Diplomatic cooperation between Cuba and Grenada has reached a new milestone this week, as senior representatives from both nations gathered at the Cuban Embassy in Grenada to sign two landmark memorandums of understanding focused on expanding bilateral collaboration in the education sector. The new agreements formalize joint work in two critical priority areas: specialized support for learners with disabilities through special education programming, and the rollout of Cuba’s internationally recognized “Yo sí puedo” (“Yes I can”) adult literacy initiative.
Signing the documents on behalf of the Cuban government was Ambassador Yadirys Echenique Paz, who used the signing ceremony to frame the new partnerships as a continuation of Cuba’s long-standing tradition of international solidarity. The ambassador emphasized that these education-focused initiatives are rooted in the Caribbean nation’s core commitment to advancing equitable human development across Grenada, reflecting shared values of regional cooperation and mutual support.
Leading the Grenadian government delegation were Lorraine St Louis Nedd and Elvis Morain, both Permanent Secretaries at Grenada’s Ministry of Education. In their remarks at the event, the two officials underscored the transformative impact the new agreements will have for Grenada’s population, noting that the partnerships are tailored to address unmet local needs and expand access to inclusive learning opportunities for all residents. They went further to highlight that bilateral education cooperation with Cuba has long served as a foundational pillar of Grenada’s national strategy to build a skilled, competitive domestic workforce.
During the celebratory signing event, both sides reaffirmed that the new MOUs open exciting new avenues for expanded joint collaboration beyond the core initiative areas. Key future opportunities identified include joint teacher training programs and the wider adoption of evidence-based education methodologies that have been successfully implemented across Cuba and other Latin American and Caribbean nations.
The signing ceremony held particular symbolic weight, as it takes place in the year that marks the 47th anniversary of the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and Grenada. The occasion also provided an opportunity for both parties to reflect on decades of ongoing partnership in education and professional training. For generations, Cuban education support has accompanied young Grenadians through their academic journeys, leaving a lasting mark on the country’s education landscape and human development outcomes.
This report is based on a contributed submission from the Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Grenada. NOW Grenada does not take responsibility for contributor opinions, statements, or third-party content included in contributed submissions.