The Cuban Government has been generous in its support for Saint Lucia's development efforts.

Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs, Planning and Social Security, Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, has lauded the announcement that the United States and Cuba intend to pursue normalization of relations after five decades of hostility.

Joint announcements were made in Washington and Havana on Wednesday, by US President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro, in which the two leaders laid the foundations for establishing what President Obama rightly described as “a new chapter” in the history of the relationship between the United States and Cuba.

According to the Prime Minister, “this is a monumental and dramatic development. President Barack Obama has made a bold and courageous decision. This is one of the decisions that will define his presidency for all time.

“It is comforting that Pope Francis has brought his enormous prestige and moral authority to bear, to help secure the normalization of relations between these two states,” he added.

The Prime Minister noted that the policy shift will have tremendous ramifications for the region and its future.

“The historic steps taken by these two great nations will resonate in our region and hemisphere. We are, of course, pleased that the United States has responded to the demands of the international community to normalize its relations with Cuba, end its economic sanctions against Cuba and its people and begin the process which we hope will culminate in the end of the trade embargo.”

Saint Lucia has long joined CARICOM and other Latin American countries in calling for an end to the blockade against Cuba. Only recently, CARICOM states and member countries of

ALBA, in separate summits, reiterated that call for the full inclusion of Cuba in the international community, and for an end to the embargo. Caribbean states see it as a sign that their voices have been heard.

“Cuba has led the effort to build bridges between the nations and peoples of our region, between the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean,” Dr. Anthony said. “The Cuban Government, despite its own challenges, has been generous in its support for our development efforts. We therefore share the joy of the Cuban people at the announcement from Washington and Havana.”

The Prime Minister said although the road ahead may be complex, it will be bolstered by the outpouring of support from leaders throughout the world.