Cuban Embassy, Friendship Society saddened by Leacock’s statements

A shocked Cuban ambassador this week expressed her sadness that vice president of the New Democratic Party (NDP) Senator St. Claire Leacock would make what she called “utterly irresponsible” remarks about her country, at the NDP’s march and rally last week.{{more}}

Ambassador Olga Chamero Trias in a letter to the Editor dated June 12th, stated that accusations made by Senator Leacock on Friday at Heritage Square were aimed to “create fear in the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines about the disinterested contribution the Republic of Cuba is making to the development of this country in the direct interest of the people.”

During his address to supporters, Leacock implied that the Unity Labour Party (ULP) Government would use the Cuban technical personnel working in this country for political leverage at the next general elections.

“I have no disrespect for the struggle of the people of Cuba.” Leacock said. “But I have disrespect for the intentions of the Government with what they intend to do with the people of Cuba.”

Leacock went on to state: “In that critical 14 day period they would register the over 500 Cubans who would be here, and put them strategically in the constituencies that matter, and ensure that you continue to suffer and be victimized.”

The ambassador in her letter stated that it was the NDP under the leadership of Sir James Mitchell, who established diplomatic relations with Cuba 15 years ago, and the relations that Cuba has with this country is also shared with other OECS and CARICOM countries.

The letter went on to state that her country does not interfere with the internal affairs of any country, and would not be manipulated by any government.

Directing a paragraph of the letter to Senator Leacock, the ambassador indicated that in 2011 (the next scheduled date for general elections) the Senator will not see Cuban voters here, but “Cuban doctors saving lives in the health complex in Georgetown, and a new airport which will give your beautiful country the possibility of having a more active and profitable tourist industry.”

Ambassador Chamero Trias said that it would be a tragedy if the links between this country and hers would have to “pass through the interests of parties or mix with electoral matters”, and that her country’s contribution is for the benefit of the people, regardless who they voted for previously or who they may vote for in any upcoming elections.

Also sharing the sentiments of the ambassador is the SVG-Cuba friendship Society. The society, in a letter signed by Renrick Rose (right) deplored Senator Leacock’s comments, and called for him to publicly apologise to the Cuban Government and people.

The letter condemned Leacock’s remarks as an insult, by attempting to include Cuban Technical Personnel here in the partisan politics of our country.