Jamaica and Cuba Strengthen Bilateral Ties

Kingston, Feb 16. – Jamaica and Cuba gave a new boost to strengthening bilateral relations after the recent visit the minister of Youth and Culture Lisa Hanna to Havana.

The minister spoke on February 9 at the opening ceremony of the 21st International Book Fair, which is being held in this capital, as one of the most important cultural events in Cuba.

In her speech, Hanna highlighted the common historic ties that join the Caribbean countries regardless of their language differences, and praised Cuba's example in the interest of preserving and developing culture.

Cuba provided technical support to the Jamaican government to develop projects and programs for the benefit of Jamaicans, local media highlighted.

During her stay in Cuba, Hanna attended a meeting of intellectuals with the leader of the Cuban Revolution, Fidel Castro, described as remarkable for several participants.

He (Fidel) showed knowledge of a wide range of issues and commitment to world issues, despite his recent illness, said the Jamaican minister, quoted by newspaper The Gleaner.

Hanna met with his Cuban counterpart, Abel Prieto, and Deputy Minister Julio Ballester, to address issues related to one of the sectors under his leadership.

She toured the Higher Institute of Art and the Central Palace of Computing, where she collected several ideas, and witnessed a rehearsal of the children's theater company La Colmenita, a project that has replicas in several Latin American countries.

In the Cuban capital, she also met with Jamaican students.(PL)