Vincentians, Cubans mix and mingle at Independence Wars event

An activity to commemorate the beginning of the Cuban Independence Wars was held recently at the Peace Memorial Hall.{{more}}

The two-hour event, held on October 10, showcased the history of the Cuban Five who were sentenced to jail in the United States for 14 years, the commemoration of the beginning of the Cuban Independence Wars of October 10, 1968 and the blowing up of the Cuban airline, Flight 445 on October 6, 1976.

Three documentary films were shown, two of which featured United States actor Danny Glover, and the third, a short film entitled, “ODA to the Revolution.”

Addressing the evening’s proceedings were a number of local public figures, including trade unionist Renwick Rose, Queen’s Counsel Parnell Campbell, lawyer Jomo Thomas and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr Douglas Slater, who made presentations, highlighting the linkages between Cuba and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The men spoke of their experiences in Cuba and how they, along with other family members have benefited from the various opportunities offered to Vincentians by Cuba.

As the first Vincentian to be awarded a scholarship to study in Cuba, foreign minister Dr Douglas Slater told the gathering that he is a symbol of the true solidarity between the peoples of St Vincent and the Grenadines and Cuba.

He also stated that the Government and people of St Vincent and the Grenadines “stand firmly in solidarity with the people of Cuba”.

Addresses were also made by Arianna Duharte-Isreal, president of the Association of Cuban residents in SVG, Juan Almeida Bosque and Joaquin Lacke, officials of the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples.

In his address, Renwick Rose, President of the SVG-Cuba Friends Society said that while Vincentians may be generally supportive of the occasion, the attendance level of the function by Vincentians should have been better.

“Maybe we don’t see enough Vincentians here. But I can tell you, if I am the only Vincentian, there is enough solidarity in this heart to account for 100,000 Vincentians.

“Let us move forward in solidarity and in friendship. Cuba has demonstrated that. We have to see the task of building a new Caribbean as an important mission of ours. This is what it is all about, bringing people together. Let people begin to understand each other…,” Rose said.

Following the evening’s proceedings, Cuba’s Ambassador to St Vincent and the Grenadines, His Excellency Pablo Rodriguez Vidal thanked those who were in attendance, especially the locals, for their support towards the Cuban Independence Wars.

Other dignitaries attending the event included Venezuelan Ambassador to St Vincent and the Grenadines, Yoel Perez Marcano, former government ministers Rene Baptiste, Alpian Allen, Herbert Young and former deputy prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, Sir Louis Straker.

Several Vincentian students who studied in Cuba also attended the function. (AA)