Cubana Monument: A Testament to Remembrance

Located on Highway 1 in Durants, St. James, the Cubana Monument is a poignant tribute to the 73 lives lost in the Cubana Air disaster of October 6, 1976. This tragic event saw Cubana de Aviación Flight 455 bombed shortly after taking off from Barbados, en route to Jamaica and Cuba. The victims included 57 Cubans, 11 Guyanese, and 5 North Koreans. The monument, designed by Barbadian artist Virgil Broodhagen, son of acclaimed sculptor Karl Broodhagen, was unveiled in 1998. Its pyramidal structure provides a space for quiet contemplation and remembrance. The monument is often adorned with flowers, a testament to the enduring bonds between Barbados and Cuba. Each year on October 6th, Barbadians remember the victims of the Cubana air disaster by laying wreaths at the monument. The Cubana Monument serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of peace, unity, and the fight against terrorism. Visiting the monument offers a unique opportunity to connect with the history of the Caribbean, reflect on the human cost of violence, and appreciate the enduring bonds that unite nations in the face of tragedy.