The Consulate General of Cuba in Toronto held a tribute to Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, on the ninth anniversary of his physical passing.
Present at the event were members of various solidarity organizations with Cuba: the Canadian Network on Cuba, CCFA-Toronto, Toronto Forum on Cuba, Frente Hugo Chávez, and the Círculo Bolivariano Luis Riel.
Attendees included members of the Communist Party of Canada and the Communist Party of Canada (Marxist-Leninist).
The Association of Cuban Residents in Toronto "Juan Gualberto Gómez" was present and created a very special moment when its members stood up to sing the song "Agradecidos" (Grateful) by singer-songwriter Raúl Torres.
Also, the President of The Palestine House in Toronto, Amin EL-Maoued, honored us with his presence.
The Director of ICAP's North America Department, Leyma Martínez, who was among the guests, addressed the attendees with a few words.
During the activity, Deysi Camejo, a member of the Association of Cuban Residents in Toronto, recited the poem "9 años" (9 Years), authored by the young Cuban poetess Adriana Fajardo. Likewise, the writer and intellectual Francisco Arce Chiriboga shared his poem "Fidel: Guerrero de la Luz" (Fidel: Warrior of Light). Both poems reflect the fortitude and legacy of the leader of the Cuban Revolution.
The venue was enhanced by the personal collection of photographic artist Albino Moldes, dedicated to Fidel.
The occasion was also used to introduce and welcome the new Consul General of Cuba in Toronto, Víctor Manuel García Sánchez, who, in his address, thanked those present for the warm welcome and for attending our tribute to Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz.
During the event, the unjust economic and commercial blockade imposed by the United States Government on the island was denounced, and the work carried out by solidarity groups and members of the Cuban association in support of those affected by Hurricane Melissa, which impacted the eastern part of the country, was acknowledged.