BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – AFTER a well-spent four years, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to St. Kitts-Nevis Ana Marìa Gonzàlez Suàrez bid farewell to the Federation at a ceremony last evening (Oct. 22) at the Frigate Bay Beach Resort.
Attendees included ministers of government, members of the diplomatic corps, and past and present local students who had studied in Cuba. The farewell event featured several tributes and presentations in honour of Gonzàlez Suàrez, who assumed the ambassadorial position on November 9, 2005.
Speaking of the collaboration between his government and Cuba’s, Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Denzil Douglas noted it encompassed the areas of diplomacy, education, healthcare, sports and many others. He stressed that St. Kitts-Nevis had “benefited immeasurably” from the humanitarian assistance of the Cuban government.
“[Gonzàlez Suàrez] has been astute in relaying the goals and needs of my administration to hers. Through her charisma, diplomatic skills and tenacity, a myriad of projects have come on-stream that are of benefit to our two populations.”
The PM added, “She has endeared both herself and her country to the residents of St. Kitts-Nevis, and I speak for us all when I wish her the best in future endeavours.”
Gonzàlez Suàrez said she was “touched” by all the complimentary messages and tributes.
“I have truly enjoyed my stay here in the Federation. I will take the beauty of the landscape back with me to Cuba, as well as the warmth and support I received from everyone during my tenure,” stated the Ambassador.
Since the government established diplomatic relations with Cuba in 1995, over 60 Cuban medical practitioners have been deployed to the Federation, while approximately 40 Kittitian-Nevisian students have graduated from Cuban tertiary institutions. Additionally, hundreds of locals have travelled to the Spanish-speaking nation for surgical procedures.
Other highlights of the relationship include Cuba’s provision of energy-saving light bulbs, its donation of a monument dedicated to National Hero Sir Robert L. Bradshaw and the Federal Government’s contribution of EC$100 000 to assist in recovery efforts following hurricanes Gustav and Ike.
