T&T says: End embargo, de-list Cuba as ‘state sponsor of terrorism’

“Trinidad and Tobago remains resolute in its positions that Cuba be de-listed as a ‘State Sponsor of Terrorism’ and that the Embargo against Cuba be lifted.”

That assertion from Dr. Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs during a meeting with His Excellency Gustavo Daniel Véliz Olivares, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba on 17th June 2024, at the Ministry’s headquarters.

An official statement from the Ministry reports that during the meeting, both Minister Browne and Ambassador Véliz focused on key areas of bilateral engagement—cooperation in Health, Scholarships, Trade, and possible areas of assistance to Cuba.

According to Ministry’s statement, Minister Browne underscored T&T’s position that the unilateral classification of Cuba as a ‘State Sponsor of Terrorism’ is “unfair”—a position it has articulated consistently at multiple regional and international fora, including at the United Nations, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC).

“The restrictions against Cuba continue to impact the trade relations of the country and consequently, the lives of the Cuban people in a detrimental manner,” Minister Browne observed during his meeting with Ambassador Véliz.

During the discussions, the Cuban Ambassador extended his sincere gratitude for Trinidad and Tobago’s solidarity with Cuba, while Minister Browne re-stated T&T’s appreciation of the Cuban people’s contribution to this country’s healthcare sector.

Both men reaffirmed their respective countries’ commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations with each other into the future.