Above: St George’s, Grenada (CJ Photo)

By Lincoln Depradine

Grenada and Cuba, which have had diplomatic relations for 33 years, have agreed to forge stronger ties and work more closely together.

The relationship between the two states, which includes hundreds of free scholarships for Grenadians to study at Cuban universities, could be strengthened further by the creation of a new committee set up to spearhead the consolidation of local solidarity and support for Cuba within Grenada.

“This initiative will bring together not only the various established Cuba support groups, but also other persons and groups that would like to show their solidarity with Cuba as a way of expressing their gratitude for the tremendous contribution that Cuba has made, and continues to make, in the lives of our people,” said Vyra McQueen, secretary to the interim committee.

Among those support groups are Amigos de Cuba, which largely includes Grenadians who have studied in Cuba; the Grenada-Cuba Friendship Association and Grenadian workers associated with the construction of Maurice Bishop International Airport between 1980 and 1983.

Representatives of the groups recently met at the Cuban Embassy in St George’s.