Do not expect the resignation of Cuba President Fidel Castro to result in any major changes in that nation’s relationship with Trinidad and Tobago, the Foreign Affairs Ministry says.
And Dr Mark Kirton, a senior lecturer of Latin American Studies at the University of the West Indies’ St Augustine campus, said yesterday that there will be continuity in the longstanding relationship between both countries.
“I don’t see it as a major shift,” Kirton said.
Castro resigned as Cuba’s president due to health reasons yesterday, after having been in power for almost 50 years. During that time, this country has enjoyed very good diplomatic relations with the region’s only communist state.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry, in a statement yesterday, said the Government expects a continued good relationship with Cuba, which is due to establish two large scale commercial farms in this country and has been providing medical personnel to help staff the nation’s hospitals.
“The ministry wishes to recognise and salute the 49 years of Dr Castro’s leadership to the people of the Republic of Cuba. The change in Cuban leadership will in no way affect the cordiality or commitment of this Government’s relationship with Cuba, and the strengthening of relations at the bilateral level,” the ministry said.
Prime Minister Patrick Manning underwent a pacemaker procedure in Cuba in 2005 and has made regular visits their for check-ups since. On his last visit, Manning met with Castro.
In 1998, Manning flew to Cuba to undergo valve replacement surgery for his heart when he was the Opposition Leader.
Contacted yesterday, the Prime Minister’s Office said Manning was aware of Castro’s resignation, but had no official position to offer.
Kirton, in an interview with the Express, said that as long as Castro is alive, there will be little change in its policies, including that regarding Trinidad and Tobago.

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