65th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution celebrated |15 January 2024

Ambassador Hernández Caneiro addressing the gathering

The Seychelles Cuba Friendship Association (Secufa) and the Cuban embassy celebrated the 65th anniversary of the triumph of the Cuban Revolution and the New Year last Saturday at the Cuban embassy in Bel Eau.

The event was attended by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Sylvestre Radegonde; the leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, Sebastien Pillay; members of the diplomatic corps; the secretary general of the Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts, David Andre; members of Secufa and friends who studied in Cuba as well as Cuban doctors currently working in Seychelles.

On this occasion, the Cuban ambassador, Martha Hernández Caneiro, noted that the Cuban Revolution was an unprecedented event that changed the course of Cuban history and had a strong impact on Latin America and beyond.

“Cubans have had to face many challenges to get this far, but it has been worth it, as the work of the revolution and its social achievements even in the midst of the current difficulties prove. Overcoming the current challenges, boosting the economy and developing it, advancing in the work of social benefit for all Cubans, is the best tribute to the founding fathers of the revolution, its leader, Fidel Castro, and the historic generation that still accompanies us.”

Ambassador Hernández Caneiro also shared that 2023 was a difficult year for Cuba due to the intensification of the economic, commercial and financial blockade imposed by the Unites States for more than 60 years.

“Even in these circumstances, Cuba has managed to maintain its independence and sovereignty and has not renounced its commitment to continue protecting the priority sectors of society and to continue advancing in the necessary transformations to boost the national economy. This has been possible by the unity, the immense resilience of the Cuban people, the wise leadership of its leaders and the overwhelming support of all our friends around the world,” shared the Cuban ambassador.

Ambassador Hernández Caneiro further noted that Cuba is grateful for the unwavering position that the government and people of Seychelles have maintained in support of the Cuban people, in their just demand for the elimination of the blockade.

“On this new anniversary of the revolution, we reaffirm the will of the Cuban government to continue developing political-diplomatic dialogue and cooperation for the benefit of both peoples,” said Ambassador Hernández Caneiro.

The chairman of Secufa, Andre Pool, congratulated Cuba for their anniversary and reminded all present of the strong solidarity that exists between the two countries but also between the Cubans and the Seychellois.

Launched last year, the association is set to become a strong one and Mr Pool encouraged all Seychellois who studied and graduated in Cuban international institutions to join them.

“The objectives of Secufa are not only to strengthen the friendship between the two countries and people but also to show gratitude for what we have benefited from Cuba. We should never forget that the Cuban people shared the little that they had with us, and made us what we are today. Secufa is also open for the friends of Cuba,” shared Mr Pool.

The association is currently discussing proposals for its calendar of activities for 2024 and they are encouraging all members to contribute and participate actively in this exercise.

Secufa also showed their gratitude towards the Cuban medical brigade for their valuable works carried out in the country.

“Secufa takes this opportunity to condemn the barbaric US economic blockade on Cuba. This is an action which is inhuman and criminal and needs to stop now. Secufa supports and will support all efforts to terminate this cruel blockade. We say enough is enough. The Cuban people has suffered enough. Let us hope 2024 brings and end to this,” concluded Mr Pool.

Cuba and Seychelles have had a fruitful history of exchanges and relations for the last 45 years. They have demonstrated over time that they are two friends who share common interests, risks, challenges and common positions, reaching a high level of understanding, respect and mutual trust. Both countries have developed cooperation in fields such as health, education, culture, sports, agriculture, construction, environment among others.

The event ended with a reception and the screening of a short video on Cuba.

Vidya Gappy

Photos: Joena Meme