Basseterre, St. Kitts, December 22, 2015 (SKNIS): The Honourable Mark Brantley, Deputy Premier of Nevis and Minister of Foreign Affairs, extended heartfelt appreciation to the Government and people of Cuba for the consistent contribution to St. Kitts and Nevis’ social and economic development with training and technical assistance.
“Cuba is family and these fraternal bonds have been long demonstrated in their generosity and benevolent outreach to neighbours in the Caribbean including St. Kitts and Nevis,” said Minister Brantley, while noting that many Kittitians and Nevisians, as well as their families have benefitted tremendously over the years due to scholarships, improved vision through Cuba’s eye care mission and assistance from doctors, just to name a few.
He added that Cuba has been a good and valuable friend to the Federation, and that countries with greater resources have not contributed as much as Cuba has. “Even when difficult times have loomed, Cuba as always maintained its quota,” he said.
Minister Brantley stated that due to the many assistance offered by Cuba, St. Kitts and Nevis would wish to maintain its presence in the country, while the Federation attempts to strengthen the bond.
He made special mention of Verna Morris, St. Kitts and Nevis Chargé d’ Affaires to Cuba, and said that she is performing with excellence. “This government saw the wisdom in taking her from the capital (Basseterre) and sending her to Cuba,” he said. He described her as very young, very competent, very talented and fit for the position, as she aims to further strengthen the existing relations between the Governments and people of both countries.
“We are happy that Cuba is going to see from us, the commitment to them, diplomatic basis, that certainly they have showed to us over the years,” he said.
The foreign minister aired his delight in the recent developments between Cuba and the United States where both countries came to an arrangement which will allow regular flights between the two countries starting in 2016.
‘We see the embargo slowly thawing and we see St. Kitts and Nevis and CARICOM’s efforts in diplomacy over the years in standing with Cuba, in defying those who would punish Cuba,” said Minister Brantley. “We are seeing that the relationship between Cuba and the United States has gotten better. The Cuban and Caribbean people will be the beneficiaries.”
St. Kitts and Nevis and Cuba gained diplomatic relations in 1995 and Minister Brantley has described the relationship as fruitful. On December 08, 2015, the Federation joined with other sub-regional countries in celebrating CARICOM-Cuba Day.
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