Cuban heroes honoured at Peace Mo

The lives of Two Cuban Heroes were celebrated on June 15, 2011, at the Peace Memorial Hall as Cubans in St. Vincent and the Grenadines joined with Vincentians to hold a ceremony in their honour.{{more}}

The heroes, Che Guevara and Antonio Maceo, both born on June 14, were remembered for their love for humanity and their fight for freedom during times of war in Cuba.

Ambassador of Cuba, Pablo Rodriguez, giving a history of both heroes explained that Guevara, born in 1928, was a guerilla leader and a military theorist. Guevara, a major figure in the Cuban Revolution, fought for the freedom of Cubans alongside Fidel Castro. They were successful in overthrowing dictator Fulgencia Batiste. Guevara was killed at the age of 39.

Reflecting on Guevara, René Baptiste, former Minister of Culture, stated that Guevara had a passion for humanity and had a great courage. She added that he believed in social change and justice. Echoing Baptiste’s comments, Luke Browne also described Guevara as a man who had a humanitarian compassion and was committed to fighting for the freedom of others.

The other hero, Antonia Maceo, referred to as the Bronze Lion because of his height and status, played an important part in the wars of independence against Spain. The great military leader born in 1845 was involved in 900 combats and received 26 bullet wounds. He was killed in combat on December 7, 1895.

The evening’s celebration also included musical performances and a video documentary. (OS)