority, to share experiences and best practices at the institutional level, adding that Cuba offered to provide experts to further advance data gathering, modelling and projections for mitigation, and the definition of appropriate responses by the State.
MoU Signed
Also, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Multi-destination Tourism was signed by the Attorney General, Marlene Malahoo Forte, and the Tourism Minister of Cuba, Manuel Marrero Cruz, on June 4.
Mr. Holness said both countries have committed to having their respective competent Ministries define the appropriate mechanisms to implement the MoU in a manner that brings mutual tangible benefits.
“We acknowledged the importance of working together expeditiously to facilitate the movement of peoples through the region to support Multi-destination Tourism for the Caribbean,” he added.
The Prime Minister said an invitation was extended to the Cuban President to pay an official visit to Jamaica at a time to be determined through diplomatic channels.
The Association of Caribbean States was established on July 24, 1994 in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, with the aim of increasing cooperation among countries of the Greater Caribbean in four principal areas – the preservation and conservation of the Caribbean Sea; sustainable tourism; trade development and economic external relations; and transport and disaster risk reduction.
