Arthur Hall, Senior Staff Reporter

Prime Minister Bruce Golding might not be prepared to "walk to the mountain top" with Cuban President Raul Castro, but he is determined to increase the cooperation between Jamaica and its closest neighbour.

Golding has also revealed that he is prepared to use Jamaica's influence in an effort to improve the relationship between the United States and Cuba.

US embargo to be lifted

The prime minister made the announcement yesterday on his return to Jamaica following a four-day official visit to Cuba.

While in Havana, Golding told The Gleaner that he believed the lifting of the US embargo on Cuba was imminent.

The prime minister also outlined Jamaica's desire to strengthen its ties with Cuba during talks with President Castro.

Against that background, the two countries signed agreements to increase cooperation in several areas.

These include agriculture, health, water, housing and tourism.

Water and Housing Minister Dr Horace Chang said in his portfolio the agreement would result in Cuban technocrats visiting Jamaica while this country would would send specialists to Cuba in a bid to share technology and knowledge.

Chang said the two countries face similar problems in water and housing and would work together in an effort to solve them.

arthur.hall@gleanerjm.com