United Nations, New York (30th October 2024) – In reflecting on Cuba’s generosity to the Federation, the Caribbean, and indeed the world, St. Kitts and Nevis joined the chorus at the United Nations in calling for an end to the six decades long economic embargo against the Government and people of Cuba. The Federation’s Ambassador to the United Nations supported the resolution and aligned the nation with statements delivered on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Group of Seventy-Seven and China (G77).
Laying out the Federation’s commitment to its iron-clad partnership with Cuba, H.E Dr. Mutryce Williams, St. Kitts and Nevis’ Permanent Representative/Ambassador to the UN, recalled Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew’s impactful UNGA79 General Debate remarks where he emphasized, “the embargo that has isolated Cuba for decades is illegal and continues to be a stain on our collective conscience. Instead of denigrating Cuba we should elevate it and learn from its sustainable solutions that have empowered their people, and in turn the Caribbean region.”
Ambassador Williams further reminded the fraternity of nations that, “this outdated embargo that continues to be imposed against Cuba by the Government of the United States of America, for more than six decades regrettably, remains the biggest impediment to Cuba’s normal economic growth and development, and modernization. It further continues to impair the country’s valiant efforts of achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, whilst exacerbating the effects of global challenges on the Cuban nation.”
According to the United Nations Secretary General Report, “from March 2022 to February 2023 Cuba suffered damages valued at approximately $5 billion USD which represents an impact equivalent to 19.2 of its gross domestic products (GDP) for the year 2022, and 59 per cent of total exports for the same year.”
Despite the decades long economic and financial embargo Cuba continues to be a force for good in St. Kitts and Nevis by investing in the Federation’s human development capacity, including education and healthcare.
The Government of St. Kitts and Nevis remains dedicated to the full abolition of the embargo against the friendly people of Cuba.
The resolution passed with 187 nations voting in favour to end the embargo against Cuba.
