Suriname: Cuba, Country by Country Review for Suspension of

C O N F I D E N T I A L PARAMARIBO 000327

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 2019/11/12
TAGS: ETRD ETTC CU NS
SUBJECT: Suriname: Cuba, Country by Country Review for Suspension of
Title III of the Libertad Act

CLASSIFIED BY: Menscher Geneve, Chief Political-Economic, STATE,
POL/ECON; REASON: 1.4(D)


1. C) Embassy Paramaribo recommends continued suspension of Title
III for Suriname. The Government of Suriname has made no
significant effort to promote the advancement of democracy, human
rights, and fundamental freedoms in Cuba. In December 2008,
Suriname opened a diplomatic mission in Cuba; the chancery is
slated to open in January 2010. Cuba opened its diplomatic mission
in Suriname in 2006. The Government of Suriname views Cuba as a
benefactor. Cuban assistance to Suriname, in the form of social
programs, especially medical assistance, receives significant media
coverage. In November 2009, the Speaker of the National Assembly
visited Cuba. In May, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs led an interagency delegation for the fourth Joint
Commission Suriname-Cuba and signed agreements to cooperate on
health, agriculture, higher education, archives, and community
development. In March, a Cuban parliamentary delegation visited
Suriname and met with government officials, Cuban experts employed
in Suriname, and members of the Suriname-Cuba Friendship Committee.




2. C) Cuban-sponsored assistance programs, including Cuba's
"Operation Miracle" and "health diplomacy" programs, were active.
The Ministry of Health directly publicized Cuban government-run
medical assistance programs. Between October 2005 and April 23,
2009, approximately 5,000 Surinamers received free eye surgeries
through the "Operation Miracle" program. "Operation Miracle" is
personally touted by Suriname's Minister of Health, Celsius
Waterberg, who received his medical training in Cuba. Cuban doctors
have been active in Suriname for a number of years. In addition,
the Cuban Medical Brigade celebrated its second anniversary, having
treated over 71,000 Surinamese patients, and dedicated its work to
the fight for freedom for the Cuba Five. A total of fifteen Cuban
doctors and health workers in Suriname as of December 2008.




3. C) Sixty Surinamers were studying in Cuba, while another forty
had graduated from their programs, as of September 2009. An
education cooperation program continued between Cuban institutes
and the Anton de Kom University of Suriname, with one Cuban
training Spanish language teachers at the teacher's training
college. Four Cuban coaches visited Suriname in August 2009 to
train local athletes and chess players within the framework of the
Paramaribo-Havana Exchange Program.




4. C) Embassy Paramaribo is unaware of any Suriname investment in
Cuba or bilateral trade agreements with Cuba. In November 2008,
however, a board member of Suriname's quasi-governmental Chamber of
Commerce and Industry led a business delegation to the 26th Annual
Trade Fair in Havana. The media reported that business deals were
signed during this trip.
BELL