Caricom Heads who met in The Bahamas over the weekend have paid tribute to Cuban leader Fidel Castro who recently relinquished the presidency of the Caribbean state after 49 years at the helm.

The communiqué from the meeting said that the leaders “expressed appreciation for the long and fruitful relationship developed between the Caribbean Community and Cuba under his stewardship and extended the collective wishes of the Community for his continued well being.”

They also expressed congratulations to his brother Raul Castro on his election as President and looked forward to the continuation of friendly relations.