Tributes to Fidel Castro
Living Legacy of Comrade Fidel Castro Commemorated by the Peoples of the World
November 25 marked the third anniversary of the
death of Comrade Fidel Castro, historic leader of
the Cuban Revolution and hero to the oppressed
peoples of the world for spearheading Cuba's
outstanding internationalism. His living legacy
was commemorated by the Cuban people, joined by
all the peace and justice-loving peoples of the
world, with whom Cuba shares weal and woe.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel remarked via
social media, "How does one remember Fidel? By
assuming his legacy as one's own, confronting
imperialism with courage and firmness, working and
thinking for the people, fighting because a better
world is possible."
Gerardo Hernández, Vice Rector at Cuba's Advanced
Institute of International Relations and Hero of
the Republic of Cuba, reiterated the call for
global action through social media as part of the
tributes to the revolutionary leader using the
hashtags #YoSoyFidel, #PorSiempreFidel,
#HastaSiempreComandante.
The Cuban Federation of University Students and
the Union of Young Communists (UJC) hosted a
political-cultural evening at the grand staircase
of the University of Havana to remember their
Commander-in-Chief, calling the event "Fidel
Antimperialista." Thousands were in attendance,
including President Díaz-Canel, Commander of the
Revolution Ramiro Valdés, Vice President of the
Council of Ministers Roberto Morales, President of
the Central Organization of Cuban Trade Unions
Ulises Guilarte, leaders of mass organizations and
students, as well as Brazilian intellectual Frei
Betto. The choice of venue was fitting, as the
university holds a prominent place in Fidel's
revolutionary life. These are also the steps where
in 2016, after Fidel's death was announced, the
youth maintained an honour guard until his burial
at Santa Ifigenia cemetery.
Susely Morfa, First Secretary of the UJC's
National Committee, addressed the gathering and
spoke to the important role Cuban youth are
playing as defenders of the nation-building
project led by Fidel. She remarked on Fidel's
influence on the current generations, his capacity
as a military strategist, his conception of
politics and the validity of his analysis of the
conditions of the contemporary world. She affirmed
that the younger generations are consciously
taking up their role to defend Cuba's sovereignty
under today's conditions.
Commemorations in Canada
In Canada, events to remember Fidel were held at
the Cuban Embassy in Ottawa and the Cuban
Consulate in Toronto. At both events, the
documentary Fidel in the Memory of the People
was screened, in which Cuban personalities recount
their experiences with the leader of the
Revolution.
The Ottawa event opened with remarks from
Ambassador Josefina Vidal. She recalled the legacy
of the Commander in Chief and spoke of his ties
with Canada. She noted how Fidel specifically
invited a CBC reporter to interview him while the
rebels fought in the Sierra Maestra, and how he
visited Canada the day after the victory of the
Revolution. She said that 2020 will mark the 75th
anniversary of diplomatic relations between Cuba
and Canada. This is an important relationship, and
despite whatever difficulties have arisen,
relations have never been broken, she said.
Educator Marcia Krawll spoke about how she, her
husband Rongo Wetere and a group of Cuban
pedagogues introduced the Cuban literacy method
"Yes I Can" to New Zealand. The event also
featured a photographic exhibit entitled
"Comandante" featuring the work of Roberto Chile.
Present at the event were ambassadors and
representatives from Vietnam, Russia, Nicaragua,
Venezuela and Canada, as well as friends from the
solidarity movement, Cuban residents and the
embassy staff.
At the event held at the Cuban
Consulate in Toronto, Consul General Tania López
Larroque welcomed everyone and thanked them for
joining "a modest tribute to the memory of a
great man, from Cuba and the world."
She noted: "It would be impossible to summarize
[Fidel's] life and legacy in a few words.
Instead, we can just mention that the Revolution
led by him fostered pride and dignity in the
Cuban people. At the same time, his leadership
grew beyond our island and became a beacon in
favour of independence and progressive ideas.
His anti-imperialist, anti-colonialist,
anti-racist and internationalist spirit were
standards in the movements and among progressive
forces all over the world. Faithful defender of
world solidarity, he dedicated important moments
to share and thank friends like you, who have
made the Cuban cause a battle of your own."
 The
Consul General added: "Three years ago, many
people wondered what Cuba would be like without
Fidel and we, the Cuban people have shown that
Cuba is Fidel. Time goes on and as a good
father, he left us everywhere signs of how to
move forward on that path we did not imagine
without him. We find at every step and before
every obstacle, his teachings -- the days of
more than 24 hours and his perennial
development. With the humility of the greatest
heroes, he told us that he did not want streets
or monuments named after him. Therefore, we have
to honour his life with our daily actions."
After her remarks, an excerpt was read
from the poem "Canto a Fidel," which was written
by Cuban poet Carilda Oliver in 1957. This was
followed with the showing of the documentary.
Following the video, the Consul General and her
staff invited those gathered to a reception where
people had a chance to express their thoughts
about the life and legacy of Fidel Castro.
This article was published in
Volume 49 Number 29 - November 30, 2019
Article Link:
Tributes to Fidel Castro: Living Legacy of Comrade Fidel Castro Commemorated by the Peoples of the World
Website: www.cpcml.ca
Email: editor@cpcml.ca
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