Government of Guyana will today join others in commemorating the deaths of those who perished in the Cubana Air Disaster.

The Ministry of Social Cohesion will lead the observance at a ceremony to be held at the monument located at the University of Guyana in memory of those Guyanese who died in the tragedy. Forty-three years ago, Sabrina Harrypaul, Eric Norton, Ann Nelson, Raymond Persaud, Margaret Bradshaw, Gordon M. Sobha, Rawle Thomas, Rita Thomas, Violet Thomas, Jacqueline Williams and Seshnarine Kumar were among 73 who perished when Cubana Flight-455 was bombed and crashed off the shores of Barbados. This incident occurred at the height of the Cold War that saw efforts to influence alignment to, and support for, the Western or Eastern bloc.

Guyana distinguished herself during this period by embracing the Non-Aligned Movement and policies, which allowed for the pursuing of national interest on the international stage independent of having to side with either bloc, though working with both in pursuit of our development agenda and making the world a better place.