Officials renew call for end to embargo as Cubana tragedy remembered

Barbados and other CARICOM member states joined Cuba to commemorate the 47th anniversary of the Cubana Airlines disaster on October 6, 1976.

During a ceremony held on Friday at the Cubana Monument in Paynes Bay, St James, which was erected to honour the 73 lives that were lost on that day, officials pledged to uphold diplomatic ties with Cuba and eradicate the scourge of terrorism, and renewed the call for the United States to relinquish its trade embargo with Cuba and to drop the Caribbean island off its list of state sponsors of terrorism.

On October 6, 1976, Cubana Airlines flight 455 crashed into the sea off the shore of Barbados after two timed bombs went off. All 73 passengers and crew died. There were 57 Cubans, 11 Guyanese and five Koreans.

During her remarks, Director of External Trade at the CARICOM Secretariat Dr Chantal Ononaiwu said the day was a “stark reminder of the ever-present threats that seek to undermine the peace and security that we hold dear”.

“By observing this day, we not only pay tribute to the victims but also declare with unwavering unity, our commitment to eradicating the scourge of terrorism from our region and building a future where the Caribbean remains a beacon of peace and cooperation. The bombing of Flight 455 was not only a tragedy but also a pivotal moment in the history of diplomatic relations between CARICOM and Cuba. It was a test of resilience for our shared values and the strength of our bonds.

“Rather than succumbing to fear, the Caribbean region emerged from the darkness of that day with a resolve and collective determination to stand together, grow stronger and build relationships founded on peace, mutual respect and understanding. Since then, the ties between CARICOM and Cuba have not just endured, they have flourished over the years,” she said.

Ononaiwu added that it was important for regional governments to stand united, now and in the future, as they deal with transnational crime and other threats to security and safety.

She urged regional heads to collaborate on a broader scale and share intelligence, expertise and resources “to build a formidable defence” against these threats.

Guyana’s Consul General to Barbados Geneva Ross-Tyndall also vowed to strengthen cooperation to maintain peace in the Caribbean.

“Recognising the pivotal role of domestic, regional and international authorities and partners, Guyana is dedicated to fostering extensive cooperation and collaboration to counteract terrorism and terrorist financing. Our aspiration is for a world where nations respect the rule of law and exist in peace and prosperity, free from the shadow of terrorism.

“In honouring the memory of those who perished in the Cuba air disaster, we also pay tribute to the enduring spirit of unity and cooperation that binds our foundation together. We pledge to promote dialogue, understanding and mutual respect among nations,” Ross-Tyndall said.

Ambassador of Barbados to CARICOM David Comissiong insisted that the trade embargo on Cuba was “illegal”, pointing out that the United Nations General Assembly had passed a resolution each year, since 1992, to end the blockade.

He also condemned the act under the Trump administration to put Cuba on a list of state sponsors of terrorism, describing it as “vindictive” and “cynical”.

Comissiong stressed that Cuba was actually a victim of terrorism and about 713 acts of terrorism were conducted against the Caribbean state.

During the ceremony, Baba John Tifase Howell conducted a libation ritual at the monument and other cultural practitioners engaged the audience in song and rhythmic beats of drums.
(SZB)