50th anniversary tributes to Cuban revolutionary |30 October 2009

This year’s event on Wednesday marked the 50th anniversary of his death, and as a tribute flowers were thrown into the sea as they are every year on October 28.

Born in Havana on February 6, 1932, Camilo Cienfuegos was a leading figure of the Cuban revolution, along with Fidel Castro and Che Guevara.

He formed part of the Granma expedition of 82 people from Mexico to Cuba in 1956 to continue the struggle against the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista and was among the 16 people who survived the attack against them when they landed.

Camilo became one of the top leaders of the revolutionary force, being appointed to the rank of commandante in 1957.

He led a column that defeated Batista’s forces at the Battle of Yaguajay in December 1958, and after the triumph of the Revolution in early 1959 he joined the high command of the Cuban army. He was presumed lost after his plane disappeared during a night flight from Camaguey to Havana in 1959.

This year’s tribute in Seychelles, which took place behind the Sainte Anne Resort office and jetty at Roche Caïman, also honoured Che Guevara, who died on November 8, 1967.

Present for the ceremony were the Cuban ambassador to Seychelles, Maria Aida Nogales Jimenes, National Assembly member Andre Pool and Secufa chairman Loveth Legaie.

All present sang the Cuban national anthem, La Bayamesa, followed by speeches and patriotic songs. Flowers were then thrown into the sea as a sign of remembrance and respect.