by Kory Leslie (Freelance Writer)

BELIZE CITY, Sun. Feb 12, 2023

This Sunday, the Government of Belize made history by welcoming the President of Cuba, H.E. Miguel Diaz-Canel Bermudez, into the country for a day filled with diplomatic formalities to reaffirm Belize’s bilateral relations with Cuba. The proceedings began with an exchange of pleasantries between the Governor General, H.E. Froyla Tzalam, and the Cuban president at the House of Culture in Belize City, followed by a special joint sitting of the National Assembly (The House of Representatives & the Senate).

The sitting was also attended by several diplomats and ambassadors representing various territories in Belize. Prime Minister Briceño was the first to address the Assembly, taking that opportunity to welcome President Canel-Bermudez and thank the entire nation of Cuba for their contributions to the growth and development of Belize:

“Your visit is yet another symbol of the deep bonds of friendship that exist between our two nations and people – a friendship that is based on mutual respect, the principles of International Law and those other noble principles enshrined in the charter of the United Nations such as, the right to self-determination and territorial integrity, non-intervention of the internal affairs of other states, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Cuba’s consistent and principled support of Belize’s right to self-determination and territorial integrity – a support which we’ve enjoyed before independence and continue to enjoy even today, is recognized and appreciated by all freedom-loving Belizeans,” said Hon. Briceño.

Hon. Briceño also shared that the Cuban president’s historical visit is just another testament to Belize’s and Cuba’s nearly twenty-eight years of friendship and collaboration which was furthered by the signing of two agreements on Sunday. These agreements centered on culture as well as a Memorandum of Understanding on immigration, according to the Prime Minister. He also used that platform to denounce the current sanctions that America has been enforcing against Cuba and which have been in place over a span of nearly six decades:

“We in Belize, and in fact all other countries benefitting from Cuba’s solidarity, should be aware of the fact that Cuba has consistently extended a helping hand even as they themselves are fighting for survival under the savage sanctions imposed on them. Belize congratulates Cuba for its advocacy for others in the developing world in its various roles, such as the critical role they will play as chair of the Group of Seventy-Seven Plus China within the United Nations System. Belize notes that these actions take place in the face of an unjust and illegal, financial, commercial and trade embargo imposed by the United States of America. Belize further condemns the unjustified designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. We continue to urge the United States Government to remove Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism List, as there is no legal nor moral justification for Cuba to remain,” he said.

President Canel-Bermudez was then welcomed to the podium, where he too spoke of the years of partnership and allegiance that our two countries have shared. Canel-Bermudez concluded his remarks, which were delivered in Spanish and translated to English, by assuring the people of Belize that Cuba will always be an ally:

“Brothers and sisters from Belize, we are certain that this visit will further strengthen the bonds of friendship and solidarity between our two nations. This visit is also a first step in compliance with the resolutions allotted at the 8th Cuba-CARICOM Summit Meeting. Let me confirm, rest assured you will always be able to rely on Cuba in the face of the immense challenges ahead of this small State of immense spirituality such as ours, on your side. We will always be there. Long live the brotherly relations between Belize and Cuba,” he said.

The special ceremony concluded with a brief photo-taking session followed by a luncheon at the House of Culture. It is expected that more details regarding the two agreements signed by President Canel Bermudez and Prime Minister Briceño will be shared later this week.