Jamaica and Cuba to work closely to protect the integrity of coastal waters

Mr Golding made the disclosure following extensive talks between himself and Cuba’s President Raul Castro this afternoon (May 5), at the Palace of the Revolution in Havana, Cuba. Mr Golding said the talks covered a wide range of issues relating to both bilateral and international matters.

Mr Golding said both countries are facing the threat of increased narcotics trafficking through Jamaican and Cuban waters. This, he said had resulted from the fact that the United Sates is concentrating most of its efforts on the Pacific routes while in the south eastern end of the Caribbean, Trinidad and Barbados have an arrangement where they are doing extensive aerial surveillance seven days a week. This heightened surveillance which is taking place at both ends has threatened the centre and we believe there is going to be an increase in narcotics trafficking in the centre of the Caribbean, Mr Golding said.

Mr Golding said the discussions looked at the possibility of working together and collaborating, to protect both countries from this sort of illegal operation.

Mr Golding, who is accompanied by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Ministers of Tourism, Agriculture, Health, Water and Housing, ended the second of a three day official visit to Cuba this evening following a hectic schedule of activities which began with an official wreath laying ceremony at the monument of Cuba’s National Hero, Jose Marti and a visit to the Jose Marti memorial.

There was an official welcome ceremony in the morning, followed by a visit to the City Museum and tour of Colonial Havana. This afternoon saw the Prime Minister visiting and touring the Ophthalmologic Institute and Hostalsalud Tulipan where Jamaican patients have been receiving eye care treatment under the Eye Care Miracle Mission initiated in 2005. Mr Golding ended his second day by attending an official dinner hosted in honour of the Jamaican delegation by the President of the Council of state and the Government of the Republic of Cuba.

The visit continues tomorrow.