Guyana calls for democratic change, economic freedom in Cuba 

– urges diplomatic dialogue to unlock opportunities for Cuban people

 The Guyanese Government stands in solidarity with the people of Cuba, stating that it welcomes a sustainable solution to the economic and humanitarian challenges that the country faces.
This was the message conveyed in a statement from the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry on Friday.
According to the letter, a resolution to the current situation must be based on the will of the Cuban people and founded on universal values, the rule of law, humanitarian law, transparency, and good governance.
“We encourage diplomatic dialogue that would promote stability and lead to the prosperity of the Cuban people and the creation of opportunities that optimise the full potential of the Cuban people in an economic environment that guarantees their freedom,” the document detailed.
This statement comes on the heels of a recent report by the New York Times on the migration of Cuban nationals to Guyana in search of betterment, fleeing economic and social hardships in their home country.
It also follows heightened pressure on Cuba’s communist regime by the United States. In a move described as a response to fears of a possible US invasion, Cuba has rolled out plans for widespread economic reforms, targeting opportunities for private enterprises and attracting foreign investments.
However, Guyana’s statement was also welcomed by the Latin America Guyana Chamber of Commerce (LAGCC), which sounded calls for a peaceful, sustainable, and people-centred resolution to the economic and humanitarian challenges facing Cuba.
The Chamber, which promotes trade, investment, and commercial cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean, believes that long-term prosperity is based on economic openness, regional integration, entrepreneurship, and an environment that fosters private enterprise.
According to the private sector body, economic liberalisation, when coupled with the rule of law, transparency, good governance, and strong institutions, has invariably shown its ability to attract investment, spur innovation, expand productive sectors, create jobs, and improve the quality of life of citizens.
It further added that increased economic openness has allowed Latin American countries to enhance their competitiveness and diversify their economies, deepening their integration into regional and world markets.
“The Chamber believes that the Cuban people have great talent, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. Expanding economic opportunity through market-orientated reforms, increased commercial engagement, and greater participation in international trade can unlock that potential and foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth,” the Chamber stated in Friday’s missive.
It further shared the Guyanese Government’s emphasis on dialogue, universal values, and the hopes of the Cuban people, adding that constructive engagement and peaceful cooperation are the best ways to achieve sustainable economic development and regional stability.
To this end, the Chamber declared its support for ongoing efforts that promote economic liberalisation and private sector development; the creation of new businesses, entrepreneurship, and innovation; trade, investment, and commercial integration in the region; transparent, predictable, and rule-based economic institutions; and a growing economy that delivers opportunities and prosperity for all in a sustainable way.
“The Chamber is committed to strengthening commercial ties across the Americas and believes that increased economic cooperation, open markets, and deeper regional integration will continue to be powerful drivers of prosperity, resilience, and shared development throughout the hemisphere,” the missive detailed.
Only recently, President Dr Irfaan Ali urged the Guyanese private sector to prepare themselves to tap into possible opportunities with the opening of markets in Cuba.
Back in March, on the side-lines of the Shield of the Americas Summit in Miami, Florida, the Guyanese leader stated that the time has come for the status quo in Cuba to change in order to improve the lives of the people there and ensure they enjoy prosperity and democracy in the Caribbean island nation.
“We agree that there must be an attempt to change the status quo, and we all are aware that it will take time. It has to be incremental… There must be dialogue, but those changes must lead to the improvement of the people of Cuba, must lead to better conditions for the people of Cuba, and must lead to a society in which the rule of law, democracy, and freedom are celebrated.” President Ali told Fox News’ Aishah Hasnie on the side-lines of the summit.