It was under a Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government headed by Hon Ralph T. O’Neal OBE that dispatched his then Natural Resources and Labour Minister the late Hon. Reeial George (above) to make a historical trip to the Caribbean Island of Cuba at a time when most countries were shunning Cuba and most often other Caribbean Governments would have been blacklisted for their close relationship with the Fidel A. Castro regime. Photo: VINO/File

Fidel A. Castro (left) and current President of Cuba Raul M. Castro. Photo: LA Times

From Left: Then Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour Julian Willock, A Senior Cuba Official, the then Chief Conservation and Fishers Officer Bertrand Lettsome, and then Manger of the BVI Fishing Complex Bevin Brathwaite while in Cuba in 2002. Photo: Provided

Then Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour, Mr Julian Willock, photographed next to a picture of the then Cuba Leader Fidel A. Castro in 2002 during a trip to Cuba. Photo: Provided

It was a Virgin Islands Party (VIP) Government headed by Hon Ralph T. O’Neal OBE that dispatched the then Natural Resources and Labour Minister the late Hon Reeial George to make a historic trip to the Caribbean island of Cuba at a time when most countries were shunning Cuba and most often other Caribbean Governments would have been blacklisted for their close relationship with the Fidel A. Castro regime.

VIP & International Relations

The VIP whose government many have said is better at managing the territory’s overseas issues, from the financial services sector to international relations with other countries and international organisations, made history long before going to Cuba was a priority or popular.

Mr George was a pioneer when he served as Minister for Natural Resources and Labour. He was the first Government Minister in the history of the Virgin Islands to make an official visit to communist Cuba.

It was in October of 2002 that Mr George led a delegation to Cuba. The historic trip was a return visit to that of former Cuban Vice-Minister for Fisheries Rafael Jimenez, who visited the Virgin Islands in 1995 on an invitation from Mr Manuel Rodriguez, Director of International Relations for the government of Cuba.

While Mr George did not meet the Cuba 'Strong Man' Fidel Castro, he meet with other high ranking government ministers, including the Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture.

Purpose of Cuban Trip

Speaking during a press conference on Thursday November 14, 2002, the then Minister George said the purpose of the visit was to establish a relationship between both governments, find ways to train local fishermen (particularly in long-line fishing), review their agricultural programme and find markets for local produce.

The Virgin Islands (VI) delegation to Cuba from October 28-30, 2002 included then Assistant Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour Julian Willock, the then Chief Conservation and Fisheries Officer Bertrand Lettsome, then Manager of the BVI Fishing Complex Bevin Brathwaite and then Agricultural Officer Bereneice Freeman.

The delegation toured fish farming facilities, large agricultural lands and also met and held discussions with officials from the Castro Administration in the areas of fisheries and agriculture.

Today, it is now fashionable for almost all Caribbean Governments and the International Community, including the United States, to visit communist Cuba and look for economic and other opportunities for their people and business.

The VI was way ahead of most, thanks to the forward leadership and thinking at the time of both Hons O’Neal and George as well as senior civil servants.