THE Government of Guyana on Saturday expressed condolences to the people of Cuba over the tragic Cuban airline accident, which occurred Friday and claimed the lives of over 100 passengers and crew members.

In a statement, the Department of Public Information (DPI) said, “All Guyanese share the loss and grief of the Cuban people and relatives of the victims who perished in this tragedy.

“We extend deep condolences to the Government and people of Cuba as they observe two-days of official mourning in our sister Caribbean state.”

Guyana and Cuba have, over the years, shared a strong and unbreakable bond of friendship, brotherhood and solidarity. In recent years, the two countries have forged ever closer ties through education, diplomacy, medicine and trade.

“Even as this loss affects us deeply, we are confident that the Cuban people and nation will rise and recover from this unspeakably devastating accident. Such has been the demonstrable fortitude of Cuba and Cubans for decades,” the government statement said.

The aircraft which crashed was operating on behalf of Cubana de Aviacion, performing flight CU-972 from Havana to Holguin, when it lost height shortly after takeoff. Most of the passengers perished.

Cuba’s Ministry of Transport reported the aircraft belonged to Global Aerolineas Damojh based in Mexico. Cuba’s President, Miguel Diaz-Canel reported the aircraft carried 104 passengers and nine crew.