Jamaica’s former Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller has received Cuba’s prestigious Medal of Friendship, recognizing her decades-long solidarity with the Cuban people and her advocacy against the U.S. embargo. The award was conferred by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez and presented at the Cuban Embassy in Kingston by Ambassador Fermín Quiñones, who praised Simpson Miller as “an impeccable friend of Cuba” and highlighted her enduring support for Cuban sovereignty and peace. During the ceremony, Simpson Miller’s husband, Errald Miller, accepted the award on her behalf and emotionally revealed that the 79-year-old leader is living with early-stage dementia. He described his devotion as her primary caregiver and shared intimate details of her condition—she still engages with loved ones but has become less communicative and avoids public exposure. Simpson Miller’s ties to Cuba span decades, including friendships with Fidel and Raúl Castro, support for Cuban-built institutions in Jamaica, and her vocal stance at the UN against the U.S. blockade. Her recognition coincided with World Alzheimer’s Day, adding poignant depth to the tribute.
