Following are the closing remarks by Cuban President Raul Castro at the 3rd Cuba-CARICOM Summit that took place on Monday in Santiago de Cuba.


Dear friends and colleagues:

The decision adopted by the CARICOM leaders to present to Fidel the ‘Order of the Caribbean Community’, is witness to the bonds of fraternity and solidarity shared by the Caribbean peoples and Cuba. On behalf of comrade Fidel allow me to express my gratitude for such a lofty and distinctive honour.

Cubans are deeply moved by and proud of this recognition to the great leader of our Revolution. This action enhances our loyalty and appreciation for the Caribbean roots and legacy.

We have conducted serious deliberations since we are fully aware of our responsibilities. This exchange confirms our common dedication to the goal of a greater Caribbean integration while reaffirming our mutual recognition of the significant results attained through cooperation in the past six years.

The Declaration of Santiago de Cuba that we have just adopted is a fair reflection of the sentiments behind our actions; of our concern for the world we live in, the priorities we have set ourselves for the upcoming years and our renovated commitment to continue our active cooperation.

The text is a mirror image of what was said and done here.

The prospect of meeting again within three years in Trinidad & Tobago is a source of excitement. We shall continue the practice of holding such meetings to exchange views on our common concerns and to build on our relations.

Once again allow me to emphasize the will of the Cuban people and government to continue fastening our bonds with the sister nations of he Caribbean, deepening cooperation to the extent of our capabilities and working towards greater integration while sharing in the defence of our common interests.

We are only a few days away from our celebration in this very city of the first half-century of the Cuban Revolution. Without this transcendental episode in our history, and in the history of the Caribbean and the Americas, our relations of solidarity with so many peoples all over the world would not be possible.

For five decades, the Cuban people, under the leadership of comrade Fidel Castro has upheld its solidarity with the Caribbean and the Third orld peoples, despite the uninterrupted hostility of the United States.

Our people have embraced the cause of the poor, the exploited and the disenfranchised and have fought for a world where justice prevails and here the peoples can exercise their right to choose their own destiny and their path to development.

Santiago de Cuba has been honoured by your presence and by the opportunity to welcome you all in such a relevant occasion.

Upon closing this 3rd Cuba-CARICOM Summit, I’d like to ask you to convey to the peoples you represent here, the warmest greetings of your Cuban brothers and sisters from this historic city of the eastern part of our island. The same as the rest of our people, they are involved in fighting the current economic challenges, striving for development and defending, at all costs, the right of man to full justice and dignity.

Thank you, very much