On Friday, August 19, the Cuban Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago , His Excellency Felix Raul Rojas, paid a farewell courtesy call on the General Secretary of the Caribbean Conference of Churches ( CCC ), Gerard Granado, at the CCC 's Head Office in Port of Spain . Ambassador Rojas completed his tour of duty in T&T at the end of August.

The conversation between the Ambassador and the General Secretary was wide-ranging, with the CCC 's two Acting Associate General Secretaries – Rev Dr Knolly Clarke and Allison Bidaisee – joining in the discussions. Also present was Tricia Syms - Executive Assistant to the General Secretary.

Gerard Granado, general secretary of CCC, left, in conversation with Felix Raul Rojas, Cuban Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago

One of the major issues addressed was the desire for continued dialogue and cooperation between the Cuban government and the member churches of the CCC in Cuba . Also discussed was the current status of the Caribbean integration movement, Cuba 's place in it, and the contribution that the CCC can continue to play in advancing this movement.

In this regard, the ideas of cooperation in the areas of intra-regional “people-to-people” exchanges, language training, and HIV/AIDS mitigation initiatives were also explored. The latter was addressed in light of the availability and expertise of Cuban medical personnel in this field. HIV/AIDS is currently one of the CCC 's major programmatic foci.

In concluding discussions, Ambassador Rojas gave the undertaking that his successor would continue the constructive dialogue with the CCC that has existed over the years.

In turn, General Secretary Granado asked the Ambassador to convey cordial greetings to the Cuban minister of Religious Affairs – Caridad Diego – and to other relevant officials of the Cuban government. The Ambassador returns to Cuba in the first week of September.