Departing Cuban ambassador bids farewell
There is one country in this hemisphere that has been generous with Belize and firm in its support for our development. With a population of over eleven million, and a different system of the economy, Cuba has maintained strong and vibrant relations with Belize. Hundreds of Belizeans are receiving training in the island in the education component of the bilateral programme, Cuban medical personnel are deployed throughout the country and Belize has been constant in its support to end the embargo on Cuba. On the eve of his departure from Belize at the conclusion of his diplomatic tour, Ambassador Eugenio Martinez, who leaves as Dean of the diplomatic community, looks back at his mission in Belize.
Eugenio Martinez, Departing Cuban Ambassador
“I spent four years in Belize and I was very fortunate to represent my country in Belize because we have a very close relationship and many in the area of cooperation. I was sent to put my two cents in that area when Cuba provided Belize close to two hundred scholarships in four years. Seventeen hundred patients had eye surgery in Cuba. I was very fortunate to say goodbye to them at the end of the year and then welcome them when we start. As well, you remember two years ago we donate close to two hundred thousand energy saving bulbs. So I was able to visit most Belizeans houses in the area and Belize City too. So I had very good time in Belize, my personal side and also I was part of a very educational solidarity from Cuba to Belize. Cuba offers what we have. We have not much but we have our human beings, human capital. That commitment to solidarity in the war is the central Cuban foreign; to provide assistance to sister nations. So that’s part of our focus in Belize. We’re not really getting money out of the cooperation in Belize. During my tenure in Belize, our president—our former president, Fidel Castro has stepped down, he’s still there, he’s still our leader, our commanding chief; thinking, writing, but we have a new president. So I have this particular Belizean to have my letter of credentials signed by Fidel Castro, my letter of finishing my job signed by his brother Raul Castro, which is now the Cuban president. I am very proud of serving Belize with two Cuban presidents. I am confident that the experience of both the new Cuban leaders keep the path of the Cuban revolution towards the future.”
Marion Ali
“Do you see that the relationship that Belize and Cuba currently shares, that it will continue in the way that it has?”
Eugenio Martinez
“Yes, I’m confident. I have to say that I had a mix of feelings leaving the country. Leaving is not an issue or saying farewell is not easy. I’m happy going back to Cuba, my homeland but it’s the only way that I could match the happiness that we enjoy in Belize. I have two little sons that practically grow here in Belize. One is four and one is six, so they were very happy here and they felt very good here. I have a lot of friends. Leaving Belize as I said, I’m not leaving Belize in my heart, I’m leaving physically but we will keep—this job has a lot to do with your identity, it acquires you a taste of Belize; the habanera, fry jack or whatever you have in the country that we’re taking back with us to Cuba and to the rest of our lives.”
The Ambassador designate of Cuba to Belize is Manuel Rubido, a deputy director of Cooperation at the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
