Embassy SKN - Cuba

H.E. Ambassador Verna Mills held a high-level bilateral meeting earlier this morning with Cuba’s Minister of Science, Technology, and Environment (CITMA), Armando Rodríguez Batista, to chart a new course for bilateral cooperation.

As the Federation advances its "Sustainable Island State" agenda, the Ambassador sought to explore innovative solutions to shared Caribbean challenges:
✅ Coastal Protection: Technical exchange on beach restoration and sand nourishment.
✅ Sargassum Management: Transforming biomass into bio-stimulants for our "25 by 25" food security goals.
✅ Climate Intelligence: Strengthening storm surge modeling and early warning systems.

Together, we are leading the way toward a more resilient and scientifically advanced Caribbean.

Earlier today, Ambassador Verna Mills met with the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Ruslan Rzayev to discuss bilateral cooperation.

A key highlight of the meeting is the donation of laptops to students in Saint Kitts and Nevis through the Azerbaijan International Development Aid.

The Ambassador is scheduled to visit the Federation shortly for the official handover ceremony.

Her Excellency Verna Mills, Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the Republic of Cuba paid a courtesy call on the Polish Ambassador, H.E. Joanna Kozińska-Frybes today to discuss matters of bilateral and multilateral interest.

At the heart of the conversation was a shared commitment to education, innovation, and regional stability.

A primary focus of the dialogue was the cooperation between the University of the West Indies (UWI) and the SGH Warsaw School of Economics. This collaboration serves as a testament to the vision of Ambassador Mills, whose initial efforts paved the way for a formal partnership through the successful signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both institutions.

This agreement is more than just paper; it is a bridge connecting Eastern Europe and the Caribbean, facilitating:
Student and Faculty Exchanges: Fostering a global perspective for the next generation of leaders.

Joint Research Initiatives: Combining expertise to tackle global economic challenges.

Cultural Diplomacy: Building mutual understanding through academic excellence.

Beyond academia, the Ambassadors engaged in a comprehensive discussion on pressing regional issues. In an increasingly interconnected world, the stability of the Caribbean and the security of Europe are inherently linked.

This morning, H.E. Ambassador Verna Mills paid a courtesy visit to the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway, H.E. John Petter Opdahl, to exchange views on strategic areas of bilateral importance.

The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, characterised by a spirit of mutual cooperation and a shared commitment to strengthen bilateral relations and address matters of mutual interest.

Earlier today Ambassador Verna Mills met with His Excellency Hazza Alkaabi, Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to advance a strategic agenda focused on infrastructure, technological innovation, regional security and cooperation.

The meeting, characterized by a shared commitment to regional stability and bilateral cooperation, covered a wide range of critical issues—from upcoming international Summits to escalating tensions around the world.

The meeting also served as a forum for Ambassador Alkaabi to provide insights into the friction between the UAE and Saudi Arabia following the December 2025 bombing of an Emirati shipment at the Port of Mukalla in Yemen.

Today’s dialogue reaffirms the deep-rooted partnership between our nations as we navigate a complex global era.

In a landmark fusion of diplomacy and destination marketing, a high-level delegation of international diplomats resident in Havana, concluded its week-long excursion to the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis. The visit, organized at the personal invitation of Her Excellency, Verna Mills, Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the Republic of Cuba, marks a strategic shift in how the twin-island nation leverages its diplomatic ties and efforts to bolster its Sustainable Island State agenda.

The excursion, which took place during the peak of the festive "Sugar Mas" carnival season (December 29, 2025 to January 3, 2026) brought together representatives from several continents to experience the unique cultural and economic landscapes of the islands.

For the Federation, the benefits of hosting such a distinguished group extend far beyond simple hospitality. Ambassador Mills strategically employed 'soft power' to highlight the nation’s progress, providing concrete examples of development alongside its aesthetic appeal.

During the trip, diplomats were afforded the opportunity to engage with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Right Honourable Dr. Denzil Douglas, the Premier of Nevis, Honourable Mark Brantley and the Deputy Governor-General for Nevis, Her Honour Mrs. Hyleeta Liburd, O.B.E., M.H.

The diplomats visited a number of historic/heritage sites on both islands including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, Black Rocks, Romney Manor home of Caribelle Batik, The War Memorial, Bath Hot Springs, Museum of Nevis History and Hamilton House and the Nevis Heritage Village.

As the delegation departed for a two-day tour of the neighbouring island of Antigua, the consensus was clear: the bridge built between Basseterre and the global diplomatic community are poised to yield dividends in both international cooperation and economic prosperity for years to come.

The visiting delegation included diplomats from Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, The Bahamas, Germany, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria and Trinidad and Tobago.

Today, the CARICOM Caucus of Ambassadors and the Republic of Cuba commemorated the 53rd anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations through a series of special events in Havana.

The main celebration featured a vibrant cultural event that brought together students from across the region, symbolizing the deep people-to-people connections between CARICOM nations and Cuba.

Introductory remarks were made by the Ambassador of the Commonwealth of Dominica and current Chair of the CARICOM Caucus in Havana, His Excellency Ian Douglas, who spoke on the historical significance of the relationship and the shared future goals of the nations.

The ceremony concluded with thoughtful closing remarks delivered by Inés María Chapman Waugh, Deputy Prime Minister of Cuba who further emphasized the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation shared between Cuba and the CARICOM.

