CubaMinrex. Sitio del Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Cuba

Wayne Andy Louis’ Speech at Celebration to Commemorate 13 March Anniversary18 March 2011 - Residence of the Cuban Ambassador.

Her Excellency Lydia González Navarro, Cuban Ambassadress to St. Lucia, President of the (SLCHSA) St. Lucia – Cuba Humanistic Solidarity Association; Bro. Rawle Harvey, members of the Executive of the SLCHSA, Head of the Cuban Collaborators Dr. Barbarita, Head of the Miracle Eye Care Program, Collaborators, Graduates:

 

My fellow comrades, on July 26th, 1953 (M-26-7), a political statement was made when Fidel Castro led 119 men in an attack on the strategically important Moncada Barracks in Santiago de Cuba; after which, he made his bold defense in the, history will absolve me, comprehensive political manifestation.  While backing his legitimacy and the growing attitude of restlessness with the old regime in the country at large, he was sentenced to 15 years on the “Isla de Pinos” In February 1955; Batista attained the presidency amid fraudulent elections.  Upon giving amnesty for all political prisoners (including Castro) under the pretext of the real intention to assassinate Fidel, Fidel fled to Mexico.  While in Mexico, he made fresh plans, pulling in Camilo Cienfuegos, Ernesto “Ché” Guevara while Frank País planned an uprising for late November 1956 in Santiago de Cuba.  Upon setting sail to Cuba, they were shipwrecked; then, spotted and routed by Batista’s soldiers in a Sugar Cane Field at Alegría de Pio.

 

Among the other anti-Batista agitators was José Antonio Echeverría, who on March 13th, 1957; along with University students attacked the Presidential Palace in Havana in an unsuccessful attempt to assassinate Batista.  32 of the 35 were shot dead as they fled and reprisals were carried out in the streets of Havana with a new vengeance.  These and other actions taken led to the ever progressive Cuban Revolution, built on foundations of people-centered philosophy and ideology.  It was a struggle fought by the people and for the people.  In the St. Lucian context, we are yet to have a cadre of young people to come out of their comfort zone and create a paradigm shift from a globalized ideology to a socially based ideology that impacts the ostensible poor person.  We see today a society easily manipulated, a refusal to embrace the advantages democracy compounded by the fact that our graduates continue to feel comfortable.  A degree of comfort enjoyed to the detriment of a culture quickly becoming a wasteland if not an immaculate cesspool. 

 

Our relations with Cuba and Venezuela in assisting us in achieving the status of Republic Extraordinaire by incorporating the following; a 2020 plan envisages people centered philosophy and development:

1. The partnering of the management of our Health Sector with Cuba.

 

1. Fully embracing ALBA Initiative.

1. A proper air link between Cuba and St. Lucia.

 

1. Assistance in our post Secondary educational goals to disadvantaged youth by allowing St. Lucians to pursue studies up the Diploma Level at the Polytechnic Schools.

1. A true education revolution; leading every child to understand their identity (a calling to make an impact).

 

Graduates of Cuba, we are the Ambassadors of our Universities in St. Lucia and wherever duty takes us.  We play a critical role in ensuring that every St. Lucian and our globalized world  understand the reality of the Cuban life epitomized by the powerful and profound principles such as love, unity, justice and above all this love emanating ever so often by Cuba’s response to the crises around the world.  Cuba epitomizes today a love for the struggle of a better world. 

 

Un mundo mejor es posible. ¡Viva Cuba libre! ¡Viva la amistad entre Santa Lucía y Cuba!

 

 

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