GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – The Caribbean Community (Caricom) has reiterated its call for the United States to lift the economic, trade and financial embargo against Cuba.

In an address to mark Caricom-Cuba day, that was observed on Tuesday, CARICOM Chairman, the Prime Minister of Barbados Fruendel Stuart while welcoming the re-establishment of diplomatic ties between Cuba and US and t he re-opening of diplomatic missions, other hurdles remain.

According to Stuart, Caricom has been steadfast in its advocacy for Cuba to be integrated into the wider hemisphere of which it is so integrally a part.

“In this regard, the Community welcomed the participation of Cuba in the Seventh Summit of the Americas held in Panama in April this year and its readmission to the Organisation of American States (OAS) after its regrettable and notable absence.

The Caricom Chairman also assured the people of Cuba of the continued support from Caricom member states.

“As a further concrete demonstration of our close ties, allow me to make mention of our blossoming trade and economic relations which are given expression through the instrument of the Trade and Economic Cooperation Agreement between Caricom and the Republic of Cuba, signed in July 2000. Last October in Havana, the Joint Commission established under the Agreement advanced discussions aimed at improving its implementation and deepening of cooperation.”

“The Caribbean Community looks forward to a strengthened trade and economic partnership with the Republic of Cuba in the years ahead,” he added.

He noted that Cuba for its part, has reciprocated by “demonstrating its appreciation of the actions and positions taken by Caricom over the years, including through generous and meaningful offers of technical assistance to the Community in its most critical areas of need.”

Some of these areas include building the region’s social, cultural and linguistic capacity, strengthening its competencies in disaster management, agriculture, sport and most especially, the field of health.

“Our Member States have benefitted from the contribution of Cuban doctors, nurses and pharmacists to the heath sector. Cuba’s strong technical cooperation and assistance to Member States of the Caribbean Community is profoundly appreciated as it has contributed meaningfully to the well being of the citizenry of the Region.”

Concerning challenges brought about by various global crises, such as the negative effects of natural disasters, the impact of global warming and transnational crime, Stuart said the region will work together to tackle the obstacles.

“One of the best ways to do is to speak with one voice in international fora where issues of interest to Small States are discussed.”

“I reiterate the Community’s commitment to the further strengthening and enhancement of the close bonds of camaraderie, cooperation, and solidarity which unite us” he added.

Caricom-Cuba day came into being in 2002 with the adoption of the Havana Declaration at the first Caricom-Cuba Summit.

A ministerial meeting is scheduled for Havana in June 2016, which will be the fifth since the Declaration.