The Embassy of Cuba in Harare, commemorated on January 2 the 59th Anniversary of the Revolution with a political-cultural event in the presence of members of the Zimbabwe-Cuba Friendship Association (ZICUFA), ex-graduates in Cuba, Cuban residents and collaborators of the Cuban mission.
In the inaugural act, the Ambassador Carmelina Ramirez and Mr. Fananidzo Pesanai, president of ZICUFA, adressed the present. The Cuban ambassador highlighted the economic and social achievements of the Revolution during these almost six decades, despite the crude blockade imposed on Cuba by the United States. Special attention was paid to the main events registered in Cuba in 2017, such as the scourge of Hurricane Irma, one of the strongest that the Caribbean region has experienced; and the sustained increase in tourism, confirming that Cuba is one of the most requested destinations in the region. She emphazised that one year after the physical disappearance of the Commander in Chief, his ideas and his example are stronger now than ever, and that he will always be present at every step of the Cuban Revolution. She also commented on the conduct of the general elections next April. The ambassador concluded by saying that the Cuban people are still fighting, to achieve their dreams, for the construction of a prosperous and sustainable socialism, following the legacy of Fidel under the leadership of the Party and the General of the Army, Raúl Castro.
The President of ZICUFA, on the other hand, highlighted the contribution of Cuba to the development of Zimbabwe in the training of thousands of professionals. Mr. Pesanai mentioned that thanks to the friendship between the Commander in Chief and the former president of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe, an educational training program was promoted in which benefited more than 3000 young Zimbabweans in Isla de la Juventud and in several Cuban universities.
The activity also served to bring together graduates of different generations, who shared their experiences and thanked the Revolution and Fidel for giving them this great opportunity.