Kingston, Jamaica, 28 January 2020. The celebration in Jamaica of the 167th anniversary of the birth of our National Hero, José Martí, took place at the Technical School that bears his name, with the presence of officials from the Cuban State Mission and members of the board of the Association of Cubans Resident in Jamaica, who were invited for the occasion.
This institution, located in Spanish Town, was a gift that the people and Government of Cuba gave to the people and Government of Jamaica 43 years ago.
This January 28, the morning devotion ceremony at the School was conducted entirely in Spanish and the Simple Verses of the apostle of Cuban independence were recited or sung to the sound of La Guantanamera.
Speaking on behalf of the Cuban State Mission, Mr. Ulises Calvo, Head of the Consular Office, highlighted the qualities of José Martí as a revolutionary leader, teacher of generations and defender of the most advanced ideas and values of his time.
Regarding the School and what it represents, he said: “There are many things that make it unique: its architecture, the combination of study and work as part of learning; the level of Spanish language proficiency and the vast knowledge about Cuba that teachers provide to students; the murals with portraits of Martí and Fidel ... everything I see here reminds me a lot of my school in Cuba [...] We are grateful and proud to see the hard work carried out by the staff, the students and the community in general to honour the name of this school and the eternal friendship between our two sister islands.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the visitors paid tribute to José Martí at the bust that honours his memory. They toured the teaching facilities and exchanged with students, teachers and members of the board of directors.