Banjul,
Dec. 7 - The Cuban ambassador to the Gambia Rubén G. Abelenda highlighted today
the historical relations between his country and Africa, when he spoke at the
XVII Scientific Day of the Medical Brigade of his country that works in this
nation.
The
scientific event we celebrate today coincides with two Cuban historical dates
that we always remember, one of them, the fall in combat on December 7, 1896 of
General Antonio Maceo, that man whom generations of Cubans have called and will
always call the Titan of Bronze, for its bravery and its tireless struggle
against Spanish colonialism.
By
the way, he was mestizo, so he had African blood, as we all Cubans have. That
is why Fidel always said that we have to thank
Africans eternally for having
fought for the independence of Cuba, as our people later did for the independence of this
continent.
Another
December 7th , but from 1989, the Cuban people became very sad when they buried
the mortal remains of the 2,085 martyrs
who were carrying out military missions and 204 in civilian tasks, who died in
missions in Africa. Today everyone rests in the “War Pantheon “ throughout the
country, and in the Cacahual Monument, where Maceo and Panchito Gómez Toro his
faithful assistant in our wars of independence also rest.
Then
we cannot doubt that Cubans and Africans are twinned not only by blood, but by
the history of struggles, by our cultures, and of course by science.
This
Scientific Day that we celebrate today is a new demonstration of our ties of
brotherhood and mutual solidarity over the centuries, and a dignified tribute
to those who gave their blood for Cuba and for Africa.
It
is at the same time a contribution to the development of medicine, vital for
our peoples, and beautiful because together Cubans and Gambians presented more
than 60 research papers for the benefit of health, one of the fundamental human
rights.
Congratulations to all who made this
Scientific event with their organization and the presentations of their
research a tribute to Fidel Castro, who certainly was, is and will be the greatest
defender of Cuba, Africa, and all the oppressed people of this world.
He
was the one who created our invincible Pacific Army of White coats, our Medical
Brigades, and who instilled in us the solidarity we carry in our souls and
hearts. He was and will be the most human of Cubans, the most dignified, and
who from wherever he is will continue to encourage us to continue fighting for
a better world for everybody.
Thank
you very much.
