Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders attending the 23rd Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) in Venezuela have reiterated their plea for the United States to lift its trade and economic embargo against Cuba.
St Lucia’s firm stance
St Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre, emphasized St Lucia’s consistent advocacy for the immediate lifting of sanctions against countries in the region.
He reaffirmed this stance during the summit, underscoring the importance of solidarity among nations.
Dominica’s solidarity
Dominica’s Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, echoed Pierre’s sentiments, stressing the detrimental impact of the blockade on Cuba and urging global action against such unilateral measures.
Antigua and Barbuda’s rebuke
Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda criticized the inclusion of Cuba on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, denouncing it as baseless and harmful.
Condemnation of US blockade
The summit’s declaration condemned the US embargo on Cuba as “genocidal and illegal,” calling for its immediate cessation.
Delegates expressed solidarity with Cuba and rejected the unilateral designation of Cuba as a sponsor of terrorism.
Condemnation of Gaza conflict
In addition to addressing the Cuba embargo, the summit condemned the ongoing conflict in Gaza, denouncing Israel’s actions and urging for urgent international intervention to enforce a ceasefire.
Prime Minister Browne emphasized the hemisphere’s responsibility to protest against the violence in Palestine.
Revitalization of PetroCaribe
A key achievement of the summit was the revitalization of PetroCaribe, a vital component of ALBA 2030’s economic agenda.
Originally launched in 2005 by late Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez, PetroCaribe aimed to provide subsidized fuel to Caribbean countries.
Despite its suspension in 2019 due to US sanctions on Venezuela, recent economic growth in Venezuela has paved the way for PetroCaribe’s relaunch.
ALBA 2030 strategic agenda
The summit approved the ALBA 2030 Strategic Agenda, which outlines comprehensive plans for development and well-being in the region.
This agenda, drafted in consultation with member states, encompasses economic, social, political, cultural, and communication initiatives to strengthen the alliance and advance regional prosperity.
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