Mr. President,

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) shares with the Government and People of Cuba the loss of their late great Leader, President Fidel Castro Ruz.

His was no ordinary life. His thoughts and actions spread across the globe, from the mountains of the Sierra Maestre, in his native Cuba, to the battle fields of Cuito Cuanavale, in Angola. His championing of social justice and antiimperialism ensured him a place among modern visionaries, such as Ernesto "Che" Guevara, Nelson Mandela and Ahmed Ben Bella, who challenged the established order. Undoubtedly, President Castro deeply appreciated the diplomatic demarche made by the four independent countries of CARICOM in 1972.

For more than 40 years, and in the face of a crippling economic and trade embargo, President Castro guided his nation to become a global leader in health, science, education and sport. His internationalist perspective motivated him to share Cuba's human resources with developing countries around the world.

The Member States of CARICOM have benefitted, and continue to do so, from Cuba's expertise in many fields. The deployment of Cuban personnel, in the areas of medicine and sport in particular, as well as numerous scholarships granted in many disciplines, have doubtlessly assisted in the development of our Region.

For these, and many other reasons, CARICOM bestowed its highest award - an Honorary Order of the Caribbean Community - to President Castro in 2008.

Indeed, the Caribbean Community recognizes the tremendous contribution of Fidel Castro Ruz to his country, the region, the hemisphere, and the world.

Today, CARICOM stands in solidarity with the Government and people of Cuba, in this sad moment in their history.

Long may his memory live on.

May he rest in peace.