Following the cultural event, attendees participated in a solemn wreath-laying ceremony at the Caribbean Heroes Park. This moving tribute served to honor the historical figures and leaders who paved the way for the strong solidarity and diplomatic achievements celebrated today.

Later in the day, the celebrations continued with an official function organized by the Embassy of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana. This event was dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the many diplomatic achievements and the substantial progress made in areas like health, education, agriculture and sports over the five decades of the CARICOM-Cuba relationship.

This anniversary not only marks a major historical milestone but also reaffirms the commitment of CARICOM Member States and Cuba to continue working together for the stability and prosperity of the Caribbean region.

A Doctor's Commitment to Service: Dr. Duriel Pemberton’s Selfless Service during Hurricane Melissa in Santiago de Cuba

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa's destructive pass over Santiago de Cuba on 29th October 2025, the story of one medical resident from Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Duriel Pemberton, stands out as a powerful example of altruism and dedication to medical service. With evacuation orders issued on Saturday, 25th October 2025 by the Embassy of Saint Kitts and Nevis in Havana and international news outlets reporting extensive damage and risk to life, Dr. Pemberton chose to remain behind, to provide essential medical assistance to those who would need it most.

Hurricane Melissa, one of the most powerful storms of the 2025 Atlantic season, left a path of devastation in its wake, causing widespread flooding, power outages, and communication breakdowns across eastern Cuba. Prior to the storm, many professionals evacuated for safety. However, Dr. Pemberton deliberately chose a different path, prioritizing the welfare of the Cuban people over personal security.

Hours before the Category 3 storm made landfall in Santiago de Cuba, Dr. Pemberton, fearing the disruption of transportation and knowing he was scheduled to be on call on the same day of the hurricane, made the prescient decision to remain overnight at the General and Clinical-Surgical Hospital “General Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alphonso”. This choice ensured his availability to help those most in need during and after the hurricane's devastating passage.

The selfless decision to stay during such a perilous time speaks volumes about Dr. Pemberton's character. True leadership is not defined by position, but by a commitment to serve others when it is most difficult. In a country that often faces hardship, Dr. Pemberton’s actions serve as a beacon of hope and a poignant reminder of the best of humanity during a crisis. The dedication to giving back to Cuba during its time of greatest need is an inspirational act that demonstrates a profound and exemplary level of altruism.

Kudos to Dr. Duriel Pemberton! Saint Kitts and Nevis awaits your service!

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English translation of Spanish text on the Hospital's page below: The hospital has men and women of courage who carry out the sublime profession of saving human lives with dignity. Here we see Dr. Rita María Mesa Valiente, Head of the Geriatrics service, together with the foreign resident Duriel Pemberton, who yesterday afternoon and under torrential downpour, arrived at our hospital “Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso”, to fulfill his sacred duty. In a show of selflessness, altruism and a sense of belonging, he told this communication team that he will remain in the hospital for as long as necessary.

El hospital cuenta con hombres y mujeres de valor que llevan dignamente la sublime profesión de salvar vidas humanas. Aquí vemos a la doctora Rita María Mesa Valiente, Jefa del servicio de Geriatría junto al residente extranjero Duriel Pemberton, quien ayer en la tarde y bajo torrencial aguacero, llegó a nuestro, a su Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso, para cumplir con el sagrado deber. En muestra de desinterés, altruismo y sentido de pertenencia refirió a este equipo de comunicación que permanecerá en el hospital el tiempo que sea necesario.

Saint Kitts and Nevis' High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya, H.E. Verna Mills extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis following the passing of former Prime Minister of the Republic of Kenya, the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga.

High Commissioner Mills signed the official book of condolence today, at the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Havana, paying respect to a leader whose service left an indelible mark on the people of Kenya.

On Saturday, 18th October 2025, H.E. Verna Mills, Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the Republic of Cuba hosted a lunch to welcome two of our newest scholarship recipients, Mr. Anio Penny and Mr. Cardreen Caines, as well as to celebrate the success of one of our country's recent medical graduates, Dr. Jonathan Carty who specialised in Intensive Care Medicine and Medical Emergencies.

Ambassador Mills and the students had a wonderful conversation covering their academic pursuits, the challenges and rewards of their respective fields, and their hopes for the future. The scholarship recipients shared their excitement about starting their programmes and how the support will help them focus on their studies. Our medical graduate offered invaluable insight and encouragement to the students, discussing his journey from graduation to professional practice.

Ambassador Mills looks forward to following their careers as they embark on their exciting next chapters.

H.E. Verna Mills, Ambassador of Saint Kitts and Nevis to the Republic of Cuba paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Ruslan Rzayev today.

The meeting was held at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Havana, where Ambassador Mills was received and warmly welcomed by Ambassador Rzayev.

During the meeting, the two diplomats discussed a range of topics including bilateral cooperation, people-to-people exchanges and the ongoing Azerbaijani scholarship programme with Saint Kittts and Nevis, with an aim to deepen and strengthen ties between their two countries.

Today, H.E. Verna Mills had the pleasure of receiving H.E. Giuvel Orozco Ortega, Ambassador-designate of the Republic of Cuba to Saint Kitts and Nevis at the Embassy in Havana.

During the courtesy call, the two diplomats reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthen the Saint Kitts and Nevis-Cuba relations by advancing their bilateral agenda.