PRESS RELEASE
Roseau, December 16, 2024 – In a session held this Monday, the Parliament of Dominica unanimously approved a resolution demanding the immediate end of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States of America against the people of Cuba. Likewise, it requests the removal of Cuba from the list of State sponsors of terrorism, qualifying this measure as unjust and contrary to the spirit of justice that should prevail in the international community.
The debate lasted more than an hour and was marked by heartfelt speeches from parliamentarians, including those of the Prime Minister, Roosevelt Skerrit, and members of both the government and the opposition. All agreed to praise Cuba’s humanitarian contribution to Dominica and the world and reject the sanctions that directly affect the Cuban people.
The resolution was presented by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vince Henderson. The text of the document reiterates that the sanctions violate the inalienable human rights of the Cuban people and recommends resuming the dialogue initiatives promoted by the Obama-Biden Administration.
During the session, Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit and Chancellor Henderson stressed that the United Nations General Assembly has called year after year, since 1992, for the end of the blockade by an overwhelming majority. They also highlighted Cuba’s historic contributions in the fight against apartheid and its role in the development of the Caribbean, including the invaluable support provided to Dominica in sectors such as health and education. These aspects were amplified by the Ministers of Education and Health, Octavia Alfred and Cassanni Laville, respectively.
The Prime Minister recalled the 1976 Barbados crime as an example of how terrorism has affected Cuba and the region, reaffirming that the sanctions imposed by the United States represent an unjust punishment against the Cuban people and an obstacle to international cooperation.
After the vote, all present stood up in support and applauded. In an emotional moment, Chancellor Henderson embraced Cuban Ambassador Miguel Fraga, who attended the session as a special guest.
With this resolution, Dominica reiterates its support to the international community in the just and necessary call to put an end to the inhumane blockade and to remove Cuba from the spurious list of State sponsors of terrorism.