Statement delivered by H.E. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the UN, during General Assembly Debate on ‘Necessity of ending the economic, commercial & financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba'

Mr. President,

Guyana aligns itself with the statements delivered by Grenada on behalf of the Caribbean Community, Honduras on behalf of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, Iraq on behalf of the G77 and China, and by Uganda on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement, on the ‘Necessity of Ending the Economic, Commercial and Financial Embargo imposed by the United States of America Against Cuba.’

Mr. President,

The unjust economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States against Cuba has now been in place for over sixty- two years. For over six decades the people of Cuba have had to contend with a burden that has placed extraordinary roadblocks and hardships along their path to development.

It is undeniable that the overwhelming majority of the member States of this United Nations have long recognised the need for this policy to come to an end. This is demonstrated by the consistent votes in favour of the resolution to do so, 187 on the last occasion. Indeed, the Cold War has ended, and the policy prescriptions of that era must end as well.

Mr. President,

Today, Guyana once more reaffirms our position in favour of the resolution calling for the lifting of the embargo. This is both consistent with our support for Cuba’s right to fully pursue its economic development, and with our opposition to the imposition of unilateral coercive measures.  The recent collapse of Cuba’s electricity grid is a demonstration of the negative consequences of such measures affecting an entire population.

Mr. President,

We also reiterate our call for the United States to remove Cuba from its list of ‘State Sponsors of Terrorism.’  This designation is defined as applying to those countries that have “repeatedly provided support for acts of international terrorism.” Despite Cuba’s continuous designation on this list, there is yet to be a presentation of an iota of evidence that substantiates such a serious accusation. On the contrary, we have countless examples of Cuba’s tangible and positive support for other states, even as they, Cuba, continue to face deeply trying situations.

This wrongful designation as a state sponsor of terrorism has compounded the already devastating impacts of the embargo, adding to the list of economic and financial restrictions that are imposed on Cuba.  The country’s ability to meet the needs of its population is further inhibited as it, like the rest of the world, strives to recover from the serious economic challenges created by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr. President,

I am compelled to take this opportunity to speak to the decades-long, outstanding and mutually beneficial relationship between Cuba and my country. Cuba has been a critical partner in Guyana’s pursuit of development. The robust health sector that we have been able to build would not have been achievable without the training provided by Cuba to hundreds of Guyanese doctors.  Cuba’s world-renowned medical excellence is worthy of applause, more so considering the assistance they provide to countries developing their health architecture, even as they, Cuba, continue to face significant hardships brought about by the embargo.

Mr. President, Dear Colleagues,

In closing, the ending of the embargo against Cuba and the restoration of trust and rebuilding of friendly relations between Cuba and the United States will redound to the benefit of the Caribbean and the hemisphere as a whole.  It will also positively respond to the repeated calls by the overwhelming majority of this Assembly. It will signify that we are all committed to Agenda 2030 and truly “leaving no one behind.”  Guyana is committed to playing its part in this effort.

I Thank you.