Guyana marked the 48th anniversary of the Cubana Air Disaster, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the Caribbean. On October 6, 1976, Cubana Airways Flight CU-455 was en route from Guyana to Havana, Cuba, with planned stops in Trinidad, Barbados, and Jamaica. Tragically, just nine minutes after taking off from Barbados’ Seawell International Airport, two bombs detonated on board, causing the plane to crash into the Atlantic Ocean.
All 73 individuals on board—57 Cubans, 11 Guyanese, and five North Koreans—lost their lives in the disaster, many of whom were traveling to Cuba to study fields such as medicine and engineering.
At the commemoration ceremony, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hugh Todd emphasized that the past 48 years have strengthened Guyana’s determination to promote peace in the region. He highlighted that the monument honoring those innocent lives serves as a solemn reminder of the need to intensify efforts against all threats to humanity.
“On this CARICOM – Cuba Day Against Terrorism, the 48th anniversary of this heinous act, we pledge as a nation that we shall never forget the price they paid. In their honor, we shall spare no effort, working with the international community in the fight against terror and in the enduring struggle for peace, justice, progress, and freedom for all,” he added.
He said given the prevailing global conflicts it is important to uphold the principles of the United Nations Charter.
“As members of the international community, we cannot waver in our commitment to universal peace even as we continue to encourage the peaceful settlement of disputes and peaceful coexistence among states,” Todd added.
In 2022, during the Eighth CARICOM-Cuba Summit in Barbados, the CARICOM-Cuba Day against Terrorism was established in memory of the 73 people who lost their lives in the tragedy.
This observance also provides a powerful opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of both regions to combat terrorism in all its forms.
