ST. KITTS PM ASSURES AMBASSADOR OF CARIBBEAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L BRIDGETOWN 001504 SIPDIS SIPDIS SOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/25/2026 TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM PINR UNGA SC CU GT SUBJECT: ST. KITTS PM ASSURES AMBASSADOR OF CARIBBEAN SUPPORT FOR DEMOCRACY IN CUBA REF: STATE 127903 Classified By: Ambassador Mary Kramer for reasons 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (C) After three weeks' worth of daily attempts to deliver reftel demarche, St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Denzil Douglas returned Ambassador Kramer's call on August ¶25. The Ambassador indicated the USG's extreme disappointment in his remarks several weeks ago regarding a "smooth transition" in Cuba. The Ambassador told him that his remarks led the USG to believe the CARICOM nations were pleased to have the mantle passed from one dictator to the next with no voice of the people involved and with no indication of transition to another form of government. Certainly it was entirely appropriate to extend his get well wishes to the ailing Castro, but... CARICOM VALUES REGIONAL STABILITY -------------- ¶2. (C) PM Douglas interrupted the Ambassador at that point to assure her that his remarks about the transition were only meant to express the hope for stability in Cuba and the region. He remembered that Haiti had to be expelled from CARICOM after the violent manner in which a regime change took place there. PM Douglas stated that the region simply could not deal with another upheaval at this time, as the CARICOM nations fear instability in the region above all else. However, he also wanted to assure the Ambassador that the CARICOM nations share the USG's hopes for a movement toward a democratic government in Cuba. Their hope is for transition and transformation. PM Douglas stated that all CARICOM countries stand ready and willing to assist in this movement toward democracy. ¶3. (C) Further, PM Douglas noted that it was the Caribbeans' sincere hope that the people of Cuba will seek an opportunity for change--and not reinvigorate communists or allow other outside influences to hinder their transition to a democratic form of government. The Ambassador expressed her relief in knowing the CARICOM nations were as dedicated to a democratic Cuba as was the USG. GUATEMALA FM HAS NOT APPROACHED ST. KITTS -------------- ¶4. (C) Her final agenda item for PM Douglas was to inquire as to whether Foreign Minister Rosenthal of Guatemala had visited St. Kitts to discuss Guatemala's candidacy for the UNSC. PM Douglas said to his knowledge FM Rosenthal had not yet approached the GOSKN about a visit. KRAMER