Dear Editor
This week we joyously celebrate the centenary birth anniversary of an illustrious Caribbean son, Dr Fidel Castro Ruz, fondly referred to by millions around the globe simply as Fidel. To record the exploits, courage and vision of Fidel will consume volumes, however, I will be extremely brief. For now, particularly for our youth in the Caribbean, the Americas, and every corner of the globe, it is pertinent to note that the Cuban revolution began in 1956 and cumulated in January 1959, when supported by courageous men and women they drove the dictator Batista out of Cuba, ending a period of moral turpitude where Cuba was the play ground of the rich outside of Cuba and within Cuba. Immediately upon assuming leadership of Cuba, Dr Fidel Castro ensured that all Cubans had access to free education and good health care and more particularly released the potential of Cubans in the field of music and sport.
I have elsewhere recorded my personal experience at the 1991 Pan-American games when, in what we consider the challenge of the fastest men in the world. Fidel arrived at the stadium minutes before the start of 4×100 sprint relay, he saluted the four Cuban athletes, on paper the teams from North America and Jamaica were expected to prevail, however, running with great gusto the Cuban sprinters won the race, the athlete who anchored this Cuban team, baton in hand, ran straight to Fidel to the applause of the assembled spectators, who recognised it was Fidel Castro’s inspiration and charismatic leadership that allowed the Cuba athletes to go beyond the predictions.
Cuba under Fidel Castro provided over the years, training and other medical facilities to thousands around the globe, Guyana being one of the beneficiaries. I said this letter is brief, but not before I end on a light note, last evening my wife, a Cuban trained Gynaecologist Obstetrician, and I were having some ice-cream for dessert, it was delicious, but we could not help observing that Cuban ice-cream remains the very best, and likewise, a small cup of Cuban coffee and cappuccino is unrivalled in taste and aroma.
On this day, I extend best wishes to the Cuban people as they celebrate the centenary of the greatest son. May their courage overcome the many obstacles and adversities being placed in their way. I ask the Cuban ambassador, His Excellency Jorge Francisco Soberón Luis to convey, on behalf of my family, circle of friends and on my own behalf best wishes to the leader of the Cuban people, reminding them never to surrender.
Yours truly,
Elder Hamilton Green
