The celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of relations between Cuba and The Bahamas were the reason to speak with the ambassador, Elliston Rahming, who highlighted a varied agenda of cultural activities to unite the two peoples of those Caribbean nations.
«On Saturday, June 8, the celebrations will begin in Havana with a band concert; the Bahama Brass Band with that of the Boyeros municipality, at the Teatro América, on Galeano Street in the capital, with free admission. “It will be preceded by a parade and other activities.”
«Then in July the National Youth Choir must come and will make a presentation with the National Choir of Cuba. In August we will bring another band to perform street concerts, because they perform at the popular festivals there. We want them to participate in the carnivals of some Cuban cities. In October, a dance company from my country will perform at a Festival in Las Tunas. All these efforts are to unite the two peoples, because the two countries are very close geographically and culturally we are very similar.
—What type of cooperation has been established between the two nations?
— In 1973, The Bahamas gained its independence and a few months later established official relations with Cuba. Over the years, ties have grown in various ways, in diplomacy, education, trade, and mutual cooperation.
«Bahamians carry out medical tourism here, every week between 30 and 50 compatriots arrive to receive specialized treatments. There is no medical brigade there, but there are several doctors who diagnose those who will travel, mainly in ophthalmological diseases.
«Every year Cuba offers scholarships to young Bahamians. Now there are 19 enrolled in Cuban universities, thanks to the solidarity of the Cuban government.
«Between the two countries there are several signed agreements, mainly on immigration matters; training of customs professionals; prisoner transfer; training of dogs specialized in screening at airports and places where travelers enter; courses for prison officers, among others. These types of agreements will continue to be in force and we will sign them in the future.
— Is there exchange between Bahamian and Cuban businessmen?
— Bahamian businessmen are interested in trading with Cuba, because historically there have always been bilateral businesses, but now there is no maritime connection and this limits us in the export of products. “We are working on repairing a cargo ship that can develop trade between the two islands, once that happens there will be robust exchange in sectors such as agriculture, crafts and pharmaceutical products.”
— As a member of Caricom, Bahamas adopts a common position against the blockade and the exclusion of Cuba from the list of countries sponsoring terrorism. What is your opinion on the issue?
— Our government, in all the votes taken in the United Nations against the blockade, stands on the side of Cuba. I myself have been on that platform and witnessed how more than 90% of the countries are against this unjust American policy. “We are also against the inclusion of Cuba on the list of countries that sponsor terrorism because this hinders trade and normal relations between two neighboring nations and with other states.”
— What similarities do the two countries have?
— Cubans are very hospitable, just like us. They both love music, dancing and drinking rum. Cubans are very resilient, very talented and supportive. There is a lot of security in Cuba and there is peace and harmony, something that the Bahamians like.
