On October 6, 1976, the tragic downing of Cubana Airlines Flight 455 sent shockwaves through the Caribbean, Latin America, and the world. As we mark the 48th anniversary of this heart-wrenching event, we are reminded not only of the lives lost, but also of the enduring fight against terrorism and the importance of maintaining our region as a zone of peace.
This year’s commemoration in Guyana, held at the monument on the grounds of the University of Guyana, was a solemn reflection of the need to never forget the devastation wrought on that fateful day. The words of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd echoed the lessons that remain as relevant now as they were 48 years ago. His address underscored a crucial message: “we must stand unwaveringly against all forms of terrorism and reaffirm our commitment to peace in a world increasingly fraught with conflict.”
Seventy-three innocent lives were lost when Flight 455 was brought down in an act of unspeakable cruelty. Among the dead were 11 Guyanese nationals, most of them young students who had their futures cruelly snatched away. It is hard to imagine the depth of pain felt by the families and friends of those lost, but Minister Todd’s words offered a poignant reminder that Guyana as a nation continues to grieve with them. He reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to honouring the memories of those who perished and to offering unwavering solidarity to the loved ones they left behind.
This disaster was a reminder of the horrific reach of terrorism, an ideology rooted in destruction. In its aftermath, the Region was united not only in grief but also in determination. And yet, as Minister Todd pointed out, the threat of terrorism and violence remains. Despite global efforts to counteract such acts, the world is not free from individuals and groups willing to commit atrocities for political ends.
Guyana, alongside its regional counterparts, has made it clear that maintaining peace and security is an imperative. The Caribbean must remain a zone of peace, even as tensions continue to simmer. This message, as Todd highlighted, is particularly important in the face of the growing threats posed by Venezuela to Guyana’s sovereignty. The tragedy of Flight 455 is a stark reminder that the peaceful coexistence of States cannot be taken for granted, and nations must continue to engage in diplomacy and peaceful settlement of disputes.
The monument that stands at the University of Guyana is not merely a symbol of mourning – it is a clarion call for vigilance. We must remember that peace, security, and human dignity are fragile, easily shattered by the violence of a few. The Region must remain united in upholding the principles of the United Nations Charter, which calls for collective action to prevent threats to peace and to suppress acts of aggression.
In a world marked by escalating conflicts – from the Middle East to Europe and beyond – Caribbean nations must hold firm to the values of peace, justice, and diplomacy. As we remember the victims of the Cubana Air Disaster, let us also renew our determination to create a world where such tragedies are not repeated.
The Caribbean cannot afford to be complacent. The Region must continue to be a beacon of peace, an example to the world of what can be achieved through dialogue, understanding, and a shared commitment to human rights.
The tragic loss of lives on Cubana Flight 455 serves as a solemn reminder that terrorism knows no boundaries, but neither does collective strength when countries unite against it. Honouring the memory of those who perished means not only remembering their names, but also working to ensure a future where such acts of violence have no place. Peace is fragile, but together, the region can protect it for generations to come.
