Local Cuban community honours José Martí at Peace Memorial Hall

José Martí was killed in battle against Spanish troops at the Battle of Dos Rios on May 19, 1895, and the local Cuban community met last Thursday, May 19, to commemorate his life and death

with a ceremony at the Peace Memorial Hall.{{more}}

Born in Havana in 1853, Martí was a Cuban national hero and an important figure in Latin American literature.

But more important, he became a symbol for Cuba’s bid for Independence against Spain in the 19th century, and is referred to as the “Apostle of Cuban Independence.”

From adolescence, he dedicated his life to the promotion of liberty, political independence for Cuba and intellectual independence for all Spanish Americans; his death was used as a cry for Cuban independence from Spain by both the Cuban revolutionaries and those Cubans previously reluctant to start a revolt.

He also fought against the threat of United States expansionism into Cuba.

His Excellency Pablo Rodriguez, Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba to St. Vincent and the Grenadines said that Marti’s life has served as inspiration for Cubans today and that today his ideas remain valid.

He added that these ideas live out in the modest cooperation that exists between Cuba and this country.

And although Marti did not live to realize his dream, Frederick Stephenson, Minister of National Mobilisation etc., said that the Cuban hero will forever live in the hearts of the people because of the vision he had for his country.

“He was cognizant of the racial divisions,” Stephenson said.

He added that Marti left a legacy that Vincentians should emulate – that we must put emphasis into one main goal and stick to it.

“We are too divided on the things that drive us apart as opposed to the things that draw us closer,” Stephenson said. Meanwhile, Mike Browne, the Coordinator of the Friendship Association with Cuba, commended the Cuban workers, saying that the sacrifices of the Cuban people were legendary.

He called for more local support, saying that the Cuban contribution was well known.

The evening also featured a thirty-five minute documentary and a musical interlude. (DD)