Caribbean Group (CARICOM) leaders attending the twenty third Summit of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Folks’s Commerce Treaty (ALBA-TCP) in Venezuela have reiterated their plea for the US to raise its commerce and financial embargo in opposition to Cuba.
St Lucia’s agency stance
St Lucia’s Prime Minister, Philip J. Pierre, emphasised St Lucia’s constant advocacy for the speedy lifting of sanctions in opposition to international locations within the area.
He reaffirmed this stance through the summit, underscoring the significance of solidarity amongst nations.
Dominica’s solidarity
Dominica’s Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, echoed Pierre’s sentiments, stressing the detrimental influence of the blockade on Cuba and urging international motion in opposition to such unilateral measures.
Antigua and Barbuda’s rebuke
Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda criticized the inclusion of Cuba on the US checklist of state sponsors of terrorism, denouncing it as baseless and dangerous.
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Condemnation of US blockade
The summit’s declaration condemned the US embargo on Cuba as “genocidal and unlawful,” calling for its speedy cessation.
Delegates expressed solidarity with Cuba and rejected the unilateral designation of Cuba as a sponsor of terrorism.
Condemnation of Gaza battle
Along with addressing the Cuba embargo, the summit condemned the continuing battle in Gaza, denouncing Israel’s actions and urging for pressing worldwide intervention to implement a ceasefire.
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Prime Minister Browne emphasised the hemisphere’s duty to protest in opposition to the violence in Palestine.
Revitalization of PetroCaribe
A key achievement of the summit was the revitalization of PetroCaribe, an important element of ALBA 2030’s financial agenda.
Initially launched in 2005 by late Venezuelan chief Hugo Chávez, PetroCaribe aimed to offer sponsored gas to Caribbean international locations.
Regardless of its suspension in 2019 attributable to US sanctions on Venezuela, current financial development in Venezuela has paved the best way for PetroCaribe’s relaunch.
ALBA 2030 strategic agenda
The summit permitted the ALBA 2030 Strategic Agenda, which outlines complete plans for growth and well-being within the area.
This agenda, drafted in session with member states, encompasses financial, social, political, cultural, and communication initiatives to strengthen the alliance and advance regional prosperity.
