– as 48th anniversary of Cubana air disaster observed
On the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the Cubana Air Disaster, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister, Hugh Todd, has described the tragedy as a sobering reminder of the need to maintain the region as a zone of peace and to stand resolutely against all forms of terrorism.
Some of the victims of the Cubana air disaster
The anniversary of the Cubana Air Disaster was observed at the monument, located on the grounds of the University of Guyana, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown on Sunday. The Foreign Affairs Minister, who delivered the feature address, observed the significance of the tragedy and the need for Guyana and the region to never forget it.
“To the family, friends, countrymen and women of those who lost their lives, we as a nation continue to offer our thoughts and prayers. We renew once more our commitment to honour the memories of the sons and daughters of our soil, as we stand in unwavering solidarity with you.”
In particular, Todd noted that the tragedy highlights the importance of keeping the region as a zone of peace. This comes at a time when Guyana’s western neighbour, Venezuela, threatens the opposite.
“Today’s international environment is rife with conflicts escalating across the world, threatening the peace and security of the entire human family. As members of the international community, we cannot waver in our commitment to universal peace, even as we continue to encourage the peaceful settlement of disputes. And the peaceful coexistence amongst states.”
“This monument, erected in honour of those who innocently lost their lives in the Cubana air disaster, is a sobering reminder that we must redouble our efforts to fight against and to denounce all threats to humanity,” Todd said.
Todd further highlighted that in the 48 years since the disaster, Guyana remains committed to doing its part in enhancing regional security. That being said, he acknowledged that the world has not yet rid itself of those willing to commit such atrocities.
“This scourge continues, as a major challenge for all humanity. As the world is yet to rid itself of persons willing to commit such atrocities, against their fellow human beings. As a region, we must remain steadfastly committed to the principles of the United Nations Charter.
These must continue to be the bulwark of our region and by extension the world.”
“As we strive to maintain international peace and security. And to that end, to take effective collective measures for the prevention and removal of threats to the family, friends, peace and for the suppression of acts of aggression and against other breaches of peace,” Todd explained.
On October 6, 1976, the Cubana Airline flight 455 left Guyana en route to Cuba with stops along the way in Trinidad, Barbados and Jamaica respectively. However, shortly after leaving the Barbados airport, there was an explosion in the aircraft’s rear, and upon realizing that they could not make it back to the airport for an emergency landing, the pilot, Captain Wilfredo Perez, steered the plane towards the Atlantic Ocean, avoiding the tourist-packed Paradise Beach. Another bomb went off in the aircraft before it crashed, killing all 73 passengers and crew members on board.
The Guyanese killed included: Seshnarine Kumar, 18; Ann Nelson, 18; Eric Norton, 18; Rawle Thomas, 18; and Jacqueline Williams, 19, all students on their way to study medicine and engineering in Cuba. Others who perished were relatives Violet and Rita Thomas, nine-year-old Sabrina Harrypaul, Margaret Bradshaw, Raymond Persaud, and economist Gordon Sobha.
Among the other victims were five Koreans and 57 Cubans, including 24 members of the 1975 Cuban national fencing team, who were returning home after winning gold medals at the Central American and Caribbean Championship games.
Investigations had revealed that CIA-linked anti-Castro Cuban exiles conspired with members of the Venezuela Secret Police to bomb the Cuban aircraft in protest of Castro’s dictatorial policies in Cuba.
Four men who had joined the plane in Trinidad and disembarked the aircraft in Barbados were subsequently arrested and tried in Venezuela in connection with the bombing and murder of 73 persons.
Two of them were sentenced to 20 years in prison, another was acquitted and subsequently moved to the United States, while the other escaped from Venezuela and fled to the United States. (G-3)
