Cubans, Gambians condemn jail of 5

The Cuban community in The Gambia, on Wednesday, converged at the lecture hall of the School of Medicine in Banjul, where they denounced the continuous imprisonment of Cuban citizens, by the United States.

The community, also remembered the assasination of Ernesto Che Guevare, one of Cuban revolutionary heros, who was killed 40 years ago; and the 1959 Independence, led by Fidel Castro.

Delivering a speech at the ceremony, Carlos Salsamendi, Cuban Ambassador to The Gambia, revealed that 26 solidarity meetings were held in seven major towns across The Gambia, with 300 Gambian friends in attendance.

The Cuban Ambassador, also informed the gathering that many men and women across the world have been inspired by Che’s example and ideas, noting that such is the case of the five Cuban heros, who struggled against terrorism in the USA.

He revealed that the UN General Assembly resolution that calls for an end to the blockade, imposed on Cuba by the United States for almost 50 years, will be voted  on October 30th. “This resolution has been approved unanimously during the last 16 years, but the United States has not abided by it, utterly disregarding the decision of the international community. In almost 50 years, US blocked has caused damage to our economy, amounting to US$89 billion, besides the hardship the Cuban population has been subjected to,” he stated.

Commending the Gambian people for their solidarity, the Cuban diplomat informed the gathering that they are proud to have Fidel Castro, Che, Antonio, Fermando, Gerardol, Ramon and Rene, whom they said were at the forefront of the Cuban revolution.

Speaking earlier, Conillius Gomez, Chairman of The Gambia - Cuba Friendship Association, said the day was also meant for the liberation of five cuban heros, who were unlawfully jailed in the United States.

He noted that in fulfilment  of their virtues, the great Cuban people have never left a stone unturned on their noble quest to consolidate the achievements of the revolution and their hard-won independence.

“As they stand defiant against perpetual aggression by the United States of America; and as they refuse to be suppressed and dominated by the so-called democratic values of their enemies, Cubans have today become a living example of courage, steadfastness, self-confidence and discipline, amongst others,“ he stated.

Mr Gomez finally assured Cuba of their unflinching support for the five henos.

The occasion was attended by Gambians, including medical students of the University of The Gambia.