Today we honour Ernesto Che Guevara, the indomitable revolutionary fighter and proletarian internationalist whose legacy inspires millions.

Hailing from Argentina, a doctor who wished more than anything to contribute to ending the suffering of the peoples of Latin America and the world, Che did not hesitate to join Comrade Fidel Castro and the Cuban revolutionaries in the Sierra Maestra to liberate Cuba. He earned the honour of Heroic Guerrilla for his feats in battle which contributed decisively to the defeat of the cruel Batista dictatorship in 1959 and the subsequent triumph of the Revolution. Che achieved this by devoting himself to the Cuban revolutionary project of making sure the economic base was established which would secure the well-being of the Cuban people, while also contributing to making sure everyone in Cuba was literate and that viable means of communication were established. He was known for promoting volunteer labour as a means of transforming the consciousness of human beings to ensure their society always fulfills its social responsibilities. He was the finest example of the modern human person, for whom principles guided his every action. His actions exuded social love and concern for his fellow human beings.

As a stellar leader, Che mobilized the people to carry out the necessary tasks. When the U.S. engaged in economic subversion and then launched terrorist attacks against the nascent revolution, Che did not flinch but joined the ranks of the revolutionary fighters to rally the Cuban people to fight back. His contribution to set Cuba on the socialist road and safeguard the Revolution left an indelible mark on what Cuba stands for today.

The internationalism of Che Guevara and Cuba’s internationalism are synonymous. They are self-sacrificing; devoid of arrogance or narrow sentiments which put self-interest first. Che Guevara was imbued to his very core with the desire to engage the peoples all over the world in the fight for their freedom, holding high the banner of anti-imperialist and anti-colonial struggle in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Ernesto Che Guevara died a heroic death on the battlefield of Bolivia 56 years ago. The people of Cuba and the world mourn his loss as if it were only yesterday that he joined the ranks of communist and revolutionary martyrs. Today, the people of Quebec and Canada, together with the heroic Cuban people and the revolutionary peoples throughout the world, commemorate the 56th anniversary of his assassination at the hands of the despised U.S. CIA by renewing their pledge to defend the Cuban Revolution of which Fidel, Che, Raúl, Camilo, Vilma, Heidi, Tania and their comrades were the architects, and all the revolutionary Cuban guerrilla fighters and people who are one with them.

On this occasion, CPC(M-L) renews its commitment to defend the right of all nations to self-determination which includes as its integral part, as Che taught us, the crucial right to self-defence.

Hasta la Victoria Siempre! Venceremos!

Cuban guerrillas in the Rebel Army’s 4th Column led by Che Guevara celebrate New Year’s 1958. Che’s autonomous column began operations in late July 1957 and was the first troop to emerge from the original guerrilla force.

Che addresses the residents of Fomento, Las Villas province, November 1958. This is the first city in the region liberated by the rebel forces led by Che before they ultimately win the entire region. From here they move to central Cuba and the decisive battle of Santa Clara.

Che addresses massive demonstration outside the former presidential palace in Havana, October 26, 1959 to reject counterrevolutionary provocations from the U.S.

Che, Raúl and Fidel, 1959.

Che leads by example, taking part in volunteer work after completing his duties at the Ministry of Industry or on weekends. Top: Che cuts sugar cane with his wife Aleida March and his old friend Alberto Granado. Bottom: at the Port of Havana in 1961, with economist Orlando Borrego, Che’s colleague at the Ministry of Industry.

Cuba’s historic literacy campaign is the initiative of Che and Fidel and raises the literacy rate to 96 per cent. On December 21, 1961, they join celebrations with Cuban literacy workers to mark the completion of the year-long campaign.

Che and the guerrillas of the Bolivian National Liberation Army share Christmas dinner, 1966.