Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar says she had already apologised to Cuban President Raul Castro for not being able to host the just concluded IV Caribbean/Cuba Summit at the Hilton Trinidad as planned. She said he accepted her apology and the comments made about the painting from this country about black depicting evil was simply his opinion. "He said that was his opinion and I respect his opinion. The painting was done by a student of the University of the West Indies, but I also gave him other gifts, a steelband and a crest made out of pitch from the Pitch Lake," she said. She was responding to calls by former prime minister Patrick Manning to apologise to the Cuban leader for the faux pas in not being granted a licence in time to host the Summit at the Hilton Hotel as scheduled.
Manning said Persad-Bissessar embarrassed President Castro before the international community and what transpired was an insult. He said Castro's comments on the painting was his way of expressing his displeasure at the situation. The US Helms-Burton law prevents US-based companies from providing services to nationals of Cuba without a special licence. The Summit was moved to the National Academy for the Performing Arts. "When I met His Excellence President Castro, I said I was sorry about what happened," the Prime Minister told reporters while distributing toys to thousands of children at Skinner Park, San Fernando yesterday evening.
"I told him that to his face. He said he understands, it is not the first time they have faced a blockade from the United States and that they have been living under that for many, many years." She said President Castro indicated to her that he was not upset about it. "He said he was happy to be here and his visit was very beneficial for us and I do believe for Cuba as well." Responding to comments by Manning that she was inexperienced in such matters and needed help, Persad- Bissessar said: "I would never ask for his help." "I think Mr Manning want my job, be he will have to wait until there is an election, and should the people vote for him then so be it."