Cuba celebrates National Day

Last weekend, Vincentians joined their Cuban counterparts as that nation observed the 57th anniversary of the Assault of the Moncada Garrison, commonly referred to as the Cuban National Day.{{more}}

The Fidel Castro led assault on the Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba on July 26, 1953 is regarded as the beginning of the Cuban Revolution.

And officials from St Vincent and the Grenadines and Cuba came together on Sunday, July 25 to pay homage to what is considered the beginning of the creation of a nation that continues to endure so much, yet has given so much to the rest of the region, this according to Dr. Rudy Matthias, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the International Airport Development Company.

But despite all that Cuba has achieved since the revolution, there was still the reminder that all is not well.

Her Excellency Ambassador Olga Chamero Trias said that although the revolutionaries had started the process of liberating Cuba and transforming society, the people of that nation cannot live in peace.

Nevertheless, Chamero Trias said that there was still a lot to celebrate.

“Fifty-seven years later, the programme has been accomplished and we have been able to bring prosperity to other people,” the Cuban Ambassador said.

President of the Cuba Friendship Society, Renwick Rose, reflected on the thirty years of existence and importance of the association.

“We have persevered over the years because we think it is important not to bend to the pressures and slanders,” Rose said.

Coincidentally, the month of July marks the anniversaries of the revolutions of France, the United States and Cuba, however according to Rose, there is still some concern by some, about acknowledging the Cuban revolution.

“All three revolutions had the same intention,” he contended, adding that although Cuba has proven its solidarity with the people of the rest of the region, there were some who still maintained a negative attitude towards the Cuban revolution and people.

“I want to encourage fellow Vincentians not to bend to this slander,” Rose said as he expressed his own gratitude to the sacrifices being made by the people of Cuba.(DD)