By Prensa Latina, in collaboration with EmbaCuba Jamaica
Kingston, Jamaica, 21 May 2020. Cuba commemorates Africa Day today in Jamaica, by sharing some men and women’s experience in the practice of internationalism. Amid the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, they evoke previous missions and fraternal bonds that join them to this brother continent.
The Embassy of the Greatest Island in the Antilles in Kingston provided Prensa Latina with anecdotes and remembrances of these people’s presence in the African territory during the fight for its liberation and their cooperation in different sectors of society.
For Ambassador Inés Fors, in Angola the humanistic principle of solidarity was forged, and she keeps her marriage to Ibrahín Ortega, now Second Secretary in the State Mission in Jamaica, as a special memory of her stay there.
Both diplomats continued to be linked to the African region years later in The Gambia and at present they revive the history, culture and authenticity of these friendly peoples.
For political adviser Ricardo Calvo, Cubans carry Africa in their hearts and he keeps intact, among his memories of the city of Luanda, the military uniform that exemplifies the island’s contribution to the liberation of the Angolan people.
Members of the Cuban Medical Brigade in Jamaica, doctors Eduardo Chacón and Ariel Cuevas, as well as dentist Delmis Mena, highlighted the signs of affection and respect they received during their missions in countries like Eritrea, Angola and Namibia, respectively. Today, the three internationalists along with a group of more than 430 Cuban professionals support the fight against the pandemic in Jamaica, and on Africa Day they participate in the island’s tribute to diversity and cultural traditions in this part of the hemisphere.
Several members of the medical and education cooperation brigades supported the initiative of the Cuban Foreign Ministry to share messages and snapshots wearing typical clothing from these African peoples on social networks.
Cuban residents also backed the proposal of the Cuban diplomacy to celebrate Africa Day, that is why members of the Antonio Maceo Association showed photos reflecting the originality, colourfulness and magic of African clothing.
In the current global scene, marked by the struggle against Covid-19, the Cuban diplomatic staff and members of cooperation brigades ratify their commitment to solidarity in Jamaica and all African countries, and work for a future of integration and social justice.