HAVANA, Cuba — The Embassy of St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) in the Republic of Cuba hosted a diplomatic reception and cultural exhibition on Tuesday to commemorate the 47th anniversary of the independence of SVG.
The event was held under the theme “Resilience Forever” and showcased the culture of SVG and the resilience of its people.
The commemoration included an exhibition, featuring jewellery by Vincentian artisan Nataki Benn, a display of photos of Vincentian culture and products, including wines, rums, sea moss, and seasonings.
In her remarks, Angella Jackson, ambassador of SVG to Cuba, honoured the unbreakable spirit of Vincentians at home and in the diaspora.
She noted that SVG has shown resilience in recovering from major natural hazards, including Hurricane Allen in 1980, Hurricane Beryl in 2024, and the April 2001 eruption of La Soufrière, as well as droughts and floods, the COVID-19 pandemic, and global shocks.
Jackson thanked the many friendly countries represented at the event through their ambassadors for their assistance and support over the years.
She emphasised the important role that the government and people of Cuba have played in the national development of SVG.
The ambassador highlighted the longstanding relationship between SVG, including the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1992.
These 34 years of diplomatic relations have been marked by Cuban support for human resource development in SVG.
This has resulted in the training of hundreds of Vincentians in various academic fields as well as Cuban support for landmark projects, including the diagnostic centre in Georgetown and the Argyle International Airport.
SVG has defended Cuba in the international community, including voting in support at the United Nations of the resolution on the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba.
Jackson commended the perseverance of Vincentian students in Cuba and told them that she is aware that these are trying times. She urged them to draw on the resilience of the Vincentian spirit to help them through this difficult time.
Guests at the event included officials of the government of Cuba, members of the diplomatic corps, Cuban institutions, CARICOM ambassadors, Vincentians in Cuba, and supporters of Kingstown-Havana ties, including former ambassadors of Cuba to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.