Cuban community remembers revolution |30 October 2010

An annual event, it drew Cubans living in Seychelles, members of the Cuban Brigade of Cooperation and of the Seychelles-Cuba Friendship Association (Secufa).

The gathering took place behind the Sainte Anne Resort office and jetty at Roche Caïman, where Che Guevara – who died on October 8, 1967 – was also honoured as one of the leaders of the Cuban revolution.

Present at the ceremony were the Cuban ambassador to Seychelles, Maria Aida Nogales Jimenes, National Assembly member Andre Pool and Secufa chairman Loveth Legaie.

This year marked the 51st anniversary of Camilo’s death on October 28, 1959, and as a tribute flowers were thrown into the sea, as is done every year.

Born in Havana on February 6, 1932, Camilo Cienfuegos was a leading figure of the Cuban revolution, along with Fidel Castro and Che Guevara.

He became one of the top leaders of the revolutionary force, being appointed to the rank of commandante in 1957.
 
He led a column that defeated Batista’s forces at the Battle of Yaguajay in December 1958, and after the triumph of the revolution in early 1959 he joined the high command of the Cuban army. He was presumed lost after his plane disappeared during a night flight from Camaguey to Havana later that year.
  
Ambassador Jimenes addressed those present, saying the whole month of October is dedicated to those heroes of the revolution.

“On October 28 a ceremony takes place, not only in Cuba but everywhere else in the world where there are Cuban residents and internationalist workers,” she said.

“We emulate the children of Cuba by throwing flowers into the sea, as it is believed this is where Camilo’s body may have come to rest.”

She added that Che has been declared one of the 100 most influential figures of the 20th century, and a photograph of him entitled The Heroic Rebel has been declared the most famous photo in the world.