Kingston, 13 August 2025. Organised by Friends of Cuba, an organisation affiliated with the Jamaica-Cuba Friendship Association (JCFA) and the Embassy of Cuba in Jamaica, the 99th anniversary of the birth of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz was celebrated in this capital. In attendance were officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, members of the accredited diplomatic corps, representatives of political organisations and social movements, members of the Solidarity Movement and the Association of Cubans Residing in Jamaica (ACRJ), graduates from our country, and representatives from the Cuban State Mission in Jamaica.
Representatives of the ACRJ, the Youth Organisation of the People's National Party (PNPYO), the Kingston and Portmore chapters of the JCFA, the Left Alliance for National Democracy and Socialism (LANDS) and the Marcus Garvey People's Party (MGPPP) defined Fidel as a leader for all times. They highlighted the Commander's decisive role in anti-colonialist and anti-apartheid processes on the African continent. They also recognised the humanist and solidarity-based nature of the Cuban Revolution led by its undisputed leader, which has enabled cooperation projects between Cuba and Jamaica to be developed for almost five decades.
For their part, Dr Neville Graham and Daniela Hickling, graduates in Cuba, expressed their gratitude for the opportunity offered to hundreds of young Jamaicans to receive professional training in our country and subsequently contribute to the development of their country. They recognised the island's efforts to maintain these cooperation programmes despite the difficulties imposed by the economic, commercial and financial blockade of the US government.
On behalf of the Cuban collaborators, Dr Idalis Figueredo Maldonado reiterated the commitment of the cooperants to contribute to the well-being of the Jamaican people with the confidence, security and dignity that characterises Cubans, as faithful followers of the Commander-in-Chief's ideology of solidarity and humanism.
The Chargé d'Affaires of the sister Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, José Antonio Sánchez Vega, recalled the bonds of brotherhood that united Fidel with Commander Hugo Chávez, worthy heirs of the dreams of independence and Latin Americanism of José Martí and Simón Bolívar. He emphasised that Fidel's principles remain valid and that the projects promoted under his guidance are a reference point for the peoples of Latin America, the Caribbean and around the world.
In his words, the Ambassador of Cuba to Jamaica, Fermín Quiñones Sánchez, highlighted the Commander's close relationship with the Cuban people and the decision of the Greater Antilles to remain faithful to his legacy in defending the achievements of the Revolution, despite the intensification of the genocidal blockade and the island's continued inclusion on the spurious list of countries that allegedly sponsor terrorism. The Cuban diplomat also announced the Cuban government's decision to award the Medal of Friendship to the former Jamaican Prime Minister and great friend of Cuba, Portia Simpson Miller.
This event marked the beginning of the Centenary Celebration of the Commander, which will take place throughout Jamaica until 4 December 2026.