The Cuban Connection: A Success Story

The UPP’s Foreign Policy is geared to enhancing social and economic progress at home through cooperation with friendly nations here in the Caribbean and throughout the world. The New Relationship for Cooperation and Development established with Cuba provides an excellent model of the success of our Foreign Policy.

Antigua and Barbuda established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Cuba in 1994. Until 2004, when the UPP replaced the moribund ALP regime, very little had been made of that relationship. Indeed, the ALP regime seemed reluctant to explore the benefits that could be derived from cooperation with Cuba.

In its relationship with Cuba during the past five years, the UPP has demonstrated how a small, independent nation like Antigua and Barbuda can enhance its domestic conditions and its international standing through positive, proactive diplomacy.

Our relationship with Cuba rests on a mutually beneficial structure of cooperation that has assisted Antigua and Barbuda to build capacity in its Health Care System, Education, Sports, Culture, Agriculture and Fisheries, Energy, and Infrastructure. Some highlights of the benefits derived from this programme of cooperation are:

47 Cuban health care specialists, including doctors, nurses, and technicians, are currently providing services to our people through our hospital and clinics

203 Antiguan and Barbudan young people are pursuing higher education at Cuban universities, 25% in medicine.

Antiguans and Barbudans are being trained in Sports Management and Administration in Cuba; and Cuban coaches, working with our athletes in Antigua, are helping them enhance their abilities.

Cuban experts are helping us improve our food production systems and tackle the problem of fish poisoning.

APUA has saved millions of dollars through the more rational use of energy by households and businesses through Cuban assistance.

Cuban technical experts have given valuable assistance to the Road Construction and Rehabilitation Programme.