SVG-Cuba friendship society welcomes Raul Castro

29.FEB.08

The St Vincent and the Grenadines/Cuba Friendship Society extends our warmest congratulations to the new Cuban Head of State, Commander Raul Castro on his election by the National Assembly as President of the Republic of Cuba.{{more}}

Raul Castro’s revolutionary credentials are impeccable and well-known to the Cuban people. As Vice President of the legendary father of the Cuban revolution, Fidel Castro, he has been a tower of strength and has largely been responsible for the successful defense of the Cuban Revolution and Cuban territorial integrity in the face of subversion, invasion and isolation. From Day One, the new Cuban Revolution and his committedness to work for the well-being of the Cuban leader has exhibited his devotion to the ideals of the Cuban Revolution and his committedness to work for the well-being of the Cuban people.

He now faces formidable challenges in a rapidly changing world-challenges of maintaining economic growth and development whilst ensuring ever-increasing standards of living and quality of life of his people, challenges of continuing to deepen democratic debate and participation in the peculiar conditions of Cuba, challenges of ending the criminal embargo against his country without sacrificing Cuba’s national sovereignty, challenges of meeting the rising expectations of the younger generation in a rapidly changing climate of technological and communication development, and challenges of firmly integrating Cuba and its people with those of its neighbours in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Raul Castro has the experience necessary and leads a people well-equipped to meet the challenges. That is the legacy he has been left by his predecessor, that outstanding Cuban son, Fidel Castro Ruz. Fidel’s leadership has played a major role in piloting the development of the Cuban Revolution. His unflinching devotion to the principles of internationalism has touched the lives of millions in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. The Caribbean has benefited from a whole new generation of Cuban-trained professionals, whilst Cuban assistance in health-care has brought this vital service to thousands of our people unable to afford it. Grenada has an entire international airport, courtesy Cuban generosity and sacrifice and St Vincent and the Grenadines will similarly benefit soon, though not on the same scale. For all these, for his firm defence of the oppressed of the world, for his critical role in bringing about the defeat of apartheid and the release of Nelson Mandela and other South African patriots, we salute Commander Fidel Castro. He has distinguished himself as one of the most outstanding leaders of the 20th century, with strong claim to the THE most outstanding.

As we wish President Raul Castro, Vice President Machado Ventura and the new Government every success in their endeavors, the SVG-Cuban Friendship Society pays tribute to Fidel and Looks forward to his continued words of wisdom, via his “Reflections’.

Renwick E. A. Rose
For SVG-Cuba Friendship Society