Cablegate: Guyana Response to Cuba/Libertad Act Suspension Request

VZCZCXRO0944
OO RUEHGR
DE RUEHGE #0535 3281732
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O R 241731Z NOV 09
FM AMEMBASSY GEORGETOWN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0040
INFO EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS GEORGETOWN 000535

SIPDIS
WHA/CCA ECONOMIC OFFICER JARAHN HILLSMAN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD CU GY ETTC PREL
SUBJECT: Guyana Response to Cuba/Libertad Act Suspension Request

REF: STATE 115416

1. (U) Post's responses to reftel:

Has the host country, in Post's opinion, worked to promote the
advancement of democracy and human rights in Cuba?

No.

Has the host country made public statements or undertaken other
governmental actions, such as resolutions in national assemblies
condemning human rights abuses in Cuba; or actions in support of
civil society in Cuba through the host country's diplomatic
missions or other fora?

No.

Have there been any high-level diplomatic visits between Cuba and
the host country in the past six months?

Yes. Cabinet level officials visited Cuba within the last six
months.

What is the nature of investments (and names, if known) that host
country businesses have in Cuba?

Neither the GoG nor Guyanese businesses has large scale investments
in Cuba.

Are there any bilateral trade agreements or other cooperative
agreements between host country and Cuba?

Post is not aware of any formal bilateral trade or other
cooperative agreement between Guyana and Cuba except medical
assistance programs described in the next section.

Are there any exchange programs between host country and Cuba,
including but not limited to: scholarships for host country
nationals to study in Cuba; Cuban-paid medical travel for host
country nationals; and Cuban doctors working in the host country?

Each year at least 50 young Guyanese begin medical studies in Cuba,
while in Guyana between 150 to 200 Cuban doctors deploy to
hospitals and clinics throughout the country.
WILLIAMS

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