by Curlan Campbell
- Month-long initiative runs from 14 April to 14 May 2026
- Aims to mobilise financial and material contributions from all sectors of Grenadian society
- Campaign framed as moral responsibility rooted in decades of cooperation between the 2 nations
As part of a nationwide collection effort, churches began gathering funds this weekend in support of and solidarity with Cuba. The drive will also include workplace donations, church offerings, and parish-level fundraising activities across the country.
The initiative stems from a broader, citizen-led campaign launched by a coalition of civic-minded Grenadians to assist Cuba amid ongoing economic challenges, while marking 47 years of diplomatic relations between the 2 nations. Organisers describe the effort as a large-scale, national undertaking to support a country that has played a pivotal role in Grenada’s healthcare and education sectors.
The “Grateful Grenada Gives Back to Cuba” campaign is being coordinated by the “Coordinators of Citizens for Cuba,” comprising Dr Malachy Dottin, Attorney-at-law Ruggles Ferguson, KC, and Dr Sonia Nixon. The month-long initiative, which runs from 14 April to 14 May 2026, aims to mobilise financial and material contributions from all sectors of Grenadian society.
Speaking at the official launch on 14 April at Pier 57, Attorney-at-law Ruggles Ferguson underscored the importance of citizen-led action and regional inspiration. “We want to ensure that every single Grenadian has an opportunity to contribute during this month, and to build a momentum where we can inspire other civil society organisations, not just in Grenada, but throughout the OECS and wider Caribbean to take the same initiatives that we are taking in Grenada under the umbrella Citizens for Cuba.”
Ferguson emphasised that the campaign represents more than charity, framing it as a moral responsibility rooted in decades of cooperation between the 2 nations. “We cannot just sit back and depend on government… our relations with Cuba over the past 47 years [have been] one of consistent friendship and solidarity, and one in which Cuba has selflessly given to Grenada over those years.”
Highlighting tangible examples of Cuba’s contributions, Ferguson pointed to the construction of the Maurice Bishop International Airport and the provision of hundreds of scholarships to Grenadian students. “The solidarity and the relationship with Cuba [have] touched each and every single Grenadian in one way or another, either directly or indirectly… Now is our turn to assist. We are not a country with huge resources, but we have a moral obligation to give back.”
Organisers have outlined a packed calendar of events designed to engage citizens across all parishes, including Carriacou and Petite Martinique. Churches will play a central role, with coordinated collections beginning the weekend of April 18–19 and continuing throughout the campaign. “The idea is to have… every single Saturday and Sunday… at least one day for every church in Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique, to collect for Cuba. Collect and contribute for Cuba.”
The trade union movement is also expected to participate, with special contributions planned for May Day celebrations in Carriacou on 1 May. Additionally, unions and civil society groups have been encouraged to host fundraising activities such as breakfasts and lunches.
Major events scheduled for the campaign include a fundraising dinner at the Grenada Trade Centre on 6 May and a concert at the same venue on 9 May. Community-based activities are also being organised across several parishes, with more expected to be confirmed.
Ferguson called on citizens to actively participate and encourage others to join the effort. “We want this to be a national mass-based effort on behalf of the people of Cuba… Let me encourage you who are here to encourage others, because we can’t organise all the activities… to have, at least in every parish in Grenada, an activity for Cuba.”
The campaign operates under the theme: “Grateful Grenada Gives Back to Cuba,” encapsulating what organisers describe as a collective expression of appreciation for Cuba’s longstanding support.
