Cuba continues to play an integral part in our healthcare sector - President Ali
President Irfaan Ali has praised the strong relationship between Guyana and Cuba, highlighting that the Spanish-speaking nation has played and continues to be an integral part of our healthcare sector.
The Head of State made these remarks at a reception held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries.
Addressing a small gathering at the Pegasus Suites and Corporate Centre, President Ali disclosed that Cuba had made a “huge contribution” to the development of Guyana.
These contributions, according to the President, include the thousands of doctors and nurses that were trained in Cuba along with the development of our engineering system.
“When we think about the medical brigades that came to support our health sector; when we think about the selfless sacrifice of sharing even when Cuba itself had limited resources, it tells us about a people who are committed to the cause of humanity, a people who are committed to the upliftment of humanity, a people who are committed to ensuring that they do their bit to making the world a better place.”
The Head of State posited that many of our leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC region) seek medical attention in Cuba. And Cuba would provide the best treatment and facility, President Ali noted.
“This tells you something about the character of the people themselves, when you can leave your homeland and enter into a different environment, facing the possibility of death, yet you selflessly do so with interest in humanity,” President noted.
To this end, President Ali said that the Spanish-speaking nation has shown us that if we put humanity at the centre of what we do, we can achieve great things.
“Our relationship with Cuba is based on shared goals and aspirations for our people. It is based on certain values and principles. We support firmly, every environment in which the prosperity, honour, dignity, and pride of the people [are] foremost in what we do. This is important for advancing the cause of humanity.”
Meanwhile, Ambassador of Cuba to Guyana Narciso Reinaldo Amador Socorro said the feeling of mutual respect and friendship of solidarity between the two countries date back many years when Guyana and three other CARICOM countries decided to establish ties with Cuba.
“With pride, the relations between our nations are anchored in history like one of the huge trees in the Guyanese forests with deep roots which we have the sacred duty to protect so that we may continue growing [and] be fruitful,” the Cuban Ambassador said.
Guyana and Cuba established diplomatic ties on December 8, 1972.
