The Embassy of Grenada in the Republic of Cuba, on behalf of the Government and people of Grenada, extends fraternal greetings and heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of Cuba on the commemoration of the 47th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Since the formalisation of ties in 1979, Grenada and Cuba have enjoyed 47 years of bilateral cooperation, friendship, solidarity, and mutual benefit. This enduring partnership has been anchored in mutual respect for national sovereignty and the right to self-determination, principles that continue to guide the relationship today.
This anniversary comes at a time marked by heightened geopolitical tensions and economic challenges associated with the prolonged and tightening blockade. In this context, Grenada reaffirms its solidarity with the Cuban people and expresses profound gratitude for Cuba’s humanity, selflessness, and longstanding spirit of internationalism.
Over the past 47 years, Grenada has benefited significantly from Cuba’s cooperation, including:
- construction of the Maurice Bishop International Airport
- construction of the new national hospital
- training of approximately 500 Grenadian professionals in medicine, engineering, economics, agricultural sciences, and other fields. Cuban medical specialists have played a vital role in strengthening Grenada’s healthcare services
Grenada’s support for Cuba at multilateral institutions has remained consistent and unwavering, especially in its call for the lifting of economic sanctions and for an end to the blockade.
As both nations mark this important milestone, Grenada looks forward to the continued strengthening of cooperation and the deepening of the historic bonds of friendship that unite the peoples of Grenada and Cuba
Embassy of Grenada in the Republic of Cuba
Editor’s note: The Republic of Cuba cut formal diplomatic relations with Grenada from November 1983 until 1994. Cuban President Fidel Castro publicly denounced the military coup led by Grenada’s Deputy Prime Minister Bernard Coard and the murder of Prime Minister Maurice Bishop, stating it “opened the doors” for the 25 October 1983 US intervention/invasion of Grenada (Operation Urgent Fury). By early November 1983, nearly 800 Cuban construction workers and personnel, many of whom were involved in building the new airport, were repatriated to Cuba — The New York Times
I thought the Cubans were sent home unceremoniously.
Cuba has been a great friend to us over the years, despite the challenges they have faced for almost 70 years of a draconian economic blockade against them. They have given us an international airport, which is one of only two transformational projects in the history of Grenada, thus far. St. George’s University was the first. We owe a debt of gratitude to this generous nation who helped us in so many other ways. They have provided yeoman service to many countries throughout the world, even with their hands tied. Many of our nations would be worse off without the assistance provided by Cuba. History will absolve the Cuban revolution for its generosity and firm defence of sovereignty.