Peya Mushelenga, Vice Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, in his speech to the National Budget debate for the period 2017-2018, held in Parliament, condemned the unjust US Blockade against Cuba, reaffirmed the support of his Government to Cuba in the struggle for the elimination ofthat genocidal policy and recalled the figure of Commander in Chief Fidel Castro.

The Namibian politician said:

“The plight of the Cuban people shall forever remain a matter of interest to me. As long as the blockade imposed on them by the US is not finally removed, efforts to normalise relations between the two countries remain just hanging there. I salute the people of Cuba for the fortitude that they have maintained all those years, walking tall in the jungle of camelthorns. No amount of infuriating power politics has broken their relentlessness. I am inspired by their courage and determination. My unwavering support to their cause is boundless! Read my lips and hear me saying this – I will continue to condemn any attempt to undo the progress of the Cuban revolution as I have done before in this august house, and elsewhere, without fear or favour.

The mentioning of Cuba brings me close to tears, though, as I reminisces about Commandant Fidel Castro Ruz, a giant of a man, both in terms of physical stature and revolutionary eminence, who departed to the world beyond tangible human access and comprehension, last year. Commandant Fidel Castro Ruz dwarfed over-sized giants from the opposite end of the spectrum. Standing his grounds, he outsmarted them, ducking arrows from their politico-military and diplomatic offences, while striking back, as sharp shooter, from his coordinated angle of attack. Oh, yes! He took international platforms by the storm, hitting the nail on the head and levelling his opponents to the ground.

Though his departure has created emptiness in the Cuban revolutionary diagram, his legacy will continue to galvanize and sustain the progressive cause of his people, because heroes never die! Southern Africa and Namibia in particular shall forever remain indebted and truly grateful to this illustrious son of the soil, for the selfless support that he and his people have rendered to the cause of our freedom. What a comrade! What a revolutionary! At this juncture I cannot help, but say Viva Fidel! Vivan la Revolución y el pueblo de Cuba! Hasta la victoria siempre! Venceremos!”

During the reception for the 27th Anniversary of the Independence of Namibia sponsored by the Embassy of that country in Accra, the Ambassador of Cuba, Pedro Luis Despaigne González and his Namibian counterpart, Mr. Charles B. Josob, made a joint interview to Metro TV television channel highlighting the meaning of this celebration for both peoples.

Cuban sailing team gets first at event held in The Bahamas

THE BAHAMAS, March 21, 2017.-The Cuban sailing team that participated in the 2017 Snipe Winter Circuit Championship, held in Nassau, won first place in the contest.

After competing against 16 participants from different countries, the young athletes climbed to the top of the bench. They obtained very high positions in the regattas that took place as part of the tournament.

Lima, March 20 (Prensa Latina) Cuban President Raul Castro Ruz offered his counterpart Pedro Pablo Kuczynski his heartfelt condolences for the human and material damages.
 

SRI LANKA, March 21, 2017. - The Honorable Gayantha Karunatilleka, Minister of Mass Media and Parliamentary Affairs of Sri Lanka received the Ambassador of Cuba, Juana Elena Ramos Rodríguez, at the Headquarter of this Ministry. Both sides highlighted the historical ties of friendship between Cuba and Sri Lanka and discussed the steps to enhance the cultural and bilateral relations between the two countries.

The new Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AU), Ambassador Kwesi Quartey, visited the Embassy of Cuba in Accra, where he was received by the Ambassador, Pedro Luis González Despaigne, who congratulated him on his election in office during the 28th AU Summit, held in January 2017 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Ambassadors from the Latin American and Caribbean countries represented in Bangkok had a farewell get together to say goodbye to the Director General of the Latin American and South Pacific Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Mr. Songsak Saichaue, who will soon assume his new responsibility as Ambassador of the Kingdom of Thailand in Austria.

At the cordial meeting, the good status of bilateral relations between Thailand and GRULAC was reaffirmed and the permanent support of Mr. Songsak to the countries of the region was appreciated.

Belize, March 21. 2017. Lissette Pérez, Cuba's Ambassador to Belize paid a courtesy call to the “The Reporter” newspapers main office located by the south off Belize City. Founded in 1967, “The Reporter” is considered the longest living in the written media of this sister nation that gained independence back in 1981.

THE BAHAMAS, March 20, 2017. – Last 18 March the celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the Antique Auto Club of The Bahamas took place in Nassau. Once again featured costumes designed by Cuban resident Silvia Irene Blanco Hidalgo were present at the event.

Havana.– Representatives of non-governmental organizations from Latin America and the Caribbean praised Cuba’s policies to promote the social wellbeing of disabled persons. Speaking exclusively with ACN, Sandra Darce Mendoza, a member of the Admissions Committee for the Latin American Network of Non-Governmental Organizations of Persons with Disabilities and their Families (Riadis), commented on the island’s inclusive programs and training centers for this section of the population.