At a recent protest rally supporting Venezuela, the Cuban Ambassador to Saint Lucia, Yenielys Vilma Regueiferos Linares, addressed the latest sanctions imposed by the United States, calling them a manifestation of an ongoing economic war.
She highlighted recent demands from the US for Caribbean nations to halt medical collaborations with Cuba.
“This is not solely a threat to Cuba. Just last week, Cuba was labeled a security threat to the United States,” Ambassador Linares stated.
“That’s a paradox and it is irrational. We have invested in human resources not only in Saint Lucia but across the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and even in the United States,” she noted.
The ambassador emphasized the contributions of young Americans who have studied in Cuba and graduated as doctors, reiterating that the restrictions are part of a broader economic war which Cuba has endured for 64 years due to the US embargo. She remarked that it was on this day in 1962 that President John F. Kennedy signed the resolution to impose the embargo, terming it an “economic affixation” on Cuba.
Addressing the US objections concerning medical personnel and students denied entry to Cuba, Ambassador Linares said, “We have supported generations of young people from Saint Lucia studying in Cuba.”
Despite the challenges posed by the current sanctions, she affirmed that Saint Lucia, along with the OECS and CARICOM, can count on Cuba’s solidarity : “We have always been, and we will always be, friends with the Caribbean nations. The bonds between us are like those of brothers and sisters. When Cuba faced isolation, four Caribbean nations established diplomatic relations with us. On December 8 every year, we celebrate CARICOM-Cuba Day, and nothing will divide us. We must continue to fight for Latin America and the Caribbean to be a zone of peace.”
Marlene Alexander, Chairperson of the Cuba-Saint Lucia Friendship Association, expressed solidarity with Venezuela, condemning the illegal kidnapping of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. She recalled the sacrifices made by Venezuelan and Cuban soldiers and civilians in defense of the Venezuelan president.
As the community observes one month since the “illegal attack” on Venezuela, Alexander stated, “We raise our voices alongside the global community to demand the release of President Nicolás Maduro.”
She also voiced concerns regarding ongoing US aggression affecting both Venezuela and Cuba, emphasizing that Saint Lucia faces the reality of these threats. Alexander reiterated the historical significance of Cuban scholarships, revealing that approximately 800 have been awarded to Saint Lucians.
“Cuba continues to be a friend to our people in Saint Lucia. Our professionals trained in Cuba have played a crucial role in shaping and developing our country. For over 50 years, Cuba has educated the people of Saint Lucia, and our health sector relies significantly on Cuban professionals,” she said.
In closing, she expressed deep solidarity with her Cuban and Venezuelan counterparts, stating, “To the people of Venezuela, you are not alone. We stand together. Between Cuba and Venezuela, we are united as sisters and brothers. We call on the Caribbean community to unite, raise your voices, and join forces for a better world.”
[R.A]