PRIME MINISTER P.J. Patterson left the island yesterday afternoon for Bridgetown, Barbados, to attend the 11th Special Meeting of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the second CARICOM/Cuba Summit.
The meeting begins today.
According to a Jamaica House statement, the two-day regional talks will focus on several topical issues, including those related to trade and development, as well as the strengthening of relations between Cuba and CARICOM.
Cuba has provided technical assistance and cooperation to the region in various areas, including agricultural and human resource development, the fight against HIV/AIDS and education.
COOPERATION PROGRAMMES
In addition, Jamaica has benefited from active cooperation programmes with Cuba at both the bilateral and regional levels. Cooperation activities have been undertaken primarily in the areas of education through scholarships and training, health, agriculture, science and technology, tourism, transport and trade and security. The country has also benefited from the presence of Cuban medic personnel and Spanish teachers throughout the island.
FREE EYE CARE
Jamaicans can now access free eye care in Cuba under the Cuban Ophthalmic Care Programme. Several citizens have taken advantage of this facility, including persons who regained their vision after being blind with cataracts for several years.
Jamaica House said the relations between CARICOM and Cuba were enhanced at the first summit in Havana in 2002 with the establishment of new arenas for discussion, including the Summit and Ministerial Meetings and the CARICOM/Cuba Joint Commission.
Mr. Patterson returns to the island on Friday. During his absence, Portia Simpson Miller, Minister of Local Government, Community Development and Sports, will be in charge of the Government.
