Caribbean governments nearly a year ago promised to send an aid package to finance-starved Cuba but said international sanctions and other hurdles had prevented the region from making good on its pledge. Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley says those hurdles have now been cleared and the region is in a better position to assist Cuba. Cuba and the 15-nation CARICOM grouping have enjoyed strong diplomatic relations since 1972, including two-way trade and Cuban exports of thousands of doctors, nurses and other medical professionals. Mottley said financial sanctions had blocked attempts to send cash for baby formula and other essentials, forcing circuitous routes to deliver humanitarian aid.