CAYMAN ISALANDS – The Hon. Premier, Mr. W. McKeeva Bush, OBE, JP, recently welcomed Cuban Ambassador, His Excellency Mr. Yuri Ariel Gala Lopez, to Cayman and briefly discussed topics of mutual interest.
The Ambassador, who is stationed in Kingston, Jamaica called on the Premier at the Legislative Assembly on Friday, 25 June. He was accompanied by the Counsellor of the Cuban Embassy in Jamaica, Mr. Igor Hevia.
Noting Cayman’s longstanding ties with Cuba, the Premier suggested that direct charter flights to the Isle of Pines would greatly facilitate travel between Cayman and that area, especially for those with family connections, but asked for assistance in not having to go to Havana first.
Mr. Bush also outlined his ongoing efforts with Cuban authorities to offer joint vacation packages with Cayman, particularly for visitors from Europe and Canada.
In turn, the Ambassador voiced his appreciation for Cayman Airways’ service (CAL is one of two regional airlines currently flying to Havana) and said that Cuban authorities were aiming at increasing the frequency of flights.
(L) Yuri Ariel Gala Lopez and Hon. Premier, Mr. W. McKeeva Bush, OBE, JP exchanging gifts.
Mr. Bush and Mr. Lopez went on to exchange gifts to commemorate the visit.
Earlier, the diplomat had called on His Excellency the Governor, Mr. Duncan Taylor, CBE and the Hon. Deputy Governor Mr. Donovan Ebanks, MBE, JP.
Following a lunch hosted by Cabinet Secretary Mr. Orrett Connor, MBE, JP, and Chief Officer in the Portfolio of Internal and External Affairs Mr. Franz Manderson, Cert. Hon., JP, the visitors also met senior representatives from the Customs Department, Cayman Airways and the CI Airports Authority.
