The country's Parliament this afternoon saluted the contribution of Cuban President Fidel Castro to Jamaica and the wider region.

In making a statement on Mr. Castro's resignation Prime Minister Bruce Golding said the government has never been ambivalent on its relationship with Cuba.

Mr Golding hailed President Castro as a leader who has spanned eras.

In the meantime the People’s National Party (PNP), has recognized the almost five decades of leadership provided by outgoing Cuban President Fidel Castro to the people of Cuba, the region and the world.

PNP President Mrs. Portia Simpson Miller says President Castro stood steadfast for the principles he believed in, even in the face of the overpowering odds stacked against him and his country.

She says “even those who did not support President Castro have to acknowledge his contribution to the Caribbean region, South and Latin America.

The PNP president lauded his efforts in the African Liberation struggles, and in particular in Angola, where Cuban troops fought against the invasion by the racist South African regime of the day, noting that that struggle helped to turn the tide in favour of Black Africans.

Mrs Simpson Miller praised the special friendship that exists between Cuba and Jamaica and in particular the thousands of scholarships that Cuba has provided to Jamaican students, particularly in the field of medicine. 

She also expressed gratitude for the infrastructural work done in Jamaica by the Cuban government, including the construction of educational institutions such as G.C. Foster College of Physical Education and the Jose Marti High School.

High praise was also expressed for the current programme that allows Jamaicans suffering from certain eye ailments to access free treatment in Cuba.

Other Caribbean leaders have begun to comment on the retirement of Mr. Castro.

The Vincention Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves has described Mr. Castro as one of the towering political figures of the 20th century, who helped his country move forward in a number of areas.

Noted regional journalist, Ricky Singh, has said he doesn't think there will be any significant changes to governance in Cuba in the post Fidel Castro era.

And Fidel Castro has been hailed by the Soviet Union's last Foreign Minister, Edward Chevronasta, as a wise and heroic risk-taker.

The former Soviet Union official said the United States should change its approach to Cuba.

But how do the Cuban people themselves regard their long-standing leader's decision not to return to power?

Cuba's new Parliament meets on Sunday to elect a new President.
 

In the meantime President George W Bush has welcomed the announcement of Fidel Castro's retirement at the age of 81.

The American president says the move should begin a period of transition which he hopes would lead to free democratic elections.

Mr. Bush also called on the international community to work with Cuba to build up the country's democratic institutions.