Cuba remains a loyal friend
‘What is clearly irrefutable is that Cuba’s medical diplomacy has undoubtedly been a success and has become an immense force to reckon with globally’
TTHE EDITOR, Madam:
HE CUBAN government and its populace remain quite a loyal and remarkable force to Jamaica and many other countries across the globe over the decades. Despite currently battling cases of the super virus, COVID-19, of their own, Cuba has agreed to assist Jamaica in sending the first batch of 21 specialist nurses to boost our health system in the wake of imminent strain on our medical personnel.
Notably, Cuba has survived almost 50 years of a formal trade embargo of successive governments of the United States as well as many years of economic destitution. They have endured decades of wretched conditions, food rationing and the restricted access to basic goods and services which most, if not all, of the other Caribbean territories enjoy daily.
But, despite their earlier and present economic woes, the Cuban government continues to assist numerous countries within the Caribbean, Latin America as well as countries throughout the African and Asian continents with its world-class, highly skilled medical services. It is truly rare and awe inspiring that many of the countries that Cuba provides assistance to enjoy much higher standards of living and per capital incomes.
Additionally, Operation Miracle, which was launched jointly by the Cuban and Venezuelan governments in 2004 is yet another instance of Cuba’s fight to promote international solidarity by providing free, advanced medical treatment for persons who suffer from mild to degenerative optical diseases across the globe. This initiative over the years has resulted in the significant improvement of over four million lives globally.
HIGHLY COMMENDABLE
I am beyond grateful to this Caribbean gem for the tremendous efforts on their part over the years but more so during this critical time for a truly unstinting, charitable and philanthropic act. Let’s face it, there is rarely anyone right now given the highly contagious nature of COVID19 that would dare to provide assistance and care especially outside of one’s homeland.
What is clearly irrefutable is that Cuba’s medical diplomacy has undoubtedly been a success and has become an immense force to reckon with globally. Cuba’s unwavering consistency and ever outstretched arms in times of dire need to its Caribbean neighbours and international allies no matter the crisis being confronted is highly, highly commendable and altruistic in nature. Gracias, Cuba!!
TARA HENRY