Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer
Portland:
CUBAN AMBASSADOR to Jamaica, Gisela Garcia Rivera, in her first official tour since assuming the diplomatic position, has indicated that it is an opportune time to rekindle friendly relations between sister city, Santiago de-Cuba and Port Antonio.
The ambassador and her entourage was addressing members of the Parish Development Committee (PDC), journalists and other stakeholders at the Port Antonio Marina in Portland last Friday.
She recalled that years ago, there was a strong connection between Port Antonio and Santiago de-Cuba which created economic opportunities and also improved diplomatic relations.
"One of my main objectives and duty is to strengthen and improve that collaboration between Port Antonio and Santiago de-Cuba", she said.
REINSTATE BOAT SERVICE
Ambassador Garcia proposed to have reinstated the boat service which led to the alliance between the two towns some years ago to enable persons to travel from Port Antonio to the Cuban sister city.
This, she said, could open doors of opportunity in tourism, culture, art, economic and social prosperity.
State minister for Education, Youth and Culture Dr. Donald Rhodd, who attended university in Cuba for a few years, endorsed the proposal put forward by the Cuban Ambassador.
ECONOMIC, SOCIAL POSSIBILITIES
According to Dr. Rhodd, almost 500 Jamaican students are now studying in Cuba in various disciplines.
He said that Cuba has made a significant contribution on the world scene.
"Cuba provided troops to South Africa during the apartheid era which led to the liberalisation of South Africa and also the subsequent release of Nelson Mandela who later became president," said Dr. Rhodd.
He pointed out that the strengthening of relations with Santiago-de-Cuba could present countless possibilities in tourism, trading and commerce, as well as cultural exchange involving art. Santiago-de-Cuba has an estimated population of 500,000.
