One of the major challenges to cooperation efforts between Guyana and Cuba has been the mobilisation of human and financial resources.
So said Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Clement Rohee yesterday at the beginning of the 22nd Session of the Guyana/Cuba Joint Commission. The meeting ends tomorrow.
Representatives from both countries will review the progress of the previous work programme with specific focus on the health and education sectors. They will also seek to identify new initiatives for the intensification of technical and other forms of cooperation for the new 2004-2006 programme, which will include more experts to promote cultural cooperation and post-graduate training in health and education.
In 2003, the governments signed an agreement establishing the Guyana/Cuba Joint Business Development Council, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on trade between Guyana and Cuba and an Agreement of Cooperation between the Guyana Office for Investment (Go-Invest) and the Centre for Export Promotion of Cuba.
According to a ministry press release, Guyana has been benefiting from the resident Cuban medical team and other expertise.
Minister Rohee and Minister of Government within the Office of the President of the Republic of Cuba, Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz both spoke at the opening session.
Rohee said the two countries have to intensify their efforts at achieving a more humane and global economic order. "We must search for new and constructive initiatives to buttress our trade and economic objectives."
Cabrisas said Cuba is waging a battle of ideas to build a society which is aware of the problems the world faces. "Our participation in Caricom discussions is [with a view to] furthering Caribbean integration."
A ministry press release said projects from the 21st session that are yet to be implemented would rolled over. Members of the Cuban delegation include Ambassador to Guyana, Jose Manuel Inclan Embade; Roberto Rivas, Director of Latin America and the Caribbean Division, Ministry of Foreign Investment; and Pedro P. San Jorge Rodriguez, Director Ministry of Foreign Trade.