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Panama and Cuba
strengthening the Greater Caribbean Recently, we received the news that Panama and Cuba fully re-established their relations. These relations were affected when the previous government of the isthmus country released a known terrorist, wanted by the Cuban justice system and other countries in the area, owing to his participation in atrocities, both criminal and lethal, that claimed the lives of many individuals. Upon taking office, President Martín Torrijos’s government not only renounced the release of the aforementioned terrorist, but it understood the importance of both countries, wholly Caribbean and so close in their cultures, peoples and history, reconnecting their ties as soon as possible. This was obviously considered by the Republic of Cuba and its top-ranking leaders as being a forward step toward consolidating the historic bonds forged by both countries. These countries identify with each other in their respective battles, Cuba resisting the blockade and Panama fighting for its sovereignty. That gesture ennobles Cuba as it praises the legacy of Máximo Gómez, who not only shed his sweat as a labourer on the construction of the Panama Canal, but in an act of solidarity, c lamoured for separation from Colombia, leading to the birth of the Republic. From Panama to Cuba, it must not be forgotten that General Omar Torrijos was one of the Latin American leaders who broke the diplomatic blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States. With both countries being members of the Association of Caribbean States, the restoration of these ties is a crucial step toward strengthening the Greater Caribbean community, not only by being a reunion between brother countries but because the mechanisms for cooperation and concerted action will be fortified once there is harmony . Sound relations among states is a fundamental principle of the Association of Caribbean States, in so far as this association supports the elimination of past rifts, promoting rapprochement among States based on the ongoing promotion, consolidation and strengthening of, among others, the principles of democracy, rule of law, respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity of states and the right to the free determination of the people, equal opportunities and respect for human rights, as the foundation for strengthening the friendly ties that exist among the peoples of the Caribbean. By way of initiating the new terms of these relations, Panama began receiving humanitarian co-operation from Cuba, through the Operación Milagro program, which Cuba shares with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. That program proposes to improve or bestow sight to individuals of humble social standing, whose limited resources would prevent them from making use of their sense of sight. That program has already helped 800 Panamanians, and just as many continue to await the same benefits. This program also facilitates the establishment of contacts among peoples, which must be one of the key objectives to facilitate mutual knowledge and good neighbourliness. Along another vein, during their last meeting, Ministers Felipe Pérez Roque and Samuel Lewis Navarro defined an extensive work program in two of the priority topics of the ACS, specifically transport and trade. Both countries are in need of improvements in air and maritime transport: Cuba, due to the regional expansion of its economy and Panama, as a result of its interest in expanding tourism and trade relations, taking advantage of its privileged position as the isthmus of America. The Greater Caribbean community must rejoice and congratulate both governments on this diplomatic reunion, since it helps boost peace in the region, further facilitating political dialogue among political leaders, all of which translates into advantages for the fight against poverty, increased safety, greater mutual trust and a better environment for negotiations within and outside the region.
The author is Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States
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