The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on Friday sent a message of condolence to the President of Cuba, Miguel Diaz-Canel, following a plane crash in Santiago de las Vegas minutes after takeoff, that killed more than 100.
“The Caribbean Community expresses its condolences and its solidarity with the Government and People of the Republic of Cuba following the tragic crash of a plane carrying some 100 passengers shortly after takeoff from the Jose Marti International Airport in Havana on Friday, 18 May 2018,” says Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque in his message.
“The Caribbean Community extends its deepest sympathy to the families of the victims and its sincere wishes for the speedy recovery of those passengers who were injured during this unfortunate aviation accident,” he adds.
“The People of the Caribbean Community share the grief of the People of Cuba at this moment of national mourning,” LaRocque continues.
On Sunday, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne also sent a message of condolence to Diaz-Canel.
In his letter to Diaz-Canel, Browne said that the loss of life, “especially under circumstances like this, is always painful,” according to an Antigua and Barbuda Government statement.
“On behalf of the government and people of Antigua and Barbuda, I wish to extend heartfelt condolences to the Government and the people of the Republic of Cuba on the unfortunate occasion of the plane crash in Santiago de las Vegas, which has claimed the lives of over 100 of your citizens and persons from across our region,” says Browne in the letter.
“At this time, I wish to express my sincerest condolences to the government and the people of the Republic of Cuba for this most catastrophic event,” he adds. “On this unfortunate occasion Antigua and Barbuda stands with the people of The Republic of Cuba and our prayers are with the families of the victims of this most unfortunate tragedy.
“Excellency, please accept my best wishes and for comfort at this time and my highest esteem,” Browne continues.
The death toll of the plane crash stands at 110, with three known survivors.
