Aubrey Norton, Leader of the People’s National Congress (PNC) and Chairman of the A Partnership for National Unity (APNU), has expressed his disappointment with Guyana’s recent position regarding Cuba. Speaking at a forum, he lamented that Guyana appears to have abandoned a nation that has historically supported it during challenging times.
This statement follows President Irfaan Ali’s recent comments supporting a shift in policy toward Cuba, mirroring the stance of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who advocated for regime change in Cuba and imposed tough sanctions that have severely impacted the country.
During a Ghana Day celebration over the weekend, Norton characterized the decision to turn against Cuba as a “new low” for Guyana. He articulated, “I am not anti-American, but it must be the lowest level for a country that the Cubans helped for years. They provided doctors when we didn’t have any, and now someone could turn and tell you, ‘Do not take that assistance, else we will deal with you.’ I have grave difficulty with us abandoning people who helped us sincerely.”
Guyana has a long history of diplomatic relations with Cuba, having initiated ties on December 8, 1972. This relationship has been built on trust and mutual respect, with both the People’s Progressive Party (PPP) and the PNC/APNU historically supporting Cuba and calling for the lifting of economic sanctions against the country.
Over the years, Guyana has sent numerous medical professionals to Cuba for training, while also benefiting from the services of Cuban doctors and nurses through medical brigades. However, Norton noted that recent communication suggested the cancellation of the medical brigade program with claims from Guyana that Cuba withdrew its support during talks.
The evolving political landscape raises questions about the future of Guyana-Cuba relations and the implications for the Caribbean region as a whole.
