JAMAICA yesterday launched a week-long exhibition to mark the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the country and Cuba.

The exhibition is being displayed at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade offices on Dominica Drive in Kingston.

Speakers at the opening ceremony included the Foreign Minister Senator Arnold J Nicholson Cuban Ambassador to Jamaica, HE Yuri Gala and representatives of ministries which have close collaboration with Cuba.

During the launch ceremony, there was a citation read by a student of the Garvey Maceo High School in honour of the Cuban liberator, General Antonio Maceo.

The exhibition, which is a collaborative effort of the foreign ministry, the ministries of health, national security and culture, the Jamaica Tourist Board and the University of the West Indies (UWI), will showcase the different areas of Jamaica/Cuba and also Caricom/Cuba cooperation and friendship.

These cooperation activities include the Jamaica/Cuba Eye-Care Project Operation Miracle); the provision of medical and health personnel; the Jamaica/Cuba Scholarship Programme, assistance in teaching and other cooperation programmes in education; agriculture; tourism; security; natural disaster; and finance.

Also included in the week-long roster of activities is a courtesy call to be paid by Cuban Ambassador Yuri Gala to Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller. During that courtesy call, the prime minister is expected to present a statement to the ambassador for onward delivery to the cuban president, Raul Castro.

A wreath-laying ceremony, which will involve the placement of a wreath on the bust of Cuban liberator, General Antonio Maceo, will be held at the National Heroes Park this morning.