CUBAN nationals residing in Guyana, along with allies in solidarity with Cuba, Guyanese individuals who pursued education in Cuba, and members of the Cuban Medical Brigade, came together to pay homage to José Julián Martí Pérez on the occasion of his 171st birth anniversary.

The commemoration took place on January 28, marking the enduring legacy of Martí’s contributions to Cuba’s fight for independence.

Over the weekend, at the Cuban Embassy on High Street in Kingston, Georgetown, a gathering was held that included the Cuban Ambassador to Guyana, Jorge Francisco Soberón Luis, and President of the Guyana Cuban Solidarity Movement (GCSM), Halim Khan, among others, paying tribute to José Martí, who was born on January 28, 1853, and martyred in combat for Cuba’s liberation on May 19, 1895.

Ambassador Soberón Luis explained that, at 42, José Martí left an indelible mark on the history of Cuba and Latin America. From his early years, Martí vehemently opposed the scourge of slavery in Cuba, then a Spanish colony.

He explained that his unwavering commitment to emancipation led to his imprisonment at the tender age of 17, enduring the weight of an iron shackle as a testament to his defiance against oppression.

Despite his exile from his homeland, the Cuban envoy said Martí tirelessly worked to unite fellow Cubans in their quest for independence, founding the Cuban Revolutionary Party and the newspaper Patria (Homeland) in 1892.

Ambassador Soberón Luis highlighted that at the heart of Martí’s ideology lay principles of unity, humanistic development, solidarity, internationalism, and anti-imperialism, which continue to resonate not only in Cuba but across the Latin American and Caribbean region.

His profound words, such as “trenches of ideas are worth more than trenches of stone” and “to do is the best way to say,” serve as guiding beacons for those advocating for justice and equality.
The Cuban Ambassador emphasised Martí’s role as the intellectual architect of the Cuban Revolution, underscoring his appointment as Major General of the Liberation Army.

Reflecting on Martí’s poignant words, “How sweet it is to die when you die bravely fighting to defend your homeland,” participants honoured his legacy with a deep sense of reverence and admiration. Martí’s unwavering commitment to the cause of freedom and his vision for a better world continue to inspire generations, transcending borders and ideologies.

In tribute to Martí’s enduring spirit, GCSM President, Halim Khan, who took part in the ceremony held at the Embassy where flowers were laid at his monument, said Martí’s legacy transcends the borders of Cuba. He championed Pan-Americanism, believing in the cultural and political solidarity of Latin American nations. His writings and activism inspired independence movements throughout the region, earning him admiration as a symbol of anti-colonial resistance.

“Today, we remember Martí not just as a historical figure but as a vibrant flame that continues to inspire. His unwavering dedication to freedom, his powerful words, and his commitment to education echo across generations. We celebrate his anniversary by upholding his ideals, cherishing his literary gems, and striving for a world where Martí’s vision of a just and independent Latin America comes to life,” Khan said.