THERE WAS supposed to be a double reason for Jamaicans and Cubans to celebrate on Monday night as December 8 is the date for two significant dates in the relation of Cuba and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
This was the date back in 1972, when Guyana, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica formally established diplomatic relations with the country with possibly the most popular leader worldwide. And for the first time, the day was celebrated as Cuba/CARICOM Day, arising from a summit held between Cuba and CARICOM countries in Havana.
Cuban Ambassador Jose Piedra presented a Medal of Friendship to former Ambassador to Cuba, Ben Clare. He received the award because of his unconditional friendship to Cuba.
Clearly moved by the gesture, Mr. Clare, whose wife and one of his sons attended, said he accepted the medal with "gratitude and a deep sense of humility." He thanked his wife, Evangeline, for her sacrifice and assistance throughout the years. Dressed in his signature Nehru jacket, he said he had always admired Cuba from the first time he set foot on the island. Ironic that he was to be named as ambassador to the nation merely months after that visit.
The move by four of the Caribbean's most developed nations is still hailed by Cubans as a courageous act as during that time, Cuba was shunned because of its communist stance.
- D.K.
