A new organisation to forge closer ties between Bermuda and Cuba has been formed.

Friends of Cuba was founded earlier this month by Bermudians Dr. Pauulu Kamarakafego and Kevin Bean.

It will act as an intermediary for Bermudians who are interested in engaging in business in Cuba or who just want to visit for pleasure.

Mr. Bean, the organisation's general secretary, pointed to several areas where the Caribbean country had made great strides.

"Cuba has made obvious advancements in education, medicine and tourism,'' he said. "I think she is going to be our greatest competitor in years to come.'' Mr. Bean pointed to rapid tourism growth to two million visitors this year, compared with under a million last year.

He said he felt that figure would quickly exceed five million once the US dropped its embargo.

Looking at medicine, Mr. Bean said Cuba had become the world leader in natural and homeopathic remedies with ground breaking work in arthritis, high blood pressure and dermatology.

He also pointed out that Cuba currently shared thousands of its medical doctors with other islands in the Caribbean in exchange for goods and had engaged in a new form of tourism -- health tourism, where patients are treated in medical facilities akin to luxury hotels.

According to Mr. Bean, Cuba's educational system allowed children with exceptional abilities and directed interests to be fast tracked.

"In Cuba you will find many fully qualified doctors that are just 23 years old,'' he said. "In the US, 27-year-olds are just beginning to practise.'' Bermudians may also have an interest in sourcing items produced in Cuba or in manufacturing, said Mr. Bean.

But whatever the interest, the Friends of Cuba group boasts that it can put Bermudians in touch with the appropriate individual or Cuban body.

A special charter flight to the island is slated for August 8 and Mr. Bean said interested Bermudians will be able to meet and research a variety of business opportunities at that time.

"We will offer translation services, put those interested in business with the Chamber of Commerce, those interested in education with contacts at the University of Havana and those who just want to relax, we will be able to plug them into the entertainment scene,'' he said.

The charter to Havana will be offered through Victory Charters (victorycharter yibl.bm) from August 8 to August 15. Victory Charters will host an open house on the trip at 5.15 p.m. today at Number 72 Church Street.

The firm can be contacted at telephone number 234-5094.

Anyone interested in joining Friends of Cuba can contact Mr. Bean at his e-mail address: counsellor y northrock.bm.