Foreign Ministers considered recent developments in Cuba.  In relation thereto, they referred to the Declaration of Havana which was adopted by Heads of Government of CARICOM and Cuba on 8 December 2002.  In that Declaration, Heads of Government acknowledged "the importance of transparent and accountable governance and the protection of human, social, political and economic rights”.  In the latter connection Heads called for the immediate lifting of the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed against the Republic of Cuba.  They also declared their commitment "to respect for and the promotion of the principles of the Charter of the United Nations and, in particular, the sovereign independence, territorial integrity, non-intervention and non-interference in the internal affairs of States”.

Foreign Ministers emphasised that the Caribbean Community has a long-standing tradition of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, adherence to the rule of law, and to the effective practice of representative democracy.  These principles are enshrined in the Community's Charter of Civil Society, to which all members and all aspirants for membership are expected to adhere.

Against this background, the Foreign Ministers of the Community expressed their concern at the conduct of the trials by the Cuban government of a number of its citizens arrested in March and April 2003.  Ministers recalled that Cuba had been and continues to be subject to hijackings and terrorist activities organized by external groups hostile to the Cuban government.  While not disputing the right of governments to respond to threats against the state or to the criminal act of hijacking, the Ministers were however deeply disturbed at the severity of the sentences imposed.

In this regard Ministers urged the Government of Cuba to ensure greater transparency in its criminal justice system; and to promote more open debate and discussion in order to further social, political and economic progress.

Ministers therefore strongly appealed to the Government of Cuba to show clemency towards those recently imprisoned.

Ministers conveyed their views to the Special Ministerial Envoy of Cuba who met with them on 8 May 2003 in a frank exchange as befitting relations among friends.

Ministers noted the recent request by some hemispheric states to consider a resolution on Support for Democratic Freedoms in Cuba within the forum of the Organisation of American States.  In this regard, they determined that as long as the Cuban Government remains excluded from participation in the Inter-American system and from voting in the activities of the OAS, the Organisation is not the appropriate forum for debate or judgement on this particular issue since the Government of Cuba is deprived of its right to present its position in accordance with natural justice.

In accordance with the fundamental principles which guide the foreign policy of the Caribbean Community, the Ministers continue to believe that engaging Cuba and pursuing dialogue with its Government at the highest level are in the best interest of the Cuban people.  They also emphasised the urgent need to fashion a hemispheric community from which no country is excluded and to engage Cuba constructively in creating that inclusive community of the Americas.
 

9 May 2003
Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines