From Caribbean Net NewsST. JOHN’S, Antigua: Two Cuban Government officials on Monday paid a visit on Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Baldwin Spencer, as part of an assessment and planning programme which will lead to the implementation of a number of projects agreed upon by Prime Minister Spencer and Cuban Leader Fidel Castro a week ago.Cuban Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda Jose Jaoquin Alvarez Portela and Roberto Lepez, Senior Advisor to the Cuban Vice President Carlos Lage; are in Antigua and Barbuda on direct orders from President Fidel Castro to move ahead with implementation of the agreements signed with Antigua and Barbuda.

Prime Minister Spencer, who handed a letter to Mr. Lepez for delivery to President Fidel Castro, said that the Cuban officials’ visit shows the political commitment of Cuba to implement the agreements reached with that country.

The country’s leader also highlighted the need to fast track the LIAT initiative which he developed in Cuba for the airline to start flights to Havana from St. John’s. He requested that the Cuban officials meet as soon as possible with senior management of LIAT.

It was also disclosed during the meeting that Cuba will send within one week two experts relating to the establishing of a polyclinic and other areas of cooperation. Antigua and Barbuda also promised to provide information before July on the 50 scholarship applicants, which was agreed to by Cuba.

The Cuban team today also held meetings with Finance Minister Dr. Errol Cort and Health Minister John Maginley. Antigua and Barbuda Ambassador Designate to Cuba Bruce Goodwin, who attended the meetings, informed Prime Minister Spencer of their outcomes and advised that the need exist for additional economic and other data to be provided to the Cubans in order for further analysis to be made of the various sectors being assisted by Cuba.

During the remainder of the week, Ambassador Portela and Roberta Lepez will hold meetings with Education Minister Bertrand Joseph, Tourism Minister Harold Lovell, Agriculture Minister Joanne Massiah, Social Transformation Minister Hilson Baptiste and representatives of regional airline LIAT.

Pictured: The Antiguan and Cuban delegations during the afternoon discussions.Ê Photo by Maurice F. Merchant
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