Question(s) Week of the

February 17, 2023

Why did Shyne dispose of UDP stalwart Thimbrel as Secretary General of the defunct UDP? What did she do to warrant such an ignoble ouster? Did said firing have to do with any badly cooked bacon?

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Prime Minister of Belize, HON. JOHN BRICEÑO

A Joint Sitting of the National Assembly February 12, 2023

Your Excellency, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, President of the Republic of Cuba and members of your delegation. The Honourable Carolyn Trench, President of the Senate Honourable Marconi Leal acting Speaker of the House of Representatives Members of this National Assembly, Excellencies of the diplomatic and consular corps,

Ladies and gentlemen.

Today is a special day.

Señor Presidente, our entire nation is honoured to have you here with us in Belize. Your visit is yet another symbol of the deep bonds of friendship that exist between our two nations and people. A friendship that is based on mutual respect, the principles of international law, and those other noble principles enshrined in the charter of the United Nations such as, the right to self-determination and territorial integrity, non-intervention in the internal affairs of other states and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Cuba’s consistent and principled support for Belize’s right to self-determination and territorial integrity, a support which we enjoyed before independence and continue to enjoy even today, is recognized and appreciated by all freedom loving Belizeans. Your visit, the first State visit by a Cuban President, is yet another expression of this abiding friendship and is most welcome by my Government and the Belizean people.

Five months from now, Belize and Cuba will celebrate 28 years of diplomatic relations. These are 28 years marked by a robust commitment to constructive and meaningful collaboration. This morning our collaboration was further enhanced by the signing of two more agreements, an Agreement on Culture and a Memorandum of Understanding on Immigration.

Senor Presidente, the Cuban people hold a special place in the hearts and minds of Belizeans and of people all over the world because of their unparalleled generosity of spirit. Cuba’s actions across the world exemplifies the meaning of solidarity. Thousands of medical professionals from Cuba have gone to assist 169 countries including every CARICOM country. Belize wholeheartedly recognizes the exceptional efforts of Cuba, over the last 60 years, in consistently providing medical and technical assistance in times of public health emergencies, such as in 2014, as it prepared the Caribbean region in the event of an outbreak of the Ebola virus.

Here in Belize the critical support of the Henry Reeve Brigade – deployed with immediacy to Belize in the early days of the pandemic, worked shoulder to shoulder alongside our brave frontline workers. Together Belizean and Cuban medical practitioners left their own homes and families and bravely took on the dangerous fight to combat the COVID-19 virus here in Belize. We honour them, and today Mr. President, I say, on behalf of a grateful nation, thank you, muchas gracias.

Indeed, Cuba’s generousity is by no means limited to the medial brigades. Today, hundreds of Belizean students have benefited from the cross-cultural and educational experience studying in Cuba’s universities. They return to contribute to the development of Belize, imbued with some of that spirit of advocacy and solidarity, having learnt that, in the words of Cuba’s National Hero, José Martí, “Patria es Humanidad”.

There are many Belizeans who are watching this Assembly today who can literally say that they are able to see these proceedings because of Cuba’s outreach in Operación Milagro under which so many Belizeans have undergone treatment to prevent blindness. There are Belizeans who had little chance of survival but who are now home, productive, and well, because of Cuba’s critical care programme. There are beautiful cases of children now walking and talking and looking to their own futures because of the helping hand extended by your country – free of charge.

Nosotros en Belice, y en verdad todos los piases que se benefician de la solidaridad Cubana, debemos de estar conscientes del hecho que Cuba siempre ha extendido su amistad y ayuda, aun cuando ellos mismos se encuentran luchando para sobrevivir bajo las severas sanciones que se les han impuesto. Sabemos que su ayuda no se debe al exceso sino a la voluntad de dar de lo poco que tienen. Esto es el reflejo del gran espíritu de su país y su gente.

We in Belize, and in fact all other countries benefitting from Cuban solidarity, should be aware of the fact that Cuba has consistently extended a helping hand even as they are themselves fighting for survival under the savage sanctions imposed on them.

Ese tipo de situaciones no se dan al azar. Sino depende de un sistema socioeconómico que prioriza el acceso a la salud básica, a la educación universal, y pone énfasis en el desarrollo científico desde hace muchas décadas. Es el resultado de una revolución del pueblo Cubano y su líder histórico, Fidel Castro.

That sort of thing cannot just happen. It must depend on a social and economic system that prioritizes primary health care, universal education, emphasis on scientific development, over decades. It is a result of a revolution made by the people of Cuba and its historic leader, Fidel Castro.

One of the most uplifting and joyful moments in our nation’s history was the day when Fidel placed the José Martí medal on the late Rt. Honourable George Price: one National Hero to another.

Nicolas Guillén, Cuba’s great national poet, wrote: "Lo que Martí prometió, Fidel lo cumplió" ("What Marti promised, Fidel delivered").

Belize commends Cuba’s steadfast commitment to provide both immediate relief in times of emergency and longer term capacity building to developing and developed countries. Belize congratulates Cuba for its advocacy for others in the developing world in its various roles, such as the critical role they will play as Chair of the Group of 77 plus China within the United Nations System.

Belize notes that these actions take place in the face on an unjust and illegal financial, commercial and trade embargo imposed by the United States of America. Belize further condemns the unjustified designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. We continue to urge the United States Government to remove Cuba from the "State Sponsors of Terrorism" (SSOT) list as there is no legal or moral justification for Cuba to remain.

In spite of these challenges, Cuba’s support continues to have a transformative impact on growth and development of the struggling developing countries of the world, including Belize– and for this we are grateful.

On behalf of the people of Belize, we thank you for your example of resistance, solidarity and collaboration. It is now therefore our distinct privilege and honour to invite you to address this special Joint Sitting of the National Assembly.