President of Cuba confers honour on Renwick Rose

Veteran local journalist, social and political advocate, and activist, Renwick Rose, has been honoured by the Government of Cuba for his unstinting support for the Cuban people.

Upon the instruction of the President of Cuba himself, Miguel Diaz Canel Bermudez, the SEARCHLIGHT columnist has been awarded the Friendship Medal. Cuba’s Ambassador to St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), Carlos Rodriguez Echeverry personally presented the medal to Rose last week Thursday, September 26, 2024. The citation states that Rose has been given the award “In recognition of his support and backing for the strengthening and deepening of ties with our people based on brotherhood solidarity and cooperation… as well as for his outstanding participation in campaigns in defence of the Revolution and denunciation of aggressions against Cuba, especially those related to condemnation of the unjust economic, commercial and financial blockade of the United States against Cuba”.

Rose was a foundation member of the SVG/Cuba Friendship Society formed in 1976. He has remained a member since then and headed the organization before retiring from the post. He also, along with Prime Minister, Ralph Gonsalves and the late Caspar London, was one of the persons involved with arranging scholarships for Vincentians to study at universities in Cuba, in procuring Cuban assistance for this country, and in successfully championing the campaign for the formal establishment of diplomatic ties between both countries.

In accepting the Friendship Medal, Rose praised the role of Cuba in assisting St Vincent and the Grenadines over the years and has asked Ambassador Rodriguez to relay his profound gratitude to President Diaz Canel and the Cuban government and people